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If you commission a Fire Risk Assessment in the UK, the quality and structure of the report depend heavily on the methodology the assessor follows. For years, the industry standard has been PAS 79.
In 2020, BSI split the original PAS 79 into two separate documents to better reflect the different risks in commercial and residential buildings. Understanding the difference is essential for landlords, managing agents, and business owners.
Here’s a clear, practical explanation of PAS 79-1, PAS 79-2, and the important update that has now replaced the housing part.
PAS 79 is a Publicly Available Specification published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). It provides a structured, recommended methodology for carrying out and recording fire risk assessments under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
It is not the law itself, but it is widely regarded as best practice. Fire and Rescue Services, insurers, and competent assessors use it as the benchmark for a “suitable and sufficient” assessment.
The original single PAS 79 document treated all buildings in a broadly similar way. Housing professionals argued that residential buildings (especially blocks of flats and HMOs) needed more specific guidance because of different occupancy patterns, sleeping risk, and management challenges.
In December 2020, BSI published two separate codes of practice:
PAS 79-1:2020 remains the current recommended methodology for all non-domestic premises.
It applies to:
Key focus areas in PAS 79-1:
PAS 79-2:2020 was written specifically for housing premises, including:
However, PAS 79-2:2020 has been withdrawn. In August 2025, BSI published its full British Standard replacement:
This is now the current recommended methodology for residential fire risk assessments.
BS 9792:2025 builds on PAS 79-2 but introduces:
| Aspect | PAS 79-1 (Commercial / Non-Housing) | BS 9792:2025 (Housing – replaces PAS 79-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Main risk focus | Staff, visitors, daytime occupancy | Residents who sleep on the premises |
| Means of escape | People usually awake and mobile | Higher emphasis on protected routes and compartmentation |
| Flat entrance doors | Less critical | Critical fire doors – must be assessed |
| External walls / cladding | Considered where relevant | Explicitly linked to PAS 9980 appraisals |
| Vulnerable persons | Generally lower priority | Stronger focus on Person-Centred approaches |
| Documentation | Standard PAS 79-style findings | Updated, clearer housing-specific pro forma |
| Review expectations | Regular review | Often more frequent in higher-risk residential buildings |
Using the wrong methodology can leave gaps in your Fire Risk Assessment. For example:
A competent assessor will select the correct standard (PAS 79-1 for commercial, BS 9792:2025 for housing) and apply it proportionately to your building.
You can learn more about the legal background in our guide: The Fire Safety Order 2005: What Every UK Business Must Know.
At Fire Safety Risk Assessment, our reports follow the correct current methodology:
We also take account of related standards such as PAS 9980 for external wall appraisals where required. Our assessments include clear prioritised action plans so you know exactly what needs to be done.
Related reading on our site:
Whether you manage an office, a warehouse, an HMO, or a block of flats, the methodology used in your Fire Risk Assessment directly affects its quality and legal defensibility.
Make sure your assessor is using the current standard that matches your premises type — PAS 79-1:2020 for commercial buildings and BS 9792:2025 for housing.
Need a fully compliant assessment? Contact Fire Safety Risk Assessment today. We provide clear, practical reports across Birmingham, Manchester, West Midlands, Warrington, and the wider UK.
Trusted Fire Risk Assessment specialists serving Birmingham, Manchester, West Midlands, Warrington, and across the UK. FSRA provides fully compliant Fire Risk Assessments, Asbestos Surveys, and Legionella Risk Assessments to help businesses and landlords protect people, property, and meet legal obligations.