Fire Safety in the Workplace FAQs
Fire safety responsibilities apply to most workplaces and other non-domestic premises. The person responsible for the premises must assess fire risks, put appropriate precautions in place and make sure people can evacuate safely.
Who is responsible for workplace fire safety?
You may be a responsible person for fire safety if you are:
- An employer
- The owner or landlord
- An occupier
- A facilities or building manager
- Another person with control of the premises.
Where several people share responsibility, they must co-operate and co-ordinate their fire safety arrangements.
Do businesses need a fire risk assessment?
Yes. The responsible person must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the premises.
A written record of the fire risk assessment must be kept.
The assessment should:
- Identify fire hazards
- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove or reduce risks
- Record findings and prepare an emergency plan
- Be reviewed and updated regularly
Can I complete a fire risk assessment myself?
Yes, provided you have sufficient knowledge and competence to complete it properly.
If you do not have the necessary expertise, you should appoint a competent person, such as a professional fire risk assessor.
Your local fire and rescue authority can provide guidance but does not carry out the risk assessment for you.
What should a workplace fire risk assessment consider?
The assessment should consider areas including:
- Fire hazards and ignition sources
- People who may be particularly at risk
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Emergency routes and exits
- Emergency lighting
- Fire doors
- Fire safety signs
- Dangerous or flammable substances
- Staff information and training
- Emergency evacuation arrangements
The precautions required will depend on the premises and the risks identified.
What should a fire evacuation plan include?
Your emergency plan should provide:
- Clear routes to fire exits
- Adequate exits for people using the premises
- Clearly marked escape routes
- Emergency doors that open easily
- Emergency lighting where required
- A safe assembly point
- Staff instructions and training.
Suitable arrangements should also be made for anyone who may need assistance to evacuate.
Does a workplace need fire alarms?
You must have an appropriate fire detection and warning system.
The type of system required will depend on the building, how it is used and the findings of the fire risk assessment.
What fire-fighting equipment does a workplace need?
The fire-fighting equipment required depends on the risks within the premises.
This may include products such as:
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire blankets
- Fire hose equipment
- Other appropriate fire-fighting equipment
Equipment must be correctly installed, maintained and tested.
Employees should receive appropriate information or training where they may be expected to use fire-fighting equipment.
How often should fire safety equipment be checked?
Fire safety arrangements require regular checks and maintenance.
These should include checking that:
- Fire alarm systems operate correctly
- Emergency lighting works
- Escape routes remain clear
- Fire exits open easily
- Automatic fire doors close correctly
- Fire exit signs remain correctly positioned
- Faults in fire safety equipment are recorded and corrected.
Specific inspection and servicing requirements depend on the equipment and applicable standards or manufacturer instructions.
How often should workplace fire drills take place?
Government guidance says workplaces should carry out at least one fire drill each year and record the results.
New employees should receive fire safety training when they start work, and employees should be informed when new fire risks are identified.
Who enforces workplace fire safety?
For most premises, the local fire and rescue authority is responsible for enforcing fire safety legislation.
Inspectors can visit premises and may issue formal notices where fire safety arrangements are inadequate.
These can include:
- Alterations notices
- Enforcement notices
- Prohibition notices.
Serious breaches can result in prosecution, unlimited fines and, in some cases, imprisonment.
What fire safety products might a workplace need?
Your fire risk assessment determines the equipment appropriate for your premises.
Risk Assessment Products supplies a range of fire safety equipment, including:
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Blankets
- Fire Alarm Systems & Equipment
- Fire Hoses & Standpipes
- Fire Door Furniture & Protection
- Fire Fighting Equipment
- Fire Storage & Protection
Always select fire safety equipment according to the risks identified within your premises and applicable professional guidance.
Important
This information provides general workplace fire safety guidance and does not replace a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment or professional advice where required.