Protect your home from fires resources

Taking simple precautions can make the difference between a safe workplace and a serious incident. By focusing on prevention, you lower the risk to lives, property, staff and your organisation’s reputation.

Meeting your legal duties is equally important - failure to comply with fire safety law can lead to penalties and, more importantly, put people at risk.

Good fire safety also supports business continuity. A fire can stop trading overnight, destroy stock and damage buildings, but preparation helps reduce disruption.

Finally, insurers look favourably on proactive measures. Sound fire safety practices can help control costs and make it easier to recover after an incident.

Fire safety leadership and planning

• Assign a responsible person or team to oversee fire safety: doing risk assessments, ensuring compliance, updating plans.
• Create / maintain a written fire safety plan: escape routes, assembly points, roles and responsibilities.
• Know your legal obligations - useful links:
  • Government guidance on fire safety
  • General fire safety guidance from the HSE

Fire detection and alarm systems

• Install suitable fire detection systems - smoke, heat detectors, especially in high-risk areas (e.g. kitchens, boiler rooms).
• Ensure alarms are loud enough, with visual alerts in noisy / public areas.
• Test alarm systems regularly, including backup power supplies.

Safe storage and handling of flammables

• Store flammable liquids and gases in proper containers and in ventilated, dedicated stores, away from ignition sources.
• Use safety signage.
• Limit quantities to what’s strictly needed.
• Ensure proper training and PPE when handling flammables.

Electrical safety and maintenance

• Regular inspection of electrical wiring, sockets, plugs, and extension leads.
• Avoid overloading circuits - don’t 'daisy-chain' extension leads.
• Use qualified electricians for installations and repairs.
• Switch-off unused equipment - unplug chargers and appliances not in use.
• Carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) on electrical items such as kettles, computers, and extension leads to ensure they are safe to use. Keep records of testing and remove or repair any faulty equipment immediately.

Staff training and emergency procedures

• Train all staff in fire safety, recognising fire risks, correct use of fire extinguishers, evacuation routes.
• Practice fire drills regularly, under realistic conditions.
• Ensure staff know what to do on discovering a fire - raising alarm, evacuation, calling emergency services.

Maintenance of heating, cooking and other equipment

• Service heating systems, boilers, air-conditioning units regularly and clean them to reduce dust build-up.
• Clean grease traps, hoods, ducting in kitchens.
• Ensure cooking appliances are used appropriately and not left unattended.
• For businesses using log burners, open fires etc, use well-maintained chimney / flue cleaning, use only dry, seasoned fuel.

Housekeeping, waste and cleansing

• Keep escape routes, stairways, exits clear of obstruction at all times.
• Remove combustible waste (e.g. packaging, paper, pallets) regularly, store it safely away from buildings.
• Keep equipment clean, especially accumulation of dust or lint (e.g. around machinery, vents).
• Store waste in metal bins with lids; place external bins away from buildings.

Inspection, testing and audit

• Carry out periodic fire risk assessments (at least annually, or whenever something changes such as layout, usage, refurbishment).
• Test fire doors, emergency lighting, exit signage, and escape routes.
• Maintain logs - inspections, tests, maintenance, incidents.
• Use internal audits or external consultants to ensure standards are met.

Working with fire and rescue services

• Ensure easy access for fire engines and equipment - clear driveways, marked fire hydrants etc.

Insurance and documentation

• Ensure your business has suitable fire insurance coverage and understand what is and isn’t covered.
• Keep copies of all fire safety documents, risk assessments, maintenance records.
• Update insurance providers when major changes are made (layout changes, new equipment, change of use).