A fire can devastate a business in minutes, putting lives at risk and causing significant financial loss.
Despite this scary fact, many office fires start from simple, everyday oversights – an overloaded socket, a cluttered fire exit, or even a microwave left unattended. But don’t worry! The good news is that most workplace fires can be prevented with clear, practical fire safety rules that everyone follows.
One of the most effective ways to minimise fire risks is by having regular fire risk assessments. These assessments can identify potential hazards, help your office stay in line with safety regulations, and support you in creating a safer working environment for everyone.
If you’re a business owner, office manager, or part of a workplace safety team, setting out clear fire prevention rules is crucial.
Here, we’ll discuss our ten essential guidelines to help keep your office safe and reduce fire risks.
1. Use smoking areas safely
Ensure all staff fully extinguish their cigarette butts and get rid of them in the correct place. Make sure cigarette bins don’t overflow and assign a nominated person or set-up a rota for emptying them.
2. Keep fire exits clear
Keep fire exits clear of all rubbish or flammable materials like packaging. Don’t let emergency routes be used for storage purposes.
3. Keep the kitchen clean
Make sure that your kitchen equipment is kept clean and in order. Shared kitchen spaces in offices can often form a fire risk, as there is not set person in charge of tidying them. Fat can build up, and food remains, which can cause a fire. Equipment may be left switched on, as staff are unsure of who will be the last to use it each day.
Many companies employ cleaners, but if not then make sure that the office adheres to a cleaning rota and everyone is clear on who is responsible for checking kitchen equipment is switched off each day.
4. Report and remove faulty equipment
Report faulty equipment. Any malfunctions appliances should be turned off, reported and taken out of circulation immediately, without waiting to hear for a response.
5. Don’t overload electrical sockets
Ensure that electrical sockets are not overloaded. Extensions should not be plugged into additional extensions, and staff should be clear on the limit of amps each outlet can handle.
6. Use electrical heaters responsibly
Heaters should be operated in a safe space, with nothing around them. Make sure the vents aren’t blocked, and all materials are kept away from them (including staff clothes – make sure staff are vigilant and don’t sit too close to the heaters!)
7. Appoint and train Fire Marshalls
Make sure staff are clear on who the designated Fire Warden or Marshall in your office is and be informed of the emergency exits.
All staff members should sign to say they understand fire prevention measures and evacuation policies of the business or should be able to access this information easily If not.
Every fire risk assessment from FireRiskAssessments.com includes free basic fire safety training, and we also offer expert fire warden training as an additional service!
8. Follow appliance policies
Have a policy for appliance usage at work. Staff should be aware that only approved items can be used in sockets – and not to bring in their electrical equipment from home. All equipment on the approved list should be PAT (portable appliance testing) tested routinely to check their safety.
9. Label and use microwaves properly
Microwaves should be labelled with a reminder not to place metal objects inside. Vents should also be kept clear, and the microwave positioned in a place where it won’t have objects placed on top of it.
10. Report faulty lighting quickly
Be aware of flickering or faulty lights, blown fuses or any circuits tripping. These should be reported immediately.
Why offices need fire prevention
Workplace fires don’t just put irreplaceable lives at risk; they can bring a business to a total standstill with damage and disruption.
There are around 22,000 workplace fires in the UK every year, commonly caused by avoidable hazards like faulty electrics or poor storage and waste management. Beyond the risk to people and property, businesses have a legal duty to maintain fire safety.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers need to take proactive steps to prevent fires – and this starts with fire risk assessments for offices.
These assessments spot potential dangers, keep you in line with legal requirements, and can help put effective safety measures in place. A strong fire prevention strategy isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about protecting your people, your premises, and your bottom line.
Don’t wait for a fire to start in your office! Get in touch with FireRiskAssessments.com today. We’ll give you a free quote for your premises, advise you on the process from start to finish, and help you to keep your office occupants safe from fire.