Fire safety compliance is a legal requirement for every business and organisation in the UK. Beyond meeting legal obligations, having good fire safety measures in place is crucial for protecting lives and preventing fire-related tragedies.
Routine inspections and maintenance play a critical role in finding potential fire hazards before they become serious threats, keeping emergency systems functioning correctly, and giving peace of mind to occupants, employees, and customers alike.
At FireRiskAssessments.com, we’re experts in comprehensive fire risk assessments, guidance, and compliance solutions designed to help businesses create a safe and secure environment.
Our team works with organisations of all sizes to make sure legal fire safety requirements are met, risks are minimised, and lives are protected.
With our professional fire risk assessment process, you can be confident that your premises follows safety standards, giving you the peace of mind that if there’s a fire, people have the best chance of safely evacuating.
Fire safety checklist guide
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers should be checked regularly to make sure they’re always in good working order. This includes monthly visual inspections to confirm that extinguishers are easily accessible, stored away from any obstructions, and undamaged.
Pressure gauges should always show the correct pressure levels, and any damage or tampering should be identified as soon as possible. They’ll need annual servicing to make sure they stay functional, safe, and ready to protect lives in case of an emergency.
Fire doors
Fire door inspections should be done every six months to confirm that fire doors function properly on escape routes. Doors need to close fully into the rebate with gaps of less than 4mm and latch securely to prevent smoke and flames from spreading – giving people the best chance of escape in a fire emergency.
Smoke seals and intumescent strips should be checked for damage, and hinges, handles, and self-closing mechanisms need to be tested to make sure they work properly.
There must be no obstructions which could prevent a fire door from closing completely, as they play a crucial role in protecting lives during a fire.
Fire alarms
Fire alarm systems need to be tested weekly by activating a manual call point and making sure that alarm sounders are audible throughout the premises. Battery backups should be checked and replaced if necessary to make sure everyone in the building is alerted quickly in case of a fire emergency.
If your premises has an automatic fire detection system in place, it needs to align with your evacuation plan, provide clear fire warnings, be regularly tested by a qualified professional, and connect to a central control room if applicable.
New systems must be designed and installed by a competent person, following BS 5839-1 or the latest relevant standard.
Emergency lighting
To make sure occupants have visibility during power failures, emergency lighting needs to undergo monthly functional tests, and any flickering or faulty lights should be replaced immediately.
A full-duration test needs to be conducted annually to verify the system’s effectiveness, because reliable emergency lighting is vital for guiding occupants safely out of a building if there’s fire and smoke present.
Escape routes and signage
Emergency exits must always remain clear of obstructions and exit routes should be clearly marked with visible fire safety signage to help people evacuate safely.
Emergency lighting must be available if there is a power outage to light up pathways, changes of direction or levels/stairs and any firefighting equipment, so that everyone can find their way to safety quickly, even if the main lights go out.
Sprinkler and suppression systems
Sprinkler systems need to undergo quarterly testing to confirm they function correctly, which includes checking pipes and nozzles for leaks or blockages.
Regular professional maintenance (following manufacturer guidelines) is necessary to make sure they operate effectively in an emergency, helping to control fires and protect lives.
It’s also important that you have a plan in place in case the systems don’t work as expected.
Fire risk assessments
A fire risk assessment is a crucial step in safeguarding lives – it should be reviewed at least annually to ensure it is kept up to date, or whenever significant changes happen to or in your premises.
Fire safety assessments identify potential fire risks, help put proper safety measures in place and confirm that evacuation plans are up to date and effective.
At FireRiskAssessments.com, we simplify the process with expert fire risk assessments that not only keep your business compliant but also enhance fire safety. Our assessors conduct in-depth evaluations, providing actionable recommendations to improve safety and maintain full compliance.
If you want to learn more about routine fire safety, we’ve created a comprehensive fire risk assessment checklist that’ll guide you through the crucial steps for ensuring your premises remain safe.
Stay compliant with FireRiskAssessments.com
Fire safety is more than just ticking off legal boxes – it’s about protecting the occupants who depend on you. Regular fire risk assessments and proactive measures are key for managing risks, staying compliant, and, above all, keeping people safe.
At FireRiskAssessments.com, we provide expert assessments and tailored advice to help businesses create a secure environment for everyone on site.
Get in touch today for a free fire risk assessment quote to make sure your workplace is fully protected with expert safety measures.