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As the responsible person you must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment of the premises. This will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe.

You must keep a written record of your fire risk assessment if your business has 5 or more people.

CARRYING OUT THE ASSESSMENT

Identify the fire hazards.
Identify people at risk.
Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks.
Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.

The fire safety risk assessment chart gives more detailed information about these steps.

You’ll need to consider:

emergency routes and exits
fire detection and warning systems
fire fighting equipment
the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances
an emergency fire evacuation plan
the needs of vulnerable people, eg the elderly, young children or those with disabilities
providing information to employees and other people on the premises
staff fire safety training

Read the government’s guidance on:

making your premises safe
having paying guests (eg bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation owners)
fire escape facilities for disabled people
how to make detailed risk assessment documents for different types of premises
fire safety in purpose-built flats and other types of housing

Download ‘Housing – fire safety’ (PDF, 1.5MB)

Download ‘Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats’ (PDF, 2.8MB)

FIRE SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDES

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have separate guidance about carrying out risk assessments if you work in construction.

You can download the following guides on fire safety risk assessments in:

FIRE SAFETY AND EVACUATION PLANS

Your plan must show how you have:

a clear passageway to all escape routes
clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible
enough exits and routes for all people to escape
emergency doors that open easily
emergency lighting where needed
training for all employees to know and use the escape routes
a safe meeting point for staff

PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY NEEDS

You should also make special arrangements for people with mobility needs, eg make sure there are people to help wheelchair users get downstairs if there’s a fire.

Fire safety equipment, drills and training

FIRE DETECTION AND WARNING SYSTEMS

You must have a fire detection and warning system. You may need different types of detectors, depending on the type of building and the work carried out in it.

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

The types of equipment you need depend on your business premises. You’ll need to have any equipment properly installed, tested and maintained and train your staff to use them if necessary.

Maintenance and testing

You must carry out regular checks to make sure that:

all fire alarm systems are working
the emergency lighting is working
you record any faults in systems and equipment
all escape routes are clear and the floor is in good condition
all fire escapes can be opened easily
automatic fire doors close correctly
fire exit signs are in the right place

FIRE DRILLS AND TRAINING

You need to train new staff when they start work and tell all employees about any new fire risks.

You should carry out at least one fire drill per year and record the results. You must keep the results as part of your fire safety and evacuation plan.