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Fire Safety

Posted on October 30, 2025

As the colder months approach and workplaces begin switching on heating, the risk of fire naturally increases.  Portable heaters, electrical equipment, overloaded sockets, and even festive decorations can all contribute to incidents if not properly managed.

Fire remains one of the most serious hazards a business can face.  It threatens lives, disrupts operations, and causes costly damage, fines, and lasting reputational harm.

The good news is that effective fire safety comes down to 3 key things: preparation, vigilance, and consistent good habits throughout the year.

Common Workplace Fire Risks

  • Electrical faults: Damaged cables, overloaded sockets, and faulty equipment are among the leading causes of workplace fires.
  • Heating equipment: Portable heaters, boilers, and radiators must be safely positioned and regularly serviced.
  • Combustible materials: From paper waste to cleaning products, poor storage can quickly fuel a fire.
  • Human behaviour: Propped-open fire doors, blocked exits, or ignored alarms can all turn a small incident into a serious emergency.

Practical Steps to Stay Safe

  1. Review your fire risk assessment: Make sure it’s current, reflects your operations, and is reviewed regularly.
  2. Test and maintain fire equipment: Alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, and emergency lighting should be routinely inspected.
  3. Keep exits clear: Escape routes must always remain free from obstruction.
  4. Train staff: Everyone should know how to raise the alarm, evacuate safely, and use equipment appropriately.  Fire wardens must be trained and clearly designated.
  5. Practice evacuation drills: Regular drills ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency and help identify any issues, such as slow evacuation times or blocked routes.
  6. Maintain good housekeeping: Dispose of waste promptly, store chemicals safely, and never wedge open fire doors.

What Evidence Should You Have for Serviced Fire Extinguishers?

If, during a health and safety inspection, Fire and Rescue Service visit, or fire risk assessment, you need to prove your extinguishers have been maintained in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, ensure the following evidence is available:

  1. Anti-tamper tag or pin: Confirms the extinguisher hasn’t been used or interfered with. Plastic pins must be replaced annually.
  2. O-Ring replacement: The O-Ring must be renewed during servicing to maintain an airtight seal.
  3. Certificate or digital record: A current certificate from a BAFE-registered technician or organisation confirming the inspection and number of units serviced.
  4. Service label: Each extinguisher must display a label showing the last service date (within 12 months), the next service due date, and the name of the servicing person or company.
  5. Service record: The record will note the outcome of the last service as one of the following:
    • Basic service
    • Refilled
    • Needs replacing / replaced (in which case a new extinguisher should have been purchased)

Legal Responsibilities

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers and those in control of premises in England and Wales are legally required to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement suitable fire safety measures.  Non-compliance can lead to substantial fines—or even imprisonment in serious cases.

Key updates to note:

  • Since the 1st of October 2023, all fire risk assessments must be recorded in writing, regardless of business size.
  • The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced further requirements, particularly for multi-occupancy and high-rise residential buildings (equivalent legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland).

Seasonal Reminder

As we move into colder weather, now is the perfect time to:

  • Check heating systems and portable heaters.
  • Inspect decorations and lighting before use.
  • Remind staff about the safe use of electrical equipment.

What You Can Do Now

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