Workplace fire safety guides for UK small businesses

Free, plain-English answers to the questions small office and shop owners ask most. Each guide covers what to do, what to check and what to write down. Last reviewed 26 October 2026. For longer articles, see the blog. General information based on GOV.UK guidance, not legal advice or a fire risk assessment.

• Who is responsible for fire safety in a UK business?

  In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 puts the duty on the "responsible person": the employer, or the owner or person in control of the premises. Scotland has the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, and Northern Ireland has the Fire Safety Regulations (NI) 2010. The responsible person must assess fire risks, keep fire safety measures working, and make sure people can get out.

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• Do I need a fire risk assessment for my shop or office?

  Yes. If you are responsible for non-domestic premises you must carry out, and regularly review, a fire risk assessment. In England, GOV.UK says you must keep a written record of it. The older exemption for very small employers no longer applies in England after changes in 2023, and rules in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ, so check your local fire and rescue service guidance. Many small, low-risk premises can complete their own assessment, but complex or higher-risk buildings, or anyone unsure, should use a competent assessor.

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• How often should a workplace fire alarm be tested?

  A weekly test is the common routine: operate one manual call point, using a different one each week, check the alarm is audible in all areas, reset the panel and write down the result. Your fire risk assessment and alarm engineer set the schedule for your system, and the system still needs servicing by a competent person.

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• How do I check a fire door?

  Look for a label or plug showing the fire rating. Open the door halfway and let go: it should close fully and latch by itself. Check the gaps are small and even, the seals are present and not painted over, the hinges are tight, and nobody has wedged the door open. If a door fails, record it and have a competent person repair it.

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• Where should a fire blanket go, and when do I use one?

  Fire blankets suit small fires in pans and on people in kitchens and staff areas. Mount one near the cooking area, but not directly above the hob, with the tapes hanging free and nothing stored in front of it. Turn off the heat if it is safe, cover the pan and leave it. Never use water on a fat or oil fire. If a fire is spreading, get everyone out and call 999.

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• Which fire extinguisher is right for which fire?

  Water suits wood, paper and textiles. Foam suits those plus flammable liquids. CO2 suits electrical equipment and flammable liquids. Dry powder is used for liquids, gases and electrical fires but can reduce visibility. Wet chemical is made for cooking fat and oil. Never use water on electrical equipment or cooking fat. Only use an extinguisher if you are trained, the fire is small and you have a clear escape route.

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• How often should emergency lighting be tested?

  A quick weekly look at the green indicator lights is a sensible routine. Periodic flash tests (commonly monthly) and an annual full-duration test are normally carried out and recorded by a competent person, or as your risk assessment sets. Faulty lights should be recorded and repaired promptly.

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• How often do I need to run a fire drill?

  GOV.UK says you should carry out at least one fire drill a year and record the results. Higher-risk premises may need more. Good records show the date, the time taken to reach the assembly point, how many people left and how many were expected, any problems and what you changed afterwards.

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• Do I have to train staff in fire safety?

  Yes. GOV.UK says to train new staff when they start work and to tell all employees about any new fire risks. Staff should know what the alarm sounds like, where the exits and assembly point are, and what to do on discovering a fire. Keep a record of who was trained and when.

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• What fire safety records should a small business keep?

  Keep your fire risk assessment, notes of weekly checks and any faults found, records of when equipment was serviced, staff training and fire drill results, and details of who was responsible for fixing problems. GOV.UK says to record faults in systems and equipment. Good records help you show an inspector or insurer what you did and when.

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