Why identifying fire risks in my workplace matters

Fires cause injury, business interruption and large repair bills. For employers, landlords and managers, the law requires a proportionate response. The responsible person must carry out and keep a written fire risk assessment, and act on its findings. GOV.UK guidance on workplace fire safety responsibilities.

Early action saves lives and reduces insurance and enforcement risk. For high‑risk environments, specialist advice is essential. The Health and Safety Executive provides detailed technical guidance on workplace fire hazards and how to control them. HSE guidance on fire safety.

How to identify fire risks in my workplace: a step‑by‑step approach

Step 1 — gather basic information. Walk the premises and note activities, materials and plant. Also list who uses the building and when. Record opening hours and any areas used for storage, catering, hot works or vehicle maintenance.

Step 2 — identify ignition sources. Look for heaters, cooking appliances, faulty electrical equipment, welding or grinding, smoking areas and any naked flames. Check battery charging points and portable heaters. Electrical faults are a common cause of workplace fire, so note overloaded sockets and damaged cables.

Step 3 — identify fuel sources. These include paper, packaging, flammable liquids, pallets, waste and combustible furnishings. Don’t forget less obvious fuels such as dust build‑up, aerosols, and flammable stocks stored in small quantities.

Step 4 — identify people at risk. Consider staff, visitors, contractors and anyone with reduced mobility. Also think about night‑time cleaners and shift workers. Where sleeping accommodation or public assemblies exist, the risk profile changes and additional measures are needed.

Step 5 — evaluate existing controls. Check detectors, alarms, fire doors, extinguishers, emergency lighting and evacuation procedures. Verify inspection records. For example, BS 5839‑1 now includes updated guidance on detection and alarm systems for non‑domestic premises; this should inform design and maintenance decisions. BSI update on fire alarm standards.

Step 6 — record your findings and act. Note significant hazards and assign priority actions. Where you cannot remove a hazard, document the control measures that reduce the risk. The five‑step approach in GOV.UK’s fire risk assessment guides mirrors these steps and provides sector‑specific checklists. GOV.UK fire risk assessment guidance.

Common workplace fire hazards to look out for

Electrical hazards: Faulty wiring, temporary cables and consumer units in poor condition are typical risks. Test portable appliances and log results. Also consider battery storage and charging routines.

Combustible storage: Poorly managed stockrooms, stacked pallets and cardboard waste near ignition sources increase fire load. Good housekeeping reduces these risks quickly and cheaply.

Hot works: Welding, cutting and brazing create sparks. Apply hot works permits, fire watches and defined exclusion zones.

Cooking and catering: Commercial kitchens are a high‑risk area. Grease build‑up, unattended equipment and faulty extract systems all raise the chance of fire.

Hazardous substances: Flammable liquids and gases require safe storage and spill controls. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) set specific duties for such materials.

Fire doors and compartmentation: Missing or poorly maintained fire doors allow fire and smoke to spread. Check seals, closers and that doors are not propped open.

Emergency systems: Non‑functioning alarms, untested emergency lighting or missing signage makes evacuation harder. Ensure records show routine testing and maintenance.

Assessing and prioritising risks

Assess the likelihood and consequence of each hazard. Use a simple risk matrix if you prefer. However you do it, make sure the result gives clear priorities. High‑likelihood hazards that affect many people must be treated first.

For example, a kitchen with no automatic suppression and heavy footfall is a higher priority than a locked store with limited access. Meanwhile, combustible waste stored beside a heater is a quick win: remove or relocate the waste and reduce risk immediately.

Where process hazards exist, such as flammable vapours or dusts, consult HSE process fire safety guidance. In these cases, specialist control measures and competent input will be needed. HSE process fire precautions.

Practical preventative measures to implement

Remove hazards where practical. Fewer fuels and fewer ignition sources reduce the chance of a fire starting. For example, replace combustible shelving with metal racking in storage areas and enforce a no‑smoking policy.

Reduce risks by improving controls. Fit suitable detectors and alarms, service them regularly, and ensure fire doors are maintained. The recent BSI changes underline the importance of correct detection types and system design. Regular maintenance also protects your insurance position.

Apply engineering controls. Install extraction in cooking areas and spark‑proof systems where required. Use intrinsically safe equipment in hazardous zones and segregate high‑risk processes.

Improve housekeeping. Empty bins, clear escape routes and dispose of waste promptly. Train staff to store flammable goods safely and keep corridors free from obstructions.

Strengthen fire fighting capability. Provide suitable extinguishers and ensure designated staff receive training to use them. Routine maintenance and correct signage are essential.

Plan for emergencies. Create and practise evacuation procedures. Provide personal emergency evacuation plans for people with mobility needs. Also ensure staff know how to report a fire and where assembly points are located.

Use competent contractors. For complex systems such as alarms, suppression, and fire stopping, hire accredited installers and engineers. Where required, choose contractors registered with recognised schemes.

Record keeping, training and legal responsibilities

Keep clear records. Fire risk assessments, maintenance logs, test records and training evidence must all be available. A structured logbook makes compliance easier and demonstrates due diligence in the event of inspection. Total Safe offers a Fire Risk Assessment service and compliance support that can help maintain these records. Fire Risk Assessment service.

Train your staff. Everyone should know evacuation routes and how to raise the alarm. A small number of trained Fire Marshals make evacuations safer and speedier. Also provide task‑specific training for staff who handle hazardous substances or carry out hot works.

Understand your legal duties. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the responsible person. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action. Local fire and rescue services can advise, but they will not perform your assessment for you.

Make a review plan. Review the assessment after changes to layout, new processes, or when incidents occur. Regular checks keep control measures effective and relevant.

For broader support across systems and maintenance, Total Safe provides comprehensive fire safety services to help with installations, servicing and staff training. comprehensive fire safety services.

When to get a competent assessor involved

You may be able to carry out a basic assessment in small, simple premises. However, call a competent assessor when you face complexity, high occupancy, sleeping accommodation or hazardous processes. Competent assessors have technical knowledge and can offer defensible recommendations.

If you plan modifications to detection, alarm or suppression systems, consult a specialist. The updated BS 5839‑1:2025 highlights changes to design and installation practices. Use that guidance when upgrading or replacing fire detection and alarm systems. BSI: BS 5839‑1:2025 overview.

If in doubt, seek third‑party help. A formal assessment from a specialist demonstrates that you have taken reasonable steps to protect people and property.

Next steps and practical checklist

Walk the site and note ignition sources, fuels and people at risk.

Prioritise actions using a simple matrix. Deal with high‑risk items first.

Fix quick wins such as clearing escape routes and removing waste.

Book maintenance for alarms, emergency lighting and fire doors.

Update your fire risk assessment and keep records.

Train staff and run evacuation drills at least annually.

Arrange professional help if needed: book a professional fire risk assessment and system survey.

If you want a professional review, Total Safe can provide a full fire risk assessment, practical remedial work and training tailored to your premises. Our assessors work across London and the South East and provide clear, prioritised action plans that help you comply and stay safe. Talk to Total Safe about site surveys and compliance.

Conclusion

To identify fire risks in my workplace you should follow a simple, repeatable process: walk the premises, list ignition and fuel sources, evaluate people at risk, test existing controls and act on findings. Good housekeeping, appropriate detection, reliable maintenance and staff training reduce the chance of a fire starting and limit harm if one occurs. Use UK guidance from GOV.UK and HSE to align your approach with legal duties, and follow current British Standards when upgrading systems. Where complexity exists, call a competent assessor or a trusted fire safety provider for expert help.