Essex small business owners will learn practical, legal and technical steps to reduce fire risks from renewable energy installations and battery systems, including solar PV, battery storage and electric vehicle charging. This guide explains what to check, who is responsible, and which mitigations matter most for 2025 compliance and safety.

Many small businesses in Essex adopt solar panels, battery storage and workplace EV charging to cut costs and carbon. These systems bring clear benefits. However, they also introduce new fire hazards that must be managed. For example, lithium-ion batteries can enter thermal runaway and produce high temperatures, toxic gases and reignition long after a fire appears to be out.

Similarly, poor electrical installation or overloaded circuits around charging points can cause overheating and ignition.

Understanding these risks helps you take proportionate steps and improves outcomes for staff, customers and emergency responders.

Local fire services and insurers are increasingly aware of fires linked to batteries and charging devices. The National Fire Chiefs Council has highlighted a growing number of battery-related fires in the UK; see nfcc.org.uk for detailed commentary and advice.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the responsible person must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and take appropriate precautions. This duty applies to virtually all non-domestic premises and can include storage or charging of batteries, or rooftop PV and inverter installations. The law expects you to identify hazards, evaluate risks and record significant findings where required. See the statutory text at legislation.gov.uk.

Additionally, installations must comply with electrical and building regulations. For example, EV chargepoint installations must meet the technical and safety requirements published on gov.uk, and car park guidance for EV fires has been issued for covered parking areas. These documents provide practical mitigations and interim guidance that remain relevant as evidence evolves.

First, update your fire risk assessment to include renewable-energy elements and battery risks. Where you lack the expertise, commission a competent assessor. Total Safe fire risk assessment provides tailored assessments and remedial work.

Second, create clear charging and storage policies. Designate a single, well-ventilated area for charging batteries and keep it away from escape routes. For larger installed batteries and shared storage, consider containment and segregation measures that reduce the chance of thermal runaway spreading.

Third, ensure electrical installations are correct and maintained. Only use qualified installers for solar inverters, battery storage systems and EV chargepoints. Provide regular maintenance and periodic inspection of wiring, isolation switches and distribution boards. If you have public or covered car parking with chargers, consult the gov.uk covered car parks guidance for EV fire safety.

Fourth, limit stored quantities and impose handling rules. Keep spare batteries to a minimum. Use manufacturer-approved chargers. Label storage and charging areas and ensure staff do not charge personal e-bikes, scooters or power tools in unauthorised places.

Good site design makes escapes possible and limits fire spread. Where renewable systems or batteries are installed, review compartmentation and routes of escape. Small alterations such as fire-resisting partitions, fire doors and protected corridors can make a big difference. In addition, adapt detection and alarm strategies to new risks. For instance, installing heat detectors in battery rooms may be more effective than smoke detectors in certain scenarios.

Total Safe fire safety services provide fire-stopping, fire door and alarm services if remedial work is needed. They can advise which products meet current best practice and carry out installations that align with your fire risk assessment findings.

Batteries require focused controls. Always follow manufacturer guidance for State of Charge (SOC) management and storage temperature. Store batteries in approved metal cabinets or safety bags where possible. Inspect batteries frequently for swelling, corrosion or damage and withdraw suspect units from service immediately.

Train staff to recognise the signs of battery failure. They should know how to isolate power sources, use the correct type of extinguisher and call the fire service. Remember, lithium battery fires can reignite; ensure the fire and rescue service and your insurer are aware of installed battery systems so they can plan appropriate response measures. Further guidance is available from nfcc.org.uk.

If you offer staff or customer charging, hire accredited installers and choose chargepoints that meet commercial technical specifications. Check that circuits are correctly sized and that residual current devices and overcurrent protection are fitted. Avoid using domestic extension leads or multi-box power strips for charging.

Implement operational rules: require users to park correctly, avoid leaving vehicles charging unattended for prolonged periods, and prohibit charging near combustible storage. For covered car parks, follow the interim guidance on gov.uk, which includes recommendations on spacing, ventilation and charger selection.

Training is essential. Provide fire safety and battery-specific briefings to staff. Include evacuation procedures that reflect the layout of charging or storage zones. Run evacuation drills at least annually and after any significant change to your premises or equipment.

Regular testing of alarms, emergency lighting and suppression systems reduces the risk of failures during an incident. Where suppression systems are needed, choose designs tested for use with battery or electrical fires. If you rely on portable extinguishers, ensure staff are trained on the limitations of each type; for example, using water on an electrical source can be dangerous unless the power is isolated.

Talk to your insurer before installing battery systems or adding significant charging infrastructure. Insurers may require risk assessments, installation certificates and maintenance plans. Keep records of installations, maintenance visits and staff training. These documents demonstrate due diligence and can be crucial following an incident.

Communicate risks clearly to everyone who uses your premises. Post signs at charging points and in battery stores. Inform contractors and the fire service about the presence and location of battery systems. This transparency helps responders and reduces risk during an emergency.

If you are unsure where to start, engage competent specialists. A qualified assessor can update your fire risk assessment to include renewable-energy hazards and recommend bespoke measures. Book a fire risk assessment with Total Safe. Total Safe carries out comprehensive assessments, installations and remedial work across the South East and provides tailored training.

For policy-level guidance, consult the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and current GOV.UK publications on EV charging and covered car parks. These sources outline statutory duties and technical guidance that form the baseline for compliance; see legislation.gov.uk and gov.uk.

Update your fire risk assessment to cover PV, batteries and charging.

Designate and signpost charging and storage areas away from escape routes.

Inspect batteries and chargers weekly for physical damage.

Ensure all electrical work is completed by a qualified installer.

Train staff on emergency isolation and the hazards of lithium-ion fires.

Inform your insurer and record all installations and maintenance.

Limit quantities of spare batteries on site and use approved storage cabinets.

These are pragmatic measures that most Essex small business operators can start today. They reduce risk and improve the chances of an effective response if an incident occurs.

Adopting renewable energy is positive for costs and sustainability, but it brings new fire safety responsibilities. As an Essex small business owner you must identify hazards, update your fire risk assessment, and put in place controls for storage, charging and electrical safety. Engage competent installers, train staff and keep clear records.

Start by reviewing your current fire risk assessment and marking any renewable systems or battery areas as priority actions. Then arrange professional inspections and training where needed. Finally, maintain an ongoing review cycle so your measures remain effective as technology and guidance evolve.

For further assistance, consider reading the NFCC guidance on battery fires and GOV.UK advice for covered car parks and EV charging infrastructure; see nfcc.org.uk and gov.uk.

Q: Who is the responsible person for fire safety when I install a battery system?

A: The responsible person is usually the employer, owner or anyone with control of the premises. They must ensure a suitable fire risk assessment is carried out and that measures to reduce risk are implemented. See the legislation at legislation.gov.uk.

Q: Do EV chargepoints or batteries mean I must upgrade my insurance?

A: Possibly. Inform your insurer before installation. Some insurers require evidence of competent installation, risk assessments and ongoing maintenance to continue cover or to offer terms. Keep records to demonstrate due diligence.

Q: Can I store e-bikes and chargers in a communal corridor or bike store?

A: Avoid charging or storing batteries in escape routes or communal corridors. Designate a ventilated, segregated space for charging and update your fire plan accordingly. Local guidance for responsible persons is available from fire brigades; see london-fire.gov.uk.

Q: How often should I test systems and train staff?

A: Test alarms and emergency lighting regularly as specified in your risk assessment; many businesses test monthly or quarterly. Provide fire safety and battery-handling training at induction and refresh it annually or after any change.

Q: Where can I get help with a fire risk assessment that includes renewable-energy risks?

A: You can commission a competent provider to assess rooftop PV, battery rooms and charging infrastructure. For example, Total Safe fire safety services offer tailored fire risk assessments and remedial services across the South East.