The hidden fire risks of smart technology are rising as more devices and batteries enter workplaces, and in this guide you will learn what those risks are, why they matter for legal compliance, and practical steps to protect your business. I explain how to spot electrical and battery hazards, manage product and cyber security issues, and update your fire risk assessment and systems so you meet your responsibilities.

Smart devices can improve efficiency, but they also introduce new ignition sources and fuel. Many small products contain lithium-ion batteries, power supplies and chargers. These items may overheat, be poorly manufactured or be used incorrectly. For businesses this creates risk to people, the building and your reputation.

You must treat these risks as part of your legal duty to manage fire safety. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires the responsible person to identify and control fire risks and to keep records where required. Make sure your risk assessment specifically considers chargers, batteries, sockets and shared charging points. gov.uk

Many fires start because of electrical faults. Smart gadgets draw power continuously and may be left charging for long periods. Overloaded sockets, inadequate wiring or damaged cables can cause heating and ignition. Good electrical management reduces this risk. The HSE recommends assessing electrical equipment suitability and maintaining installations to prevent fires. hse.gov.uk

Lithium-ion batteries are a particular concern. They can fail from manufacturing defects, impact damage, poor charging management or heat. When they fail they can experience thermal runaway and produce intense heat and toxic smoke. For this reason, businesses should treat battery charging locations and storage as potential places of special fire hazard. Recent industry guidance highlights the need for segregation, ventilation and dedicated charging arrangements. sweco.co.uk

Smart devices can be vulnerable to cyber attack or poor product security. When a device receives unauthorised commands it may overwork, fail to enter safe modes or continue charging unchecked. The UK has introduced regulatory requirements and guidance for consumer connectable products to raise baseline security and transparency about updates and reporting. That regime helps reduce the chance that insecure devices cause physical harm through misuse or malfunction. Review product security statements and firmware update policies for any device you put on your network. gov.uk

First, treat smart technology as a specific hazard in your fire risk assessment. Identify where devices are used, who charges them, and what batteries they contain. Note communal charging points, staff lockers, mobility scooter storage and plant rooms. Where you find charging of e-bikes, e-scooters or mobility aids, record the controls you will apply. The NFCC recommends not charging such devices in escape routes and provides sensible checks for businesses and landlords. nfcc.org.uk

Next, review your electrical capacity and socket provision. Avoid multi-way adapters and unfused adaptors that overload circuits. If employees bring their own equipment for work, ensure it is inspected or PAT tested and is suitable for the workplace. Total Safe can support you with a thorough Fire Risk Assessment services. totalsafeuk.com

Design measures reduce the chance a device failure leads to a damaging fire. Separate battery charging into dedicated, well-ventilated areas where possible. For multi-occupancy buildings consider specialist charging rooms or lockers with appropriate fire resistance and detection. Guidance on battery charging and compartmentation is becoming more detailed as regulators and designers respond to incidents. sweco.co.uk

Fire detection systems should be reviewed where smart technology is installed. Modern standards for alarm design emphasise system categorisation, detector placement and the need to consider remote access and cyber security of alarm components. Upgrading or maintaining your alarm system to current best practice will give faster warning and reduce harm. For installation and maintenance, work with a competent supplier and follow standards such as the BS 5839 series for fire detection and alarm systems. Total Safe fire alarm services. bsigroup.com

Put clear rules in place for which smart devices are permitted on site and how they are used. A written policy should cover:

Approved equipment lists and authorised chargers.

Rules for charging (times, locations and supervision).

Restrictions on storing or charging high-capacity batteries in communal routes.

Reporting procedures for damaged or overheating devices.

Train staff to spot warning signs such as swelling, unusual heat, cracking noises or strange smells. If you suspect a failing battery, isolate it, do not attempt repairs, and arrange professional disposal. The NFCC and local fire services advise against charging mobility scooters in corridors for safety reasons. nfcc.org.uk

Your IT and facilities teams need to coordinate. Ensure device network access is separated from business-critical systems. Use segmented Wi-Fi and strong access controls. Require that connected devices are supplied with a clear update and security support policy. The UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure regulatory framework and government Code of Practice for consumer IoT make manufacturers responsible for baseline security measures and update commitments. Ask suppliers for evidence of compliance and plan for end-of-life replacement where support stops. gov.uk

Regular checks prevent avoidable fires. Schedule PAT testing for portable equipment and routine inspections of charging infrastructure and sockets. Maintain records of repairs and replacements. If your premises rely on charging infrastructure for staff or visitors, apply a schedule of inspection and ensure any faults are fixed promptly. The HSE stresses the importance of maintenance and ensuring electrical installations are suitable for their environment. hse.gov.uk

Where fire detection and alarm systems are present, keep servicing up to date and ensure any networked access points on the systems are secured. New guidance in fire alarm standards also addresses cyber security for alarm systems, so factor that into tender and procurement documents. bsigroup.com

Prepare for the possibility of a battery or device fire. Your emergency plan should specify actions if an e-bike, scooter or other battery-powered device overheats or ignites. Include evacuation routes that avoid charging locations and give clear instruction to staff and contractors. Test the plan in drills and review outcomes to make improvements.

Also coordinate with insurers and the fire service. Where high-risk charging provision is unavoidable, consider additional mitigations such as suppression, remote cut-off systems or specialist battery management technology.

If you operate high-density charging, provide storage for mobility devices, or have had incidents, bring in specialist advice. A competent fire safety consultant can update your fire risk assessment, advise on compartmentation and detection, and specify the right mitigation measures. Total Safe provides combined services that cover risk assessment, alarm systems and maintenance to ensure you are compliant and safe. Fire safety services from Total Safe. totalsafeuk.com

The hidden fire risks of smart technology are real but manageable. Start by updating your fire risk assessment to identify devices, batteries and charging locations. Next, apply sensible controls: designate charging areas, avoid overloaded sockets and implement device policies. Secure connected devices on your network and demand clear support and update policies from manufacturers. Keep fire detection and alarm systems maintained and ensure your emergency plan covers device-related fires.

If you need help, commission a specialist assessment of your premises and systems. A professional is the fastest route to confident compliance and reduced risk.

For legal guidance on fire safety duties see the official government guidance. For practical electrical safety steps see HSE advice on electrical equipment. gov.uk hse.gov.uk

A: Faulty chargers, damaged cables, overloaded sockets and failing lithium-ion batteries are the most common hazards. Devices left charging unattended in escape routes increase the severity of an incident. hse.gov.uk

A: Yes. If your premises require a written record under fire safety law, the assessment must reflect new hazards from smart devices and the controls you implement. Keep records of findings and actions. gov.uk

A: Indirectly. Poorly secured devices may be forced to operate outside normal parameters or lose protective functions. Ensuring manufacturers follow the UK Code of Practice and your own network controls reduces this risk. gov.uk

A: Create clear rules: no charging in escape routes, use approved chargers, provide dedicated charging locations where practical and inspect devices regularly. The NFCC offers specific guidance on mobility scooters and e-bike charging safety. nfcc.org.uk

A: Use a competent fire safety consultant for risk assessments, and work with qualified electrical and alarm contractors to implement controls. Total Safe can provide assessment, alarm maintenance and wider fire safety services to help you comply and protect your business. Book a Fire Risk Assessment. totalsafeuk.com