admin

Outdoor dining fire risks: how to prepare my restaurant for safe outdoor service

Outdoor dining fire risks are now a core part of any restaurant safety plan, and in this guide you will learn practical steps to identify hazards, meet legal duties, choose safe heating, and train staff so your outdoor space is both welcoming and compliant. gov.uk

Why outdoor dining fire risks matter to your business

Outdoor dining increases your usable space and revenue, but it also changes the hazards you must manage. Tables, parasols, heaters, marquees and cooking equipment can introduce ignition sources, fuel and new escape-route complications. You must treat outdoor areas as part of your premises when carrying out a fire risk assessment and record any significant findings. gov.uk

In practice, failing to assess and control these hazards can lead to enforcement action, business interruption or worse. The Fire Safety Order places responsibility on the responsible person to take general fire precautions and to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment; this includes outdoor spaces under your control. legislation.gov.uk

Carry out a focused fire risk assessment for outdoor spaces

Start by adding a dedicated section for outdoor areas in your fire risk assessment. Identify ignition sources such as portable heaters, external cooking or temporary electrical supplies. Note fuels such as tablecloths, outdoor cushions, decking and stored LPG cylinders. Then look at people at risk, including diners, staff and passers-by. Finally, consider how a fire might spread into the building and how it could affect evacuation routes. dwfire.org.uk

If you are not confident doing this yourself, engage a competent assessor who understands hospitality and outdoor setups. The National Fire Chiefs Council offers guidance on finding a competent fire risk assessor and on the competence criteria you should expect. Keep records of how you chose the assessor and the references you checked. nfcc.org.uk

Design the layout to reduce ignition and spread

Keep combustible items away from likely ignition points. For example, position heaters where they cannot contact fabrics or decorations, and keep cooking and warming equipment well separated from seating. Ensure pathways and clear access for emergency services are never obstructed by furniture or fixtures. Also keep rubbish and recycling away from seating areas; external waste is a frequent contributor to fire spread. gov.uk

Use fixed storage for LPG cylinders and other fuels; do not store bottles in customer areas or near exits. Where you use bottled gas, ensure installations and service work are carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This reduces carbon monoxide and explosion risks as well as lowering the chance of fire. hse.gov.uk

Choose safe heating: weigh options and risks

One of the most common questions from restaurateurs is which heater to use. Electric infrared heaters offer excellent control and avoid combustion products, making them a low-risk option for partially roofed areas. If you choose gas or LPG patio heaters, apply strict controls: situate them in well ventilated, open areas, secure cylinders in approved cages and follow the manufacturer’s clearance distances. Never use outdoor gas heaters in enclosed tents unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it and a competent gas engineer has assessed the installation. penninegas.com

Also consider the practicalities. Electric heaters often need additional cabling and RCD protection; get a qualified electrician to fit permanent supplies. For temporary electric heaters, ensure cables do not cause trip hazards and are protected from weather and moving furniture. Regular maintenance minimises faults that could lead to fires. totalsafeuk.com

Safe shelters and coverings: tents, canopies and partial enclosures

If you use awnings, marquees or “winterised” enclosures, check that materials are flame retardant and that the structure does not block escape routes or fire service access. Fully enclosed outdoor spaces may be treated as indoor for safety and ventilation purposes, so avoid creating spaces where combustion products could accumulate. Ensure there is adequate natural ventilation and a clear policy to prevent the use of open flames under coverings. gov.uk

When deciding whether to enclose space, balance comfort with safety and compliance. Where possible, prefer open-sided solutions that maintain airflow while providing weather protection. If you must enclose, consult your fire risk assessment and local fire and rescue authority for specific requirements. gov.uk

Emergency routes, signage and firefighting equipment for outdoor areas

Treat outdoor seating as part of your escape plan. Mark routes clearly and ensure exits remain visible and unobstructed. Staff must know how to clear outdoor areas quickly and direct customers to a place of safety. In addition, provide suitable portable fire extinguishers close to external cooking or heating sources and ensure staff are trained in their use. Regularly inspect extinguishers and maintain them under a formal schedule. totalsafeuk.com

Consider a simple, dedicated external muster point that does not block public pathways or service access. Practice evacuations that include outdoor areas, so staff become familiar with moving customers safely in poor weather or with ambient noise. gov.uk

Staff training and operational controls

Staff are your first line of defence. Provide clear briefings and written procedures covering heater operation, safe cylinder handling, no-smoking policies, and actions to take if a fire starts outdoors. Train designated fire marshals to check outdoor areas and to isolate fuel supplies when needed. Drills should include outdoor scenarios and be repeated regularly. gov.uk

Also ensure delivery drivers and contractors understand outdoor rules. For example, deliveries must not block escape routes and contractors doing hot work should hold permits and use appropriate fire watches. Maintain a log of contractor activity and any temporary fire safety measures you implement. gov.uk

Practical checklist to prepare my restaurant for outdoor dining fire risks

Add outdoor areas to your fire risk assessment: Add outdoor areas to your fire risk assessment and record significant findings. gov.uk

Choose appropriate heating: Choose heating that suits the layout; prefer electric where practical and appoint Gas Safe engineers for gas work. hse.gov.uk

Secure LPG cylinders: Keep LPG cylinders in approved enclosures, away from customer seating and exits. penninegas.com

Maintain clear emergency routes: Maintain clear emergency routes and a dedicated muster point. gov.uk

Extinguishers and servicing: Fit and maintain appropriate extinguishers close to external cooking/heating. totalsafeuk.com

Staff training and drills: Train staff on outdoor incident procedures and run regular drills. gov.uk

You remain the responsible person under the Fire Safety Order for any outdoor areas you control. This legal duty means you must assess, record and manage risks so far as is reasonably practicable. In some cases local authorities or the fire and rescue service provide specific guidance for street cafés or licensed pavement seating; check with them if your outdoor operation extends into public space. legislation.gov.uk

If enforcement or supportive visits occur, show up-to-date records: your risk assessment, maintenance logs for heaters and extinguishers, staff training records and proof of competent gas or electrical work. These documents demonstrate you have taken reasonable steps to manage outdoor dining fire risks. gov.uk

How Total Safe can help you manage outdoor dining fire risks

If you prefer to use expert support, Total Safe offers tailored fire risk assessments and compliance services that include external area checks, extinguisher servicing and staff training. Bringing in a competent third party can speed up compliance, and help you demonstrate due diligence to regulators. totalsafeuk.com

To find out more about how Total Safe can audit and maintain your fire safety systems, view the company’s services and book a consultation. Explore Total Safe fire safety services.

Next steps: practical programme to reduce risk this season

Begin with an updated outdoor risk assessment, implement the checklist items above and schedule any required electrical or gas work. Next, train staff and carry out at least one outdoor evacuation drill. Finally, maintain records and review the arrangement after busy trading days or after any incident. If you need support identifying competent contractors, the NFCC provides guidance on selecting a competent fire risk assessor and the competency criteria to expect. nfcc.org.uk

For additional resources on legal duties and managing fire risks in non-domestic premises, consult the government’s fire safety guidance and HSE guidance on gas safety and carbon monoxide awareness. Government fire safety guidance for duty holders and HSE guidance on gas safety and CO risks.

Conclusion

Preparing your restaurant for outdoor dining fire risks is a practical, manageable process. Start by updating your fire risk assessment, choose low-risk heating where possible, secure and service any gas equipment, and train staff to act quickly and safely. Keep clear records and consult competent professionals when you need help. Following these steps will reduce risk, protect customers and staff, and help you meet your legal duties. If you would like expert assistance, Total Safe can carry out tailored assessments and maintenance to keep your outdoor dining safe and compliant. totalsafeuk.com

FAQ

Q: Do outdoor dining areas need to be included in my fire risk assessment?

A: Yes. Any area you control where people are present should be covered in your fire risk assessment and any significant findings must be recorded. gov.uk

Q: Can I use propane patio heaters under an awning or tent?

A: Only if the manufacturer permits it and a competent engineer confirms safe ventilation and installation. Generally, electric heaters are safer for semi-enclosed spaces. collegesidekick.com

Q: What immediate action should staff take if an external heater catches fire?

A: Isolate fuel at the cylinder or mains, use the correct extinguisher if safe to do so, evacuate customers to the muster point and call the emergency services if the fire cannot be controlled quickly. totalsafeuk.com

Q: Where can I find a competent fire risk assessor for hospitality and outdoor areas?

A: The NFCC guidance on finding a fire risk assessor and the FRACC competency criteria provide a clear route to identify suitably competent providers. nfcc.org.uk

Q: How often should outdoor heating and gas supplies be checked?

A: Follow manufacturer guidance and have fixed or portable gas appliances checked and serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer at least annually, or more often if recommended. Keep a maintenance log. hse.gov.uk