Fire safety protocols for London’s outdoor markets: Essential strategies for compliance and risk management
Fire safety protocols for London’s outdoor markets must be robust, proportionate and clearly documented; this guide explains what you need to do to protect traders, visitors and surrounding properties. In the next sections you will learn who holds legal responsibility, how to complete a market-specific fire risk assessment, practical steps to reduce ignition sources, site design and evacuation planning, plus sensible maintenance and training measures to keep risk under control.
Who is responsible and what the law requires
The person or organisation in control of the market site is the Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. The Order sets out duties to identify hazards, evaluate and reduce risks, record significant findings where required and keep the assessment under review. legislation.gov.uk gov.uk
In practice, responsibility may be shared. For example, local authorities, market operators, traders and stallholders can each hold parts of the duty depending on contracts and site control. You must make these roles explicit in the event management plan. Where people sleep on site, or where temporary structures increase complexity, the need for a documented assessment and clear allocation of duties is greater. gov.uk hse.gov.uk
Carry out a market-specific fire risk assessment
A fire risk assessment tailored to outdoor markets should identify sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen and list the specific people at risk — including traders, staff, customers and residents in nearby buildings. Use a simple, repeatable method: identify hazards, assess who may be harmed, evaluate and implement controls, record the findings and review them regularly. This approach reflects GOV.UK guidance for open-air events and venues. gov.uk
Practical steps for a market assessment
Map the site: Map the site and mark stalls, generators, cooking zones, exits and assembly points.
Identify shared hazards: Note shared hazards such as LPG cylinders, deep fat fryers, portable heaters and electrical distribution.
Estimate occupancy: Estimate maximum occupancy and peak flows to identify pinch points where evacuation could be compromised.
Account for environment: Include environmental factors such as prevailing wind, nearby vegetation and overhead services.
Use the National Fire Chiefs Council event templates where appropriate to produce trader-specific risk forms and to standardise information gathering across events. nfcc.org.uk
Design the site to reduce fire spread and aid evacuation
Good site design lowers both the probability and consequence of fire. Plan stall layout to maintain clear, unobstructed escape routes and to avoid creating choke points. Ensure routes remain wide enough for expected peak flows and for emergency vehicle access. HSE event guidance explains how venue and site design supports safe movement and emergency response. hse.gov.uk
Recommendations for layout and access
Separate high-risk zones: Keep cooking and generator areas separated from purely retail stalls.
Service corridors: Provide service corridors for waste removal, deliveries and emergency access.
Avoid hazards: Avoid locating stalls close to flammable hoardings, timber structures or derelict buildings.
Protect services: Mark and protect underground services and consider ground conditions when siting temporary structures. hse.gov.uk
Manage cooking, LPG and electrical hazards
Cooking and open-flame appliances pose a high risk in markets. Demand evidence of safe installation and maintenance. Require traders to provide gas safety certificates from Gas Safe registered engineers for fixed or semi-fixed gas installations. For deep fat frying and high-risk cooking, insist on flame failure devices, suitable extraction and ready access to appropriate fire-fighting equipment. Local council guidance for traders gives practical specifications for stall hygiene and fire-fighting items that many markets already use. lbhf.gov.uk nfcc.org.uk
Electrical safety is equally critical. Portable appliances and cables must be suitable for outdoor use and regularly inspected. Route cable runs to avoid trip hazards and damage. Consider third-party PAT testing and require portable generator owners to show inspection records before they join the event. Total Safe UK offers inspection and maintenance services that help markets keep equipment compliant and operational. totalsafeuk.com
Temporary structures, materials and fire resistance
Materials used for marquees, canopies and stall linings must either be inherently fire resistant or treated to appropriate standards. Where tents and awnings are present, ensure anchors are secure and that manufacturers’ fire-retardant certificates are available. Where temporary structures are larger or host cooking, seek specialist advice and, when needed, specify construction to relevant British Standards. The NFCC produces event safety templates and sector-specific checklists that are useful for these assessments. nfcc.org.uk
Control measures for temporary structures
Flame-retardant fabrics: Use flame-retardant fabrics with certificates.
Anchoring systems: Fix and test anchoring systems, especially in windy conditions.
Maintain separation: Keep ignition sources well away from coverings and decorations.
Permit-to-work: Have a permit-to-work system for hot works such as welding or cutting.
Emergency planning, evacuation and liaison with services
Markets need a clear emergency plan that sets out how to raise the alarm, who will coordinate on-site response, where people assemble and how evacuation will be managed for disabled or vulnerable visitors. The plan should define communication channels and identify where to meet the emergency services. For all but the smallest and lowest-risk events, discuss plans with police, the local fire and rescue service and the ambulance service. HSE guidance highlights the importance of sharing plans with emergency responders. hse.gov.uk
Train stewards and nominated fire marshals to manage crowd movement and to use fire extinguishers safely. Regular drills are essential. In London, the Brigade conducts engagement days at large markets; their feedback consistently underlines the importance of keeping common escape routes clear and ensuring fire separation where businesses adjoin residential accommodation. london-fire.gov.uk
Fire detection, equipment and maintenance
Place suitable fire-fighting equipment in easily accessible locations, positioned according to identified hazards. For cooking stalls, provide appropriate extinguishers and fire blankets. For electrical and generator risks, supply dry powder or CO2 extinguishers as recommended by local guidance. In addition, maintain a log of inspections and service records for extinguishers, alarms and emergency lighting. Total Safe UK can help with routine maintenance, extinguisher servicing and emergency lighting testing to keep records up to date. lbhf.gov.uk totalsafeuk.com
Ensure that someone on site can operate basic equipment, and that information about extinguisher types and their uses is posted. Where a water source is available, check hydrant access and make sure it is unobstructed for fire service use.
Trader onboarding, contracts and enforcement
Market operators should embed fire safety into trader agreements. Demand proof of risk assessments for individual stalls, gas safety certificates, PAT test records and evidence of insurance. Include clauses that allow site safety officers to stop unsafe operations immediately. Use a permit system for high-risk activities such as deep fat frying, open flames and hot works. The NFCC and many local authorities provide trader fire risk templates to standardise these requirements. nfcc.org.uk lbhf.gov.uk
Where non-compliance is identified on site, act swiftly. Keeping records of remedial notices, actions and follow-up inspections helps demonstrate due diligence to regulators, insurers and, if required, to the fire and rescue service.
Monitoring, review and continuous improvement
Monitor safety measures during the market through routine site inspections and daily pre-opening checks. Collect incident and near-miss reports and review them promptly. After every market event, hold a short debrief with traders and stewards to identify lessons learned. Review the main fire risk assessment at least annually and sooner if there are changes in layout, services or trading activities. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires regular review and recording where applicable. legislation.gov.uk
Where complexity or risk is high, commission an independent fire safety specialist to audit your arrangements and provide a written report. Total Safe UK provide bespoke fire risk assessments and event support that can be tailored to London markets. View Total Safe UK services. totalsafeuk.com
Practical market safety checklist
Use this checklist as a working tool for your market:
Complete a market-specific fire risk assessment and record significant findings. gov.uk
Map escape routes, fire-fighting equipment and assembly points. hse.gov.uk
Verify traders’ gas and electrical certificates before they trade. lbhf.gov.uk
Separate cooking and generator zones; provide shields and extraction where needed. nfcc.org.uk
Equip and train fire marshals; run evacuation drills regularly. hse.gov.uk
Maintain logs of inspections, maintenance and training activities. totalsafeuk.com
For a deeper explanation of what a fire risk assessment should contain, see the Total Safe UK guide to FRAs. What is a Fire Risk Assessment? totalsafeuk.com
Conclusion and next steps
Strengthening fire safety protocols for London’s outdoor markets requires clear legal understanding, site-specific risk assessment, practical hazard control and consistent enforcement. Start by confirming who the Responsible Person is, then produce or update a tailored fire risk assessment that reflects cooking, LPG, electrical and temporary structure risks. Liaise with emergency services, train staff and maintain clear records. Finally, consider using a specialist provider for inspections, maintenance and training to reduce risk and demonstrate compliance. If you need help with assessments, equipment maintenance or training, Total Safe UK can support markets across London and the South East. Learn more about Total Safe.
FAQ
Q: Who must carry out the fire risk assessment for a market?
A: The Responsible Person — usually the market operator or landowner — must ensure a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out and kept under review; traders should also complete stall-level assessments where they operate cooking or other high-risk activities. legislation.gov.uk gov.uk
Q: Are LPG cylinders allowed at outdoor markets?
A: LPG may be used but only when installed and maintained safely. Require Gas Safe certificates and secure storage, and keep cylinders away from ignition sources and public thoroughfares. Local authority guidance sets out common practical requirements. lbhf.gov.uk
Q: What type of fire extinguisher is suitable for cooking stalls?
A: For most cooking-related fires, a wet chemical extinguisher and a fire blanket are recommended; for electrical or generator fires use CO2 or dry powder as appropriate. Check local guidance and ensure staff know how to use equipment. lbhf.gov.uk
Q: When should I consult the fire and rescue service about my market plans?
A: Consult when your market has significant occupancy, complex temporary structures, or high-risk activities. For many events, pre-event liaison and sharing your emergency plan with the fire service is best practice. hse.gov.uk nfcc.org.uk
Q: How often should a market fire risk assessment be reviewed?
A: Review the assessment at least annually and immediately after any significant change to layout, services, cooking arrangements or after an incident. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires the assessment to be kept up to date. legislation.gov.uk
