Effective fire safety plan for retail space 2025: How can I create one?
effective fire safety plan for retail space 2025 is the starting point for any retailer, property manager or facilities team who wants to protect people, property and business continuity. In this guide you will learn the legal duties that apply in England and Wales, a step‑by‑step process to build a practical plan, what systems and training to prioritise, and how to keep your plan up to date. Practical examples and clear next steps are included so you can act with confidence.
Why this matters now
Retail layouts, electrical loads and battery‑powered products have changed fast. Fires in shops can spread quickly because of dense stock and fitted displays. A robust plan reduces risk, speeds evacuation, and limits loss. It also helps you meet the legal duty to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and put general fire precautions in place. See legislation.gov.uk for the Fire Safety Order.
What the law requires and who is responsible
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibility on the “responsible person” to ensure the safety of employees and visitors in non‑domestic premises. This means you must assess risks, record findings where five or more people are present, and take proportionate precautions. Enforcement sits with local fire and rescue authorities. See legislation.gov.uk.
Put simply, the responsible person is usually the employer, building owner or manager. If you delegate tasks, you must ensure people have the competence and resources to carry them out. Regular review of your assessment is also required, particularly after significant changes to layout, stock or operations. See HSE — Introduction to fire safety for practical guidance.
Step 1: Start with a clear, documented fire risk assessment
An effective fire safety plan for retail space 2025 must begin with a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. The assessment identifies hazards, those at risk, and the controls needed. If you need specialist help, commission an experienced assessor. Total Safe can perform comprehensive FRAs and provide guidance on corrective actions. Total Safe — Fire risk assessment.
Practical checklist for the assessment
Identify ignition sources: electrical equipment, portable heaters, chargers and lighting.
Note fuels: stock, packaging, display materials and waste.
Consider people at risk: staff, contractors, customers, vulnerable visitors.
Check means of escape: widths, door functionality and signage.
Review detection and alarm systems and any suppression measures. Record recommended actions, assign owners and set timescales. Keep the assessment under review. For further guidance see HSE.
Step 2: Design emergency routes, evacuation and assembly procedures
Design clear escape routes that remain unobstructed during normal operation. In a retail setting this often means managing till areas, stock displays and promotional stands so they never block corridors or exits. Mark primary and secondary routes on a simple plan and post it in staff areas.
Training and drills
Train all staff on evacuation roles and simple responsibilities. Appoint and train fire marshals for each shift. Run practical evacuation drills at least annually and after layout changes. Drills reveal weaknesses and build staff confidence. Total Safe offers Fire Marshal training and can advise on evacuation plans. Total Safe — Fire alarms and systems.
Step 3: Choose detection and alarm systems that suit retail risks
Shop layouts vary. Small shops may only need a conventional alarm; larger stores, multi‑level premises or complex retail units often require addressable detection and voice alarm systems to support fast, managed evacuation. Where a system is installed, test and maintain it to a recognised schedule and keep service records. Total Safe can assess your system needs and provide installation and maintenance.
Guidance and standards
Follow manufacturer instructions and recognised standards such as BS 5839 for fire detection and alarm systems and consider the broader guidance in BS 9999 for management and design of fire safety measures. These standards help you select systems that match your fire risks and occupancy. See BSI — BS 9999 guidance.
Step 4: Fit appropriate active and passive fire protection
Active protection includes sprinklers, watermist or fixed suppression for high‑risk areas such as kitchens or stockrooms storing flammable goods. Passive protection covers compartmentation, fire doors and fire‑stopping to prevent fire spread. Both reduce the speed of fire development and protect escape routes.
Practical actions
Ensure fire doors close and are not propped open.
Maintain compartment lines where services pass between floors.
Place extinguishers of the correct type near high‑risk areas and ensure visible signage.
Consider sprinklers where stock density or value justifies them.
Engage competent contractors for installations and maintenance. Total Safe provides passive fire protection services such as fire door servicing and fire‑stopping. Total Safe — Fire door installation and servicing.
Step 5: Store stock and manage waste to reduce fire load
Retail stock and packaging create a high fire load. Reducing combustible materials near escape routes and limiting bulk storage within sales areas will slow fire growth. Implement a disciplined stock rotation and waste disposal routine. Keep fire‑sensitive items away from heat sources and electrical plant.
Example controls
Store deliveries in designated rooms with automatic suppression if possible.
Avoid stacking stock near escape doors or stairwells.
Use locked storage for aerosols and flammable liquids, following COSHH where relevant.
Good housekeeping is one of the most effective, low‑cost controls.
Step 6: Train staff and appoint competent fire marshals
Training makes a plan work. Provide induction fire safety training for new starters and refresher briefings for existing staff. Train fire marshals in evacuation, use of fire extinguishers and basic incident reporting.
What training should include
How to raise the alarm and call the emergency services.
Evacuation procedures and assembly point duties.
How to use extinguisher types safely where appropriate.
Post‑incident actions and incident logging.
Record all training and retrain after procedural changes. Consider external courses for specialist roles. Total Safe delivers bespoke Fire Marshal and extinguisher training tailored to retail environments.
Step 7: Maintain equipment and keep accurate records
Maintenance keeps safety measures effective. Regular checks prevent failures and show due diligence.
Key maintenance regime
Weekly alarm tests and monthly checks by staff.
Six‑monthly or annual servicing of alarms as required by system type.
Monthly visual checks of extinguishers and annual service by a competent company.
Regular servicing of emergency lighting and door closers.
Keep logs of checks, maintenance and staff training. These records demonstrate compliance and help when you review your plan. See Total Safe — Alarm services for service options.
Step 8: Plan for modern risks — batteries, chargers and electrical equipment
Shop floors increasingly include battery‑powered displays, e‑bike racks, or mobile device charging. These items present modern ignition risks if damaged or charged incorrectly. Isolate charging areas from escape routes and never store damaged batteries with stock. Provide staff guidance for safe charging and disposal.
Where to get more detailed advice
The NFCC and HSE publish sector‑specific guidance that helps you identify and manage modern product and electrical risks in retail premises. Use their checklists to adapt your plan. See NFCC guidance and HSE.
Step 9: Liaise with your landlord, insurers and the local fire service
If you lease, check who is responsible for structural fire safety, compartmentation and shared systems. Landlords must keep common parts safe; tenants must manage the areas they control. Notify insurers of any significant changes to layout or systems. Invite local fire and rescue service officers to review your plan if you host high‑risk activities or large events.
Step 10: Test, review and update the plan regularly
A plan that sits on a shelf fails. Review your fire safety plan after any layout or use change, a fire or false alarm that exposes weaknesses, or new stock types, especially hazardous or battery‑operated goods. Schedule a full review annually and update the fire risk assessment. Use lessons learned from drills and incidents to improve training and procedures.
Useful standards and official guidance
Consult these trusted sources when you develop or review your plan:
GOV.UK — Fire Safety Order guidance explains legal duties and enforcement.
HSE — Introduction to fire safety provides practical advice on carrying out fire risk assessments and managing workplace fire safety.
BSI — BS 9999 guidance supports design and management decisions for commercial buildings.
How Total Safe can help you implement the plan
If you prefer to outsource specialist tasks, Total Safe offers a full range of services relevant to retail premises.
Fire risk assessments that include bespoke recommendations. Total Safe — Fire risk assessment.
Alarm and detection installation and maintenance to suit multi‑level stores. Total Safe — Fire alarm systems.
Passive protection work including fire door installation and repairs. Total Safe — Fire door services.
Commissioning a qualified provider speeds compliance and gives you clear, auditable records. It also frees your team to focus on running the store.
Conclusion — quick checklist to get started
Commission or update a written fire risk assessment. See Total Safe — Fire risk assessment.
Map and secure escape routes; post a clear evacuation plan.
Ensure alarms, emergency lighting and extinguishers match your risk profile and are maintained. See Total Safe — Alarm services.
Train staff and run timed drills; appoint fire marshals.
Control stock, waste and charging points to reduce ignition sources.
Review the plan after any change and keep records.
If you need help, contact Total Safe — Services for a free consultation and a clear route to compliance and safety.
FAQ
Q: Do I legally need a written fire safety plan for a small retail shop?
A: If your business employs five or more people, the fire risk assessment and plan must be recorded in writing. Regardless of size, you must take reasonable precautions and document your arrangements. See legislation.gov.uk for the legal text.
Q: How often should I review my retail fire safety plan?
A: Review it annually and after any significant change such as a refit, a change to stock or a fire‑related incident. Also review after drill outcomes reveal weaknesses. See HSE guidance.
Q: Are sprinklers necessary in a retail store?
A: Sprinklers are not mandatory for every shop, but they are strongly recommended where stock density, value or risk profile justifies them. A fire risk assessment will advise if they are appropriate for your premises. See BSI — BS 9999 guidance for design considerations.
Q: Who do I contact if I need guidance from the fire service?
A: Contact your local fire and rescue service for non‑urgent advice. They may offer premises visits or guidance and will be the enforcing authority if issues arise. See GOV.UK — Fire Safety Order guidance for enforcement links.
Q: Can Total Safe carry out my fire risk assessment and training?
A: Yes. Total Safe provides FRAs, fire marshal training, alarm installation and passive protection services tailored to retail premises. Total Safe — Services.
