Are your office fire safety controls adequate?
When I started my health and safety career, the Fire Brigade used to undertake annual inspections of the offices to ensure compliance with a fire certificate they issued. This was before fire certificates were superseded and organisations given the responsibility to undertake their own fire safety risk assessment. Back when fire certificates were issued, organisations were reasonably confident that the advice was appropriate, although how many of us are confident today that our office fire safety risk assessment and controls are adequate?
Legal Framework
Fire safety in UK offices is governed by regulations designed to protect workers and visitors from the devastating effects of workplace fires. Understanding and implementing proper fire safety measures is not only a legal requirement but a moral obligation that could save lives, and a governance obligation to protect assets.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places the responsibility for fire safety squarely on the shoulders of the Responsible Person, typically the occupier, building owner, or designated manager. This legislation requires a comprehensive fire risk assessment to be undertaken and regularly reviewed.
Under UK law, every office must have adequate fire detection systems, appropriate firefighting equipment, and clear evacuation procedures. The responsible person must ensure all staff workers receive proper fire safety training and that fire safety measures are regularly tested and maintained.
Fire Risk Assessment
A thorough fire risk assessment involves identifying fire hazards such as electrical equipment, heating systems, cooking facilities, and combustible materials. The assessment must evaluate who could be at risk, including workers, contractors, visitors, and those with mobility impairments or other vulnerabilities.
Following identification of risks, appropriate control measures must be implemented. These might include installing additional detection equipment, improving storage practices for flammable materials, or enhancing staff training programs. The assessment should be documented and reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur to the premises or operations.
Essential Fire Safety Equipment
UK offices must be equipped with interconnected smoke alarms and, where appropriate, heat detectors. Fire extinguishers should be strategically placed throughout the premises, with different types for various fire classifications, the following are most common in offices:
- Water for ordinary combustibles,
- CO2 for electrical fires,
- Foam for flammable liquids.
Emergency lighting systems must illuminate escape routes during power failures, while fire doors and compartmentation help contain fires and smoke. Clear, illuminated exit signs should guide occupants to the nearest safe exit, and these routes must always remain unobstructed.
Fire sprinklers are now required in England for new residential blocks over 11 metres high and for large, un-compartmented commercial buildings. For other buildings, sprinkler installation can be a legal requirement for life safety based on a fire risk assessment, or it may be required by specific industry standards such as high-hazard work areas.
Fire Doors
Fire doors in UK offices must comply with British Standard BS 476 or the newer European standard BS EN 1634, providing specific fire resistance ratings typically ranging from 30 minutes (FD30) to 120 minutes (FD120). These doors must be properly installed with appropriate seals, hinges, and closing mechanisms to maintain their integrity during a fire.
It’s often overlooked but regular inspection is crucial for fire doors as damaged seals, shrinkage or faulty self-closing mechanisms can compromise their effectiveness. Fire doors should display clear certification labels and must never be propped open unless connected to automatic release systems linked to the fire alarm. Built-in auto release systems are often the best choice where doors need to be held open, but for low-risk workplaces, devices that close on the sound of the fire alarm, can be a cost-effective and safe solutions.
Fire Door Safety Week is taking place from 22nd to the 26th of September 2025, and highlights the vital importance of correctly installed, maintained, and inspected fire doors for workplace safety. The campaign, led by the British Woodworking Federation, encourages everyone from manufacturers to building users to know how to spot and report issues with fire doors, as these are crucial for saving lives and protecting property during a fire. Free webinars and resources are available to help responsible persons and building occupants understand inspection, compliance, and proper fire door management.
Emergency Procedures & Training
Every office must have a clear, practised evacuation plan. Everyone should be familiar with escape routes, assembly points, and their roles during an emergency. Fire wardens or marshals should be appointed to assist with evacuations and ensure all areas are cleared.
Regular fire drills are essential, the law requires these to be conducted frequently enough to ensure all staff are familiar with procedures. Training should cover the use of fire extinguishers, though the general advice is to evacuate rather than fight fires unless specifically trained and the fire is small and manageable.
Fire Prevention
Fire prevention remains the most effective fire safety strategy. This includes proper maintenance of electrical equipment, safe storage of flammable substances, and good housekeeping practices. Regular inspection of heating and electrical systems, ensuring adequate ventilation, and maintaining clear escape routes all contribute to reducing fire risk.
Implementing a no-smoking policy, properly disposing of waste materials, and ensuring kitchen areas are kept clean and equipment is well-maintained are fundamental prevention measures that every office should adopt.
Arinite customers can access numerous Factsheets on fire prevention and fire safety to guide them on the adequacy of fire prevention and safety.
Summary
Fire safety in UK offices requires ongoing vigilance, proper planning, and regular review. By understanding legal requirements and implementing comprehensive fire safety measures, organisations can create safer workplaces that protect lives and property while ensuring compliance with UK fire safety legislation.
Contact us
Arinite clients worldwide appreciate we provide practical, no-nonsense advice about what you need to do to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
Our team of Global locally based health and safety consultants take pride in keeping health and safety simple. If you need to call upon our expert assistance, or just for an informal chat, please call our office +44 207 947 9581
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