1. Fire Risk Assessment

☐ Do you have a current fire risk assessment for your premises?
☐ Have fire hazards and sources of ignition been identified?
☐ Have people who may be particularly at risk been considered?
☐ Are the findings and necessary actions recorded?
☐ Is the assessment reviewed when circumstances or risks change?

The responsible person must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment and keep a written record of it. [gov.uk]

2. Escape Routes & Fire Exits

☐ Are escape routes kept clear of obstructions?
☐ Can fire exits be opened easily when required?
☐ Are escape routes and exits clearly identified?
☐ Is emergency lighting provided where necessary?
☐ Have arrangements been considered for people who may need assistance evacuating?

Government guidance specifically identifies emergency routes and exits and the needs of vulnerable people as matters to consider within the fire risk assessment. [gov.uk]

3. Fire Detection & Warning

☐ Is an appropriate fire detection and warning system provided?
☐ Are alarm systems maintained and tested appropriately?
☐ Can everyone in the workplace recognise the fire alarm and understand what they should do?

Fire detection and warning systems are among the measures that should be considered as part of the fire risk assessment. [gov.uk]

4. Fire-Fighting Equipment

☐ Are suitable fire extinguishers or other fire-fighting equipment provided where required?
☐ Is equipment readily accessible?
☐ Is fire-fighting equipment maintained appropriately?
☐ Do relevant employees understand when and how equipment should be used?

The official five-step checklist asks businesses to consider whether extinguishers are required, where they should be located and whether fire safety provisions are being maintained. [gov.uk]

5. Fire Hazards & Housekeeping

☐ Are combustible materials kept away from potential ignition sources?
☐ Are waste and combustible materials controlled effectively?
☐ Are electrical equipment, heaters and cooking equipment managed safely?
☐ Are smoking arrangements adequately controlled?
☐ Are hot works and contractor activities appropriately managed?
☐ Are dangerous substances stored and used safely?

Government guidance highlights electrical equipment, heating, cooking, smoking, hot work, housekeeping and contractors among the potential fire hazards that should be considered. [gov.uk]

6. Emergency Procedures

☐ Is there a clear emergency evacuation plan?
☐ Do employees know what to do if they discover a fire?
☐ Does everyone know where the assembly point is?
☐ Are responsibilities during an evacuation clearly defined?
☐ Are suitable arrangements in place for visitors, contractors and anyone who may require assistance?

A fire risk assessment should include an emergency evacuation plan and arrangements for providing information to employees and others on the premises. [gov.uk]

7. Training & Fire Drills

☐ Have employees received appropriate fire safety information and training?
☐ Are new and temporary staff included?
☐ Are fire drills carried out?
☐ Are training and emergency arrangements reviewed when necessary?

The Home Office five-step fire risk assessment checklist specifically asks whether staff know the fire plan and have received up-to-date training and completed a fire drill.

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 Download the Free Fire Safety Checklist (PDF)

How did your workplace perform?

If you answered “No” or “Not Sure” to any of these questions, it may be time to review your fire safety arrangements.

A checklist is a useful starting point, but it does not replace a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment specific to your premises and activities.

Need help with workplace fire safety?

Imago Health & Safety Consultants can help businesses identify fire safety gaps, review existing arrangements and determine the practical steps needed to improve workplace fire safety.

Contact us today to discuss your fire safety requirements.

This checklist provides general guidance only and should not be treated as a substitute for a premises-specific fire risk assessment or competent professional advice.