Checklist For Workplace Fire Safety

A comprehensive workplace fire safety checklist includes ensuring clear, unobstructed escape routes, functional fire doors that close automatically, and regularly tested alarms.

Daily checks should confirm that exits are not blocked and that fire hazards (e.g. waste build-up) are controlled.

Regular maintenance of electrical equipment and fire-fighting equipment is essential, as is keeping flammable materials away from sources of ignition.

This page is about the quick workplace fire checklist to help ensure essential fire safety measures are in place. In the year ending March 2023, the average response time to a primary fire in England was 9 minutes and 13 seconds—the longest on record [FirstMat, 2024].

This is 23 seconds longer than the previous year. There are also about 22,000 workplace fires in the UK each year, averaging 423 per week.

If you need fire safety training for employees you can reach out to us via email or fill the enquiry form.

Quick Workplace Checklist: Fire Safety

A workplace fire safety checklist must include the core elements required by UK legislation, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, to ensure compliance and the safety of employees.

1. Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)

The foundation of any fire safety plan is a current, written Fire Risk Assessment, which is mandatory for businesses with five or more employees.

• Identify Hazards: Document all potential ignition sources (e.g., electrical equipment, heaters) and fuel sources (e.g., paper, waste).
• Identify People at Risk: Account for employees, visitors, and those particularly vulnerable, such as lone workers or people with disabilities.
• Evaluate & Act: Record measures taken to remove or reduce risks, such as keeping heat sources away from fuel.

2. Escape Routes & Exits

• Clear Passageways: Ensure all escape routes are completely unobstructed at all times.
• Signage: Check that all fire exits are marked with visible running man signage and clearly illuminated.
• Fire Doors: Verify that fire doors are not wedged open and that self-closing mechanisms are functioning correctly.
• Emergency Lighting: Test that emergency lighting will operate in the event of a power failure to guide staff safely.

3. Detection & Warning Systems

• Alarms: Test the fire alarm weekly, activating a different manual call point each time to ensure sounders are audible throughout the building.
• Call Points: Ensure call points are clearly visible and not obstructed by furniture or equipment.
• Maintenance: Schedule professional fire alarm servicing at least every six months.

4. Firefighting Equipment

• Suitability: Ensure the correct type of extinguisher is available for the workplace risks (e.g., CO2 for electrical fires, water for paper/wood).
• Monthly Visual Checks: Confirm extinguishers are in the correct location, fully charged (indicator in the green zone), and have not been tampered with.
• Professional Maintenance: Arrange an annual professional inspection of all extinguishers.

5. Training & Emergency Planning

• Fire Drills: Conduct at least one full evacuation drill annually and record the results.
• Fire Wardens: Appoint and train staff members as fire wardens to lead evacuations.
• PEEPs: Maintain Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for employees with disabilities.
• Record Keeping: Keep a dedicated fire safety log book to document all tests, drills, maintenance, and training for legal compliance.

✅Related Post: Fire Warden Workplace Responsibilities

What is a Fire Safety Checklist?

A fire safety checklist is a document that guides you through important safety checks to prevent fires and ensure everyone can escape safely if a fire occurs. The checklist helps you remember all the things you need to look at each day, week, and month to keep your workplace safe.

When you use a fire safety checklist, you should:

1. Check all fire escape routes are clear and easy to use
2. Make sure fire exits are not locked or blocked
3. Look at fire extinguishers to see they are in the right place and not damaged
4. Test fire alarms to ensure they work properly
5. Check that fire doors close properly and are not held open
6. Look for any fire hazards like damaged electrical equipment
7. Make sure emergency lights are working
8. Verify that fire safety signs can be seen clearly

It’s important to:

• Write down when you do these checks
• Fix any problems you find quickly
• Make sure everyone knows what to do if there’s a fire
• Keep the checklist where everyone can find it

Different places might need different types of checks, so it’s best to:

1. Ask fire safety experts what should be on your checklist.
2. Follow the rules for your type of workplace.
3. Train people how to do the checks properly.

Workplace Fire Safety Schedule

• Daily: Verify that all escape routes, corridors, and stairwells are free from obstructions. Ensure fire doors are not wedged open and function correctly.
• Weekly: Test the fire alarm at a scheduled time to confirm it is audible throughout the premises.
• Monthly: Conduct functional tests on emergency lighting to confirm battery backups are operational.
• Monthly: Inspect fire extinguishers for structural integrity and ensure the service schedule is current.
• Annually: Arrange for a professional extinguisher service by a competent engineer in accordance with BS 5306

Complete Workplace Fire Safety Checklist

A comprehensive workplace fire safety checklist involves identifying fire hazards, assessing risks, and ensuring escape routes remain unobstructed.

Key actions include maintaining fire equipment, such as extinguishers and alarms, conducting regular training and drills, and appointing a fire warden.

Utilising an essential fire safety checklist is vital for safeguarding employees. These checklists should range from daily inspections—ensuring exit routes are clear—to weekly or monthly maintenance of alarms, emergency lighting, and extinguishers.

Common Questions In the Checklist

Category	Question	Yes	No	Action / What to Do
Fire Risk Assessment	Is a current and documented fire risk assessment in place?			Update or create a fire risk assessment immediately.
	Have all potential hazards been identified and recorded?			Document all sources of ignition and fuel.
	Have persons at risk, including vulnerable staff, visitors, and contractors, been identified?			Include all relevant groups in the assessment.
	Have control measures been documented and implemented?			Apply and record measures to reduce fire risks.
	Is the fire risk assessment reviewed regularly or after changes to premises/processes?			Schedule periodic reviews and updates.
	Is the assessment communicated to all relevant staff?			Ensure staff are aware of risks and procedures.
Escape Routes and Exits	Are escape routes free from obstruction?			Remove obstructions immediately.
	Are escape routes clearly marked and illuminated?			Install signage and emergency lighting as required.
	Do exit doors open easily from the inside without keys or codes?			Modify doors to allow quick exit.
	Do fire doors function correctly and close automatically?			Repair or replace doors if faulty.
	Are there sufficient escape routes for the number of occupants?			Create additional routes if needed.
	Are escape routes suitable for people with disabilities?			Install ramps, handrails, or assisted evacuation measures.
	Are emergency exits clearly signed and unlocked during working hours?			Ensure exit doors remain accessible at all times.
Fire Detection and Warning Systems	Is a fire alarm system installed and operational?			Repair or install system as necessary.
	Are manual call points accessible and clearly visible?			Clear obstructions and mark call points.
	Are smoke and heat detectors installed appropriately?			Install detectors in key areas.
	Is the alarm tested weekly and recorded?			Set up weekly testing schedule and log results.
	Are alarm sounders audible throughout occupied areas?			Adjust or repair sounders.
	Is the fire alarm serviced at least twice yearly?			Schedule professional servicing.
	Are faults reported and resolved promptly?			Fix issues immediately.
Firefighting Equipment	Are sufficient fire extinguishers provided?			Add more extinguishers if needed.
	Are extinguishers suitable for identified fire risks?			Replace or add suitable types.
	Are extinguishers mounted, visible, and unobstructed?			Relocate or clear access.
	Have extinguishers been serviced within the last 12 months?			Arrange professional servicing.
	Are fire blankets available where required?			Install fire blankets in kitchens/labs.
	Is staff trained in using firefighting equipment?			Provide practical training sessions.
	Are extinguishers clearly labeled with instructions?			Ensure labels are legible and correct.
Emergency Lighting	Is emergency lighting installed in escape routes and key areas?			Install as needed.
	Does emergency lighting operate during power failure?			Repair or test batteries/power.
	Are monthly and annual function tests carried out?			Maintain a testing schedule and log results.
	Are batteries or power sources maintained and replaced as needed?			Replace batteries or repair units.
	Are emergency lights adequate for all escape routes?			Install additional lights if required.
Fire Safety Signs and Notices	Are fire exit signs clearly visible and illuminated?			Install or repair signage.
	Are fire action notices displayed prominently?			Display notices in key locations.
	Are hazard warning signs installed where needed?			Install hazard warning signs.
	Are instructions for firefighting equipment clearly visible?			Attach clear instruction labels to equipment.
Staff Training and Fire Drills	Have all staff received fire safety training?			Provide training to new and existing staff.
	Are fire drills conducted regularly and documented?			Schedule and record drills.
	Are fire wardens or responsible staff trained and assigned?			Appoint and train fire wardens.
	Are Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) in place for staff who need them?			Create/update PEEPs for relevant personnel.
	Are staff aware of evacuation procedures and assembly points?			Communicate procedures and hold practice sessions.
Electrical Safety	Are electrical systems inspected regularly by a competent person?			Schedule professional inspections.
	Are portable appliances PAT tested where required?			Test portable equipment.
	Are damaged cables/equipment removed immediately?			Repair or remove damaged items.
	Are sockets and extension leads used safely and not overloaded?			Review loads and replace unsafe equipment.
	Are staff trained to report electrical faults promptly?			Provide guidance on reporting faults.
Storage of Flammable Materials	Are flammable liquids stored in suitable containers?			Use correct containers.
	Are flammable materials kept away from ignition sources?			Separate materials from heat sources.
	Are quantities minimised where possible?			Reduce stored quantities.
	Are hazardous materials clearly labeled?			Label containers correctly.
	Are gas cylinders secured safely?			Store cylinders upright, secured, and away from heat.
Maintenance of Fire Safety Systems	Are fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting regularly serviced?			Schedule professional maintenance.
	Are maintenance records up to date?			Update logbooks.
	Are defects addressed promptly?			Repair or replace faulty equipment immediately.
	Are external contractors trained and certified?			Verify qualifications before work.
	Is there a continuous improvement process for fire safety?			Review performance and implement improvements.
Waste Management & Housekeeping	Is combustible waste disposed of regularly?			Empty bins frequently and safely.
	Are workspaces tidy and free from clutter?			Implement cleaning schedules.
	Are storage areas organized and safe?			Organize and remove hazards.
	Are external waste bins located away from buildings?			Move bins a safe distance from buildings.
Final Checks	Would all occupants be able to evacuate quickly in an emergency?			Test evacuation plans and address bottlenecks.
	Are all fire safety systems functioning as intended?			Repair or replace malfunctioning systems.
	Are there any unresolved fire safety risks?			Identify risks and implement mitigation immediately.

The Importance of Fire Safety Checklists

Why are fire safety checklists crucial for workplaces?

Fire safety checklists are essential tools for:

• Identifying potential fire hazards
• Ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations
• Maintaining a safe work environment
• Preparing employees for fire emergencies
• Reducing the risk of fire-related incidents

Who should be responsible for conducting fire safety checks?

The responsibility typically falls on:

• The designated ‘responsible person’ in the organisation
• Trained fire wardens
• Managers or supervisors in their respective areas
• External fire safety consultants for more comprehensive assessments

Components of a Comprehensive Fire Safety Checklist

Q5: What are the key areas that should be covered in a workplace fire safety checklist?

A5: A comprehensive fire safety checklist should include:

1. Fire risk assessment
2. Escape routes and exits
3. Fire detection and warning systems
4. Firefighting equipment
5. Emergency lighting
6. Fire safety signs and notices
7. Staff training and fire drills
8. Electrical safety
9. Storage of flammable materials
10. Maintenance of fire safety systems

Q6: How often should fire risk assessments be conducted?

A6: While there’s no legally mandated frequency, best practices suggest:

• Conducting a full assessment at least annually
• Reviewing the assessment every six months
• Reassessing after any significant changes to the workplace
• Conducting a review following any fire-related incident

Specific Checklist Items

Q7: What should be checked regarding escape routes and exits?

A7: Key points to check include:

• Clear and unobstructed routes
• Properly functioning emergency exit doors
• Clearly visible exit signs
• Adequate emergency lighting
• Evacuation routes that all staff are familiar with

Q8: What needs to be verified about fire detection and warning systems?

A8: Essential checks include:

• Weekly testing of fire alarms
• Monthly checks of emergency lighting
• Annual servicing of fire detection systems
• Ensuring alarms are audible throughout the premises
• Verifying that all staff know how to raise the alarm

Q9: What should be examined regarding firefighting equipment?

A9: Important points to verify:

• Presence of appropriate fire extinguishers for different types of fires
• Monthly visual inspections of fire extinguishers
• Annual professional servicing of all firefighting equipment
• Clear access to all firefighting equipment
• Staff training on proper use of fire extinguishers

Employee Training and Preparedness

Q10: What fire safety training should employees receive?

A10: Comprehensive employee training should cover:

• Fire prevention practices
• How to raise the alarm
• Evacuation procedures
• Use of fire extinguishers
• Location of fire exits and assembly points
• Roles and responsibilities during a fire emergency

Q11: How often should fire drills be conducted?

A11: Best practices recommend:

• Conducting fire drills at least twice a year
• Varying the scenarios and times of drills
• Including all employees, including part-time and shift workers
• Evaluating and documenting the effectiveness of each drill

Special Considerations

Q12: What additional measures should be taken for employees with disabilities?

A12: Important considerations include:

• Developing personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)
• Ensuring accessible emergency exits
• Providing visual alarms for hearing-impaired employees
• Designating buddies to assist during evacuations
• Regular practice of evacuation procedures with these employees

Q13: How should flammable materials be handled in the workplace?

A13: Key practices include:

• Storing flammable liquids in approved safety cabinets
• Keeping flammable materials away from heat sources
• Ensuring proper ventilation in storage areas
• Implementing a clear labelling system
• Training employees on safe handling procedures

Maintenance and Documentation

Q14: What records should be kept regarding fire safety?

A14: Essential records include:

• Fire risk assessments and reviews
• Fire drill reports
• Equipment maintenance logs
• Staff training records
• Incident reports and false alarm records

Q15: How can businesses ensure ongoing compliance with fire safety regulations?

A15: To maintain compliance:

• Stay informed about current fire safety legislation
• Conduct regular internal audits
• Engage with local fire authorities for advice
• Invest in continuous fire safety training for staff
• Implement a system for regular review and updating of fire safety measures

Final Note

Using a detailed fire safety checklist is essential for protecting lives, property, and businesses.

By regularly covering all aspects of fire safety—such as risk assessments and employee training—organisations can greatly lower the chances of fire incidents and ensure a quick and effective response if a fire occurs.

Remember, fire safety is an ongoing effort that needs constant attention and commitment from everyone in the organisation.

For workplace fire safety training, contact us to prepare your team.

FAQs

References

KSC Projects: https://www.kcsprojects.co.uk/post/the-fire-statistics-you-need-to-know

HSE Website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/fire-safety.htm