Checklist For Workplace Fire Safety
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.
These figures highlight the importance of understanding fire risks at work. Every organisation must prioritise fire safety to protect staff and assets and comply with legal requirements.
Building a safety-focused culture can reduce risks and ensure effective responses in fire emergencies.
You can use this quick workplace fire checklist to pinpoint areas for improvement.
If you need fire safety training for employees you can reach out to us via email or fill the enquiry form.
Table of contents
Quick Summary on Fire Safety Checklist Guide
✅ Daily Fire Safety Checks
Every day, staff should do a quick fire safety check. This means walking around the building to make sure all fire exits are clear and easy to get to. Check that fire doors close properly and are not held open. Make sure fire extinguishers are in the right places and not damaged. Look for obvious fire hazards, like trash piles or blocked vents. Lastly, check the fire alarm panel to ensure it shows no problems.
✅ Weekly Fire Safety Inspections
Once a week, do more detailed checks. Test the fire alarm system by using different call points to make sure they all work. Check the emergency lighting by pretending there is a power cut. Inspect all fire extinguishers closely for any signs of damage. Test any automatic doors that are connected to the fire alarm to ensure they work correctly.
✅ Monthly Fire Safety Assessments
Monthly checks are the most thorough and include three main parts. First, run a full test of the emergency lighting to see if it works for a longer time. Second, inspect all fire doors carefully, checking seals and how they close. Third, check all fire safety equipment, including extinguishers, fire blankets, and first aid kits.
✅ Record Keeping and Best Practices
It is important to keep detailed records of all fire safety checks. Write down any problems you find and what you did to fix them. Make sure multiple staff members are trained to do these checks. Set clear steps for reporting any issues found during inspections. Provide regular fire safety training to all staff so everyone knows their responsibilities.
✅ Compliance Notes
While these guidelines give a basic idea, it’s important to follow your workplace rules and local fire safety guidelines. Always talk to fire safety experts when making your checking procedures. Remember that different buildings may have extra requirements based on their specific risks. To train you employees, you can check our onsite health and safety courses.
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:
- Check all fire escape routes are clear and easy to use
- Make sure fire exits are not locked or blocked
- Look at fire extinguishers to see they are in the right place and not damaged
- Test fire alarms to ensure they work properly
- Check that fire doors close properly and are not held open
- Look for any fire hazards like damaged electrical equipment
- Make sure emergency lights are working
- 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:
- Ask fire safety experts what should be on your checklist.
- Follow the rules for your type of workplace.
- Train people how to do the checks properly.
Understanding Workplace Fire Risks
Q1: How common are workplace fires in the UK?
A1: How Frequent Are Workplace Fires?
Workplace fires are more frequent than many people realise. Approximately 22,000 workplace fires occur each year in the UK, averaging around 423 fires per week.
A2: Fire Incidence Over Time and Types of Premises Affected
The number of workplace fires attended by emergency services has been declining over the years:
- 2010/11: 15,729 fires
- 2015/16: 12,506 fires
- 2020/21: 8,158 fires
- 2022/23: 10,052 fires
In the year 2022/23, the most common non-domestic buildings impacted by fires included:
- Industrial Premises: 1,774 fires
- Food and Drink Premises: 1,362 fires
- Retail Premises: 1,325 fires
- Educational Institutions: 522 fires, with 18% attributed to deliberate actions.
- Healthcare Facilities: 39% of fires in hospitals and medical centres were started deliberately.
A3: Common Causes of Workplace Fires and Their Economic Impact
The leading causes of fires in non-domestic premises include:
- Faulty electrical appliances and leads
- Faulty fuel supplies
- Flammable items placed near heat sources
Alarmingly, 22% of all workplace fires are started deliberately.
Economic Impact:
- 60% of private businesses never fully recover after a fire.
- The average cost to businesses experiencing a fire in a commercial building is £65,000.
The Importance of Fire Safety Checklists
Q3: Why are fire safety checklists crucial for workplaces?
A3: 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
Q4: Who should be responsible for conducting fire safety checks?
A4: 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:
- Fire risk assessment
- Escape routes and exits
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Firefighting equipment
- Emergency lighting
- Fire safety signs and notices
- Staff training and fire drills
- Electrical safety
- Storage of flammable materials
- 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
A fire safety checklist helps identify possible dangers, makes sure safety equipment works, and prepares your staff for emergencies. It is important for keeping people safe and following the law.
Key items to include are:
Working smoke detectors and alarms
Clear fire exits that are easy to get to
Well-maintained fire extinguishers
Emergency lights
Regular fire drills
Training for employees on fire safety.
Usually, a safety officer or manager is in charge, but all workers should know about fire safety and
help keep the workplace safe.
If you find any problems, fix them right away. This might mean repairing or replacing equipment or improving training. It’s important to make sure all problems are resolved.
Yes, businesses must follow fire safety laws, which can be different in each area. These laws often include checking for risks and keeping safety equipment working.
Always check local laws to make sure you follow them.
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
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