As a premises used by members of the public and employees, you should ensure that your premises complies with fire safety legislation and licensing objectives where applicable. Make sure that you have all of your fire safety provisions in place and in working order.

This includes having the correct signage and emergency lighting, ensuring that your escapes are kept clear of boxes and clutter and that any firefighting equipment is maintained and inspected on a regular basis.

Offices and Shops

Fire Risk Assessment

ALL responsible persons should keep a written record of their fire risk assessment and any significant findings. It should also be reviewed regularly, especially if any changes to the premises are made. This will identify what you need to do to reduce the risk of a fire occurring and keep people safe. It should also take into account any shared common areas and you should liaise with all other occupiers if you only occupy part of a building. The guide below gives advice about completing a fire risk assessment for all employers, managers, occupiers and owners of premises where the main use of the building (or part of the building) is an office or shop. The Fire Risk Assessment Guide for Offices and Shops can be viewed here and contains further relevant information.

The pro formas here are intended to be used as guides for carrying out a fire risk assessment. Should you adopt one of these for your business premises, then it is important that the content captures any unique aspects of the premises’ design, as well as how the building is actually used.

If you want more information on fire risk assessments, fire extinguishers and risk information boxes click here.

Other Guidance

If your premises has any sleeping accommodation associated with it, for example a flat above a shop, even if it has a separate access, you will need to consider it whilst carrying out your fire risk assessment to ensure that occupants could be alerted if a fire occurred in your business premises. Please see the Sleeping Accommodation page for more details. For further guidance on your responsibilities as an employer, owner or landlord, please see:

Further Advice

If you would like further information or advice, please click here or Contact Us.

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