Fire safety 101: Roles, responsibilities, and everything you need to know

Fire is an integral part of modern-day development and civilisation, but with its uses come devastating consequences when things go wrong. In the year ending September 2023, in total, there were 278 fire-related fatalities in England and 6,205 fire-related casualties.

As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to put in place adequate fire safety measures and communicate these to all employees. But with so many fire safety regulations to wrap your head around, knowing where to start isn’t always easy. This free guide will walk you through everything from identifying hazards to running your next fire safety course, so you can manage your risks with total confidence.

In this FREE guide, you’ll learn:

• How to conduct a thorough fire safety risk assessment in five simple steps.
• What the recent changes to the Fire Safety Order 2005 mean for your business.
• Your core responsibilities when it comes to fire safety training and emergency planning.
• How to prepare an evacuation plan, including Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).
• What happens if your business doesn’t comply with fire safety regulations and legislation.

Key highlights from the guide:

1. Fire risk assessments made simple

It’s your responsibility to regularly procure and review a fire risk assessment of your business’ premises. The guide breaks this down into five actionable steps, from identifying hazards to evaluating who’s at risk. You’ll also learn exactly what to pay attention to, like checking access to emergency routes and exits, testing all fire detection and warning systems, and evaluating how you store hazardous substances.

2. Navigating changes to the Fire Safety Order 2005

Did you know the rules around recording your fire risk assessment changed on 1 October 2023? The old ruling of only recording assessments for premises with five or more people is no longer in place, and this now applies to all premises. The guide explains what the Responsible Person (RP) needs to document, making sure you don’t fall foul of the latest updates to the Fire Safety Order 2005 and the Fire Safety Act 2021.

3. Training, equipment and drills (TED)

TED (Training, Equipment, and Drills) must always be in place. We’d recommend you conduct at least one practice fire drill every six months. The guide covers how to maintain your equipment, why fire detection systems are non-negotiable, and how to keep everyone up-to-speed with proper fire safety training.

4. The true cost of getting it wrong

Your local fire and rescue service may visit your business’ premises at any time. If your prevention measures aren’t up to scratch, they could issue an alteration, enforcement, or prohibition notice. Minor fire safety fines can be up to £5,000, while major penalties carry unlimited fines and up to two years in prison. Don’t let it get to that point!

Why does solid fire safety risk assessment matter?

A fire safety risk assessment is an important part of identifying hazards and preventing them from materialising. It helps you identify what could burn and who’s at risk, allowing you to put adequate fire safety measures in place. Plus, it helps you figure out if you need to install emergency lighting, update your fire safety signs, or enrol your team on a fire safety course.

Get fire safety right with Citation

At Citation, we turn complicated into confidence. Our all-in-one Health & Safety package helps your business focus on what you do best, instead of worrying about endless Health & Safety regulations and legislation changes.

You’ll get 24/7 advice, protection from safety prosecutions, and access to Atlas to manage your documentation and e-learning digitally. We even offer a Fire Risk Assessment service to seamlessly make sure your fire safety responsibilities are being met every year.

Download your free guide now

Simply enter your details to get your free guide to fire safety. It’s the perfect resource to help you manage everything from escape routes to regular reviews.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by fire safety regulations, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Our Health & Safety experts are available to provide you with 24/7 advice and support.

Call us at 0345 844 1111 or contact our team today.