Fire hazards often lurk unnoticed until it’s too late. In fact, 85% of workplace fires in the UK are caused by human error. For example, this could be using electrical equipment incorrectly, not following health and safety guidelines or spilling flammable liquids.
As part of our fire-safety series this October, we’re spotlighting how your business can stay proactive and safe, especially as fire risks climb during the darker, colder months, peaking in December and January.
Why do risk assessments matter?
Every day, we encounter seemingly minor oversights in workplaces. These could range from missing fire detectors behind partitions, damaged fire doors or propped open or blocked escape routes, to name just a few. All of these can pose serious threats because fires spread easily when safety systems are neglected, complacency sets in or training slips.
In this blog, we’ll aim to turn your fire safety policies and procedures from a tick-box exercise to a daily habit.
What are the five steps of a fire risk assessment?
Here’s a clear, five-step framework to help you assess, manage and reduce fire risk effectively:
- Identify hazards
Look for fire risks in every corner of your office and / or building. Whether it’s discarded cigarettes igniting rubbish, cooking oil next to open flames or unattended electrical equipment such as plugged in power banks or mobile phones.
In addition, ask yourself whether you have a designated smoking area with the right disposal mechanism to avoid fire risks or whether you have heaters in the office plugged in safety into the circuit so as not to overwhelm it and cause fire. - Determine who is at risk
Think about staff members, visitors or vulnerable individuals such as employees with mobility needs. Have you ever sent someone in a wheelchair up to the third floor via a lift when that lift may fail? Or stored items in corridors and stairways that block escape? These are all tangible risks and it’s your responsibility to ensure everyone, including those with mobility needs, can evacuate premises with no risk of injury. - Evaluate, remove, reduce, and protect
Once you’ve identified the hazards and people at risk, take action. Repair fire alarm systems, never prop fire doors open with wedges, repair or replace those that may be damaged, seal gaps in fire-resistant walls and ensure that electrical equipment charging points don’t block exits or create trip hazards. If elimination isn’t possible, there may be other solutions such as the installation of ceiling sprinklers or motion–sensor lighting to deter accidental fires. - Record, plan, inform, instruct and train
Everyone should take fire safety and preventative measures seriously. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), every business must provide appropriate fire-safety training from day one.
Ensure that you keep records of tested equipment, your assessment plan, signage for smoking or cooking areas and staff refresher training. A fire risk assessment isn’t just a document; it’s proof of your compliance should you be inspected by the HSE and serves as a reminder of your due diligence. - Review and revise regularly
Safety isn’t static. As seasons change or workspaces evolve, revisit your assessment. Maintain up-to-date training, conduct fire drills and ensure alarm systems are consistently tested, not letting complacency undermine your safety measures.
Confidence in robust fire risk assessments
Fire risk assessments are not a tick box exercise or about making you anxious but keeping you in control. You wouldn’t let someone drive a car with dodgy brakes or serve someone spoiled food. A fire risk assessment helps you quantify and control risks before they become emergencies and if you feel you need help with your fire risk assessment, get a third-party contractor to help with guidance and completion.
Spotlight on electric heaters
Portable and high-wattage electric heaters can pose a significant fire risk if not used correctly and can ignite nearby combustible materials like curtains, paper or clothing. They can also cause fires if faulty or poorly maintained.
To prevent fires, always place heaters on a level surface, a safe distance from flammable items, use them only as intended, ensure you have working smoke alarms and never leave them unattended or power them with extension cords.
Why are electric heaters a fire risk?
| High temperatures | The heating elements and high-wattage power of electric heaters generate extreme heat, which can easily ignite combustible materials. |
| Proximity to flammables | Placing heaters too close to curtains, furniture, paper or clothing is a primary cause of fires. |
| Faulty equipment | Damaged or poorly maintained heaters, cables, or electrical wiring can lead to fires. By ensuring they are regularly checked and PAT tested, you can avoid major risks. |
| Incorrect Use | Using heaters to dry clothes or using them in a way they were not designed for increases the risk of accidents. |
But you can stay safe with these measures
| Maintain a safe distance | Keep heaters a minimum of 3 feet (1 meter) away from any combustible materials such as paper bins, clothes, curtains etc. |
| Use a stable surface | Don’t be tempted to balance the heater on just any surface, ensure it cannot be easily knocked over. |
| Avoid extension cords | Never plug a heater into an extension lead or power strip as these can easily overload and cause fires. |
| Never leave it unattended | Don’t leave the heater on when you are away from the office for long periods. |
| Regularly inspect it | Checking the heater, cord and plug for damage or signs of deterioration is key to keeping safe. |
| Install smoke alarms | Smoke alarms are a necessity in the workplace, ensure they are in all areas with risks. |
| Buy certified products | Purchase heaters from reputable manufacturers and look for safety certifications. |
| Avoid overheating | Never cover an electric radiator, as this will cause it to overheat and could start a fire. |
Sussex Facilities Management can support your business with fire safety assessments, PAT testing and tailored compliance solutions to keep your people and premises protected.
📞 Call us on 01444 812 171
📧 Email office@sussexfacilities.co.uk
