Fire safety and fire risk assessment

Each year people die or are seriously injured as a result of fires at work or on commercial property. Besides the loss of life, fire costs UK businesses millions of pounds, from damage to property, disruption to business operations, fines, compensation claims, and increased insurance premiums.

Many fires can be avoided by taking steps to minimise the risk of fire in the workplace. If a fire does break out, the effects can be minimised by having effective controls and procedures in place.

Fire safety legislation

Fire safety legislation applies to all commercial property and other buildings to which the public has access. It does not apply to private residential premises. Fire safety legislation allows businesses the flexibility to remove, reduce and manage their fire risks on the basis of the findings of a fire risk assessment.

This guide provides an overview of fire safety legislation and duties for businesses to comply. There is guidance on fire safety responsibility and the duties of the appropriate person for fire safety. This guide also explains how to carry out a fire risk assessment, fire safety equipment and evacuation plans, fire drills and training and how to minimise the risks of fire in the workplace.