Fire Safety Checklist for Businesses

Our Fire Safety Checklist for Businesses is designed to help you think about the key areas that should be covered as part of your fire risk assessment. Whether you run an office, shop, warehouse, restaurant, or other commercial premises, this checklist can help you better understand your fire safety responsibilities and highlight areas that may need attention.

Please note that this checklist is intended as a general guide only and does not count as a formally recorded fire risk assessment. If you need additional support or more information about Fire Safety Law or Fire Risk Assessments, you can explore our dedicated guidance pages for further advice and information.

Identify anything that could start a fire or help it spread.

Check for: 

• Faulty or overloaded electrical equipment
• Portable heaters or heating systems
• Smoking areas and cigarette disposal
• Flammable liquids, chemicals, or gases
• Build-up of waste, cardboard, or combustible materials
• Cooking equipment and kitchen areas
• Poor housekeeping or blocked ventilation
• Unsafe storage of materials

Consider who could be at risk if a fire occurs.

Think about: 

• Employees working alone or at night
• Customers, visitors, or contractors
• Elderly or vulnerable people
• People with disabilities or mobility issues
• Staff unfamiliar with the building
• Areas with high occupancy levels

Assess the risks and put measures in place to improve fire safety.

Ensure you have: 

• Suitable fire detection and alarm systems
• Clearly marked escape routes and exits
• Emergency lighting where required
• Fire extinguishers in appropriate locations
• Fire doors that are working correctly
• Staff fire safety training and fire drills
• An emergency evacuation plan
• Regular maintenance and testing of fire safety equipment

Keep a written record of your findings and the actions taken.

Record details such as: 

• Identified fire hazards
• People at risk
• Fire safety measures in place
• Actions taken to reduce risks
• Staff training and fire drill dates
• Maintenance and inspection records

Regularly review your fire risk assessment to make sure it remains up to date.

Review your assessment: 

• Annually or after significant changes
• If the building layout changes
• After a fire incident or near-miss
• When new equipment or processes are introduced
• If staffing levels or occupancy changes

Keeping your fire risk assessment updated helps ensure your business remains compliant and continues to provide a safe environment for everyone.

This checklist helps you understand what to include in your fire risk assessment. However, we strongly recommend using a professional Fire Risk Assessor, especially for larger or higher-risk premises. 

A qualified assessor can identify hazards, review your fire safety measures, and ensure you meet your legal responsibilities. 

To learn more, visit our guides on Fire Risk Assessments and how to find a professional fire risk assessor.