Business Fire Safety 101: Essential Steps & Tips To Stay Compliant
When it comes to running a safe and successful business, fire safety isn’t optional — it’s a legal and moral responsibility. Whether you’re operating a warehouse, office, shop, residential home or something in between, having the right fire safety measures in place protects not just your property, but your people too.
So, how do you ensure you’re meeting all the right standards? What equipment should you have, where should it go, and how often should it be checked?
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about business fire safety, with some clear, practical advice you can actually use — and some insight into how Brooktech can help you stay safe and compliant.
Business Fire Safety
1. Know Your Legal Fire Safety Responsibilities
As a business owner or property manager, you’re responsible for making sure your premises meet all fire safety requirements. That includes:
-
Carrying out and reviewing regular fire risk assessments
-
Identifying fire hazards and people at risk
-
Implementing fire prevention measures
-
Providing appropriate fire detection and warning systems
-
Ensuring clear and accessible escape routes
-
Training staff and providing fire safety information
-
Keeping all fire safety equipment maintained and up to date
Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, closure, or even prosecution — but more importantly, it puts lives at risk. Business fire safety isn’t just ticking boxes — it’s about protecting people.
2. Install the Right Fire Detection Systems
At a minimum, every business should have a working fire alarm system that’s suited to the size and layout of the building. In smaller spaces, this could be a simple manual or automatic fire alarm, while larger or multi-use buildings may require a fully networked fire detection system.
Don’t forget:
-
Detectors should be placed in escape routes, high-risk areas (like kitchens or plant rooms), and rooms where people might be sleeping.
-
Systems should be tested weekly, with a professional inspection at least every 6 months.
Brooktech’s planned maintenance packages cover these routine checks to help you stay compliant — and confident your systems will work when needed.
3. Fire Extinguishers: What Type and Where?
Having the correct extinguishers in the right places is essential. There are five main types, and each is suited to different risks:
-
Water – for paper, wood and textiles
-
Foam – for flammable liquids
-
CO2 – for electrical equipment
-
Dry Powder – versatile, but not always suitable indoors
-
Wet Chemical – ideal for kitchens and cooking oils
Extinguishers should be clearly marked, mounted, and inspected annually. Staff should know how to use them — and when not to.
4. Emergency Lighting: Don’t Be Left in the Dark
In a power cut or smoke-filled environment, clear and visible lighting can save lives. Emergency lighting should illuminate:
-
Escape routes and stairs
-
Fire alarm call points
-
Exit doors and signage
-
Key equipment areas
Brooktech installs and maintains emergency lighting systems tailored to your premises — all in line with business fire safety regulations.
5. Safe Storage and Regular Housekeeping
Cluttered corridors, blocked exits, and flammable materials left lying around are all serious hazards. Make a habit of:
-
Keeping escape routes completely clear
-
Storing flammable products securely
-
Removing waste materials promptly
-
Maintaining good cable and wiring management
Clean, tidy premises aren’t just more pleasant — they’re significantly safer too.
6. Fire Doors and Compartmentation
Fire doors help slow the spread of fire and smoke, buying valuable time for evacuation. They must:
-
Be kept shut and not wedged open
-
Close fully and latch automatically
-
Have working intumescent strips and seals
-
Be inspected regularly
If your building has areas of high occupancy or multiple uses, compartmentation becomes even more important. Our team at Brooktech can advise on improvements and carry out upgrades where needed.
7. Staff Training and Emergency Planning
Even the best equipment is useless if people don’t know what to do. Make sure all staff:
-
Know the evacuation routes
-
Understand their role in an emergency
-
Can operate fire extinguishers (if appropriate)
-
Receive regular fire safety training
Your business fire safety plan should be reviewed annually and after any changes to layout or occupancy.
How Brooktech Can Help with Business Fire Safety
At Brooktech, we understand that staying on top of your fire safety responsibilities can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
We offer professional fire safety system installations tailored to your specific building and risk profile. Whether you need fire alarms, emergency lighting, or fire extinguishers installed in the right places — we’ve got the knowledge and experience to do it properly.
Just as importantly, we provide ongoing maintenance to keep your equipment in working order and compliant with safety regulations. From routine fire alarm testing and emergency lighting checks to extinguisher servicing and fire door inspections, we help ensure your premises stay safe all year round.
We work with a wide range of businesses — from letting agents and residential homes to warehouses, office buildings, and retail spaces — so you’ll always get a service that’s right for your sector.
If you’re ready to take the stress out of managing your business fire safety, Brooktech can help you put the right systems in place and keep them running smoothly with a tailored planned maintenance package.
Get in touch today and let’s talk about how we can help keep your people, your property and your peace of mind protected.
