As a business owner or employer, you have a legal duty to protect your staff, customers, and visitors from fire. Here's exactly what the law requires — and how to meet it without the jargon.
The Law: What Are Employers Required to Do?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary legislation governing fire safety in commercial premises in England and Wales. It applies to virtually every workplace — offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses, factories, and any premises where people work or visit.
Under the Order, the 'responsible person' (typically the employer, building owner, or managing agent) must:
- Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment
- Implement appropriate fire safety measures based on the assessment
- Maintain those measures in good working order
- Plan for emergency evacuation
- Train staff in fire safety procedures
- Record the findings (mandatory for premises with five or more employees or where a licence is held)
Fire Alarm Systems for Commercial Premises
Every commercial premises must have a means of detecting fire and raising the alarm. What this looks like in practice depends on the size and risk profile of the building:
- Small, low-risk premises (e.g., a small office): A simple, conventional panel system with smoke detectors and sounders may be sufficient
- Medium premises with multiple zones: An addressable system that can pinpoint the location of activation
- Large or high-risk premises: A fully addressable system with multiple detectors, sounders, visual alarms, voice evacuation, and connection to an ARC
Emergency Lighting and Signage
Fire exit signs must be clearly visible, with green pictogram signage complying with BS ISO 7010. Emergency lighting must illuminate escape routes for a minimum of three hours in the event of a mains power failure. Both systems must be tested and maintained regularly.
Fire Extinguishers
Most commercial premises are required to have appropriate fire extinguishers — the type and number depending on the risk profile. Water extinguishers for paper and textile fires, CO2 for electrical fires, and foam or dry powder for specific risks. All extinguishers must be serviced annually by a qualified engineer.
Staff Training and Evacuation Plans
All staff must receive basic fire safety training, including how to raise the alarm, evacuation routes, the location of assembly points, and how to use a fire extinguisher safely. Fire drills should be conducted at least annually for most premises.
Nominated fire marshals need additional training in sweeping their zones, accounting for all occupants at the assembly point, and liaising with the fire brigade on arrival.
How Security Red Alert Can Help
We install and service fire alarm systems for businesses of all sizes across London — from a small office in Wimbledon to a multi-storey warehouse in Croydon. We carry out fire risk assessments, supply and service fire extinguishers, and install emergency lighting and signage.
Everything is done to British Standards, and we provide all the documentation you need for compliance. Contact us for a free site survey.
Need help with this in London?
Security Red Alert covers all 32 London boroughs from our Summerstown SW17 office. Explore our Fire Alarm Installation, Home Fire Alarms and Fire Extinguishers services, or call 020 8946 5567 for a free survey.