Our guide to fire safety in an office

When it comes to fire safety in an office building, employers have a duty of care to its staff, as specified in The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005. This includes implementing a range of different measures such as having clear evacuation routes, installing and maintaining fire extinguishers, and ensuring that appropriate fire safety training is provided to keep everyone safe in the event of a fire. 

Fire safety in an office can be a complex matter, but being prepared is key to preventing disasters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about fire safety in your office building to give you a better understanding on how to keep your workplace safe in case of an emergency.

What are the current office fire regulations?

As we’ve briefly mentioned above, fire safety in workplaces is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These regulations clearly state what every business must do to ensure adequate fire safety measures are implemented in their building. These include:

• Conducting a fire risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement safety measures to mitigate these risks
• Employers and ‘responsible persons’ must ensure adequate fire safety training for staff
• Offices must have fire detection systems, clear evacuation routes, and properly maintained fire extinguishers
• A fire emergency plan must also be in place, and all employees should be made aware of it

The importance of adhering to these office fire regulations cannot be overstated, as they ensure the well-being of your staff, building, and assets. Failure to comply can result in serious consequences including fines, legal action, or imprisonment in cases of severe neglect.

Who is responsible for fire safety in an office?

The ‘responsible person’, which is usually the employer, is the main person who is responsible for fire safety in an office. Depending on the size of the business, the responsible person may also appoint one or more fire wardens or marshals, who will take on the role of identifying risks in their area, and for ensuring the safe evacuation of other employees in the event of a fire. There are also a number of other things that they must oversee as part of the role, which include:

• Carrying out regular fire assessments
• Informing staff about identified risks
• Putting appropriate fire safety measures in place
• Making plans for a potential fire emergency
• Providing all staff with fire safety information and training  

Which employees need fire safety training?

As stated in The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005, all workers should receive “training on the appropriate precautions and actions… to safeguard themselves and other relevant persons on the premises.” 

Basic training in fire safety for employees should be provided at the start of a person’s employment, when they are shown where to find fire extinguishers, where the nearest fire exits are, and which assembly point they should head to when evacuating the premises.

The responsible person and any designated fire wardens however, will need far more in-depth training, so that they have the skills and confidence to manage others’ safety. Their training will usually include:

• Learning about the different classes of fire 
• Carrying out risk assessments and identifying potential fire hazards
• Coordinating fire drills and evacuations
• Checking and testing fire alarms
• The safe and effective use of fire extinguishers

It is recommended that this kind of in-depth training is provided for all employees where possible, as these skills that will be learnt will more than likely be vital in the event of a fire.

How often should office fire training be carried out?

As well as providing fire safety training for new employees as part of the induction process, you should provide refresher training at least once a year for the responsible person and designated fire wardens to make sure important fire safety information is reinforced to employees.

It’s important to note that there may be certain circumstances in which providing fire safety training should be increased. For example, you should provide training after an incident has occurred and it affects your fire safety plan, or there has been a change in your company’s evacuation procedures. 

Key factors to keep in mind for your office fire safety plan

When you’re putting your office fire safety plan together, there are a few key factors to keep in mind including:

• Fire prevention – based on your fire risk assessment, think of what strategies you need to implement to help prevent a fire from starting in the first place
• Emergency procedures – consider the fire detection systems you’ll need or you already have, how you’ll respond in the event of a fire, and what needs to happen after an incident
• Fire safety equipment – your fire risk assessment and fire prevention strategies will help you determine what fire safety equipment you’ll need for your environment as not all are suitable for every environment

Speaking with a professional fire safety company like Hoyles Fire & Safety, can help you create a robust fire safety plan for your office building. Our experts have specialist knowledge, experience, and competence to carry out commercial fire risk assessments, install and maintain fire safety equipment, and provide training to your employees, all while ensuring you’re in compliance with office fire regulations.

Contact us today for your office fire safety

Fire safety in an office environment is a shared responsibility, and taking proactive steps can reduce risks, protect lives, and safeguard your property, as well as ensuring you’re meeting legal requirements.

At Hoyles, we’re commercial fire safety specialists who are part of the LS Fire Group and we provide a range of fire safety services and products for businesses local to us in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, as well as across the UK with the help of our partner brands.

From fire safety training to office fire risk assessments, you can be sure you’re getting the very best support and assistance when it comes to managing fire safety and prevention in your workplace. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to find out more about our services and products, and how we can help your business.

Office fire safety FAQs

Is fire safety training a legal requirement for office workers?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all employees must receive basic fire safety training as this ensures they know how to prevent fires and respond in the event of an emergency.

What are the most common causes of office fires?

The main causes include electrical faults, overloaded sockets, flammable materials near heat sources, and human error (such as leaving appliances switched on). You should conduct regular inspections and training to help reduce these risks.

How do I know if my office fire safety measures are compliant?

You should conduct a fire risk assessment to check that fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency exits, and training are all up to date. If you’re unsure, you should consider hiring a professional fire safety company, like Hoyles, to assess compliance with UK fire safety regulations.