Fire Risk Assessments
To keep your people safe – and yourself within the law – make sure you have a Fire Risk Assessment. Visit our Fire Risk Assessment page for more information.
Fire detection
By law, there must be at least one smoke alarm installed on every floor of the property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance, such as a coal fire or wood burning stove.
There is a useful help guide available on the GOV.UK website.
Fire doors
Fire doors stop the spread of heat and smoke in the event of a fire. Without them, people in the building may not be able to evacuate when necessary due to smoke logging and high temperatures in escape routes.
You must ensure:
- All front doors and doors on corridors and staircases are ‘self closing’ fire doors.
- Fire doors are not wedged open.
- Door closing devices haven’t been tampered with or become defective.
Storage and security
In the event of a fire, items in the hallway and on staircases can stop people escaping, and stop firefighters doing their job.
You need to ensure that:
- Corridors, stairs and stairwells are kept clear.
- Electrical and gas riser cupboards are not used for storage.
Government Guidance
For simple and practical advice to assist persons with responsibilities for fire safety in paying guest accommodation with simple layouts, limited fire risks and a small number of bedrooms designated as guest sleeping accommodation for short-term lets, such as small bed and breakfast, guest houses and self-catering accommodation, visit the GOV.UK website.
Contact the Business Safety Team