How Can You Strengthen Your Fire Safety Plan for the Year Ahead?

As we step into a new year, businesses are often focused on fresh opportunities and growth. But one crucial area that should never be overlooked is fire safety. A well-prepared fire safety plan not only protects lives but also ensures compliance with the law and safeguards your premises, equipment, and reputation.

Strengthening your fire safety plan for the year ahead is about more than ticking boxes. It means actively reviewing procedures, updating equipment, and ensuring your workforce is trained and confident in what to do during an emergency. Below, we explore practical steps every business can take to reinforce fire safety in 2026.

Review and Update Your Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment is the foundation of every safety plan. It identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and sets out the measures needed to minimise them. But workplaces are dynamic, and risks change over time.

This year, make it a priority to:

  • Update your assessment if you’ve made changes to your premises, staff numbers, or working practices.

  • Look for new hazards, such as additional electrical equipment, flammable materials, or temporary storage solutions.

  • Check that existing safety measures are still effective and compliant with regulations.

An up-to-date fire risk assessment keeps your business legally compliant under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Strengthen Fire Extinguisher Servicing and Maintenance

Fire extinguishers are often the first line of defence when a fire breaks out, but they’re only effective if properly maintained. Following the British Standard BS 5306-3, you should:

  • Carry out monthly visual checks to confirm extinguishers are accessible and undamaged.

  • Arrange for annual servicing by a qualified engineer to test pressure, seals, and overall function.

  • Plan for extended servicing every five years (or replacement after ten years, depending on the type).

At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, we provide professional servicing to keep your extinguishers compliant and ready to perform when needed.

Test Alarms and Emergency Lighting

Your fire alarm system is critical for providing early warning. If it fails, people may not have enough time to evacuate safely. Similarly, emergency lighting helps guide occupants to exits when visibility is poor.

To strengthen your plan:

  • Conduct weekly alarm tests and record results in a logbook.

  • Schedule professional servicing of alarms and emergency lighting at least twice a year.

  • Replace batteries and faulty equipment without delay.

These simple measures can significantly improve response times in an emergency.

Refresh Fire Warden Training

Fire wardens (or marshals) play a vital role in keeping people safe. They check escape routes, assist evacuations, and liaise with emergency services. However, their effectiveness depends on regular training.

This year, ensure that:

  • You have enough wardens to cover each floor or department.

  • All wardens receive up-to-date training, refreshed annually.

  • Wardens conduct regular checks of escape routes and report potential hazards.

A confident, well-trained team of fire wardens can make all the difference in a high-pressure situation.

Plan and Practise Fire Drills

A fire safety plan is only effective if people know how to follow it. Fire drills provide an opportunity to test your procedures, highlight weaknesses, and ensure everyone knows where to go.

Best practices include:

  • Holding at least one fire drill per year (two for larger or higher-risk premises).

  • Reviewing performance after each drill to identify delays or confusion.

  • Making adjustments to improve evacuation speed and safety.

Fire drills are more than a formality—they’re essential training for staff and reassurance for management.

Improve Staff Awareness and Training

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Staff need to understand how to prevent fires and how to act if one occurs.

Consider providing:

  • Induction training for new starters.

  • Refresher sessions for existing employees.

  • Specialised training where required, such as in kitchens, workshops, or warehouses.

A workforce that understands fire safety contributes to a safer, more resilient business environment.

Evaluate Industry-Specific Risks

Some industries face unique fire hazards. Restaurants may need kitchen suppression systems, warehouses may require sprinkler coverage, and offices with heavy IT equipment must consider electrical fire risks.

Review your industry-specific needs and invest in tailored solutions to provide the highest level of protection.

Strengthen Record-Keeping

Fire safety is not just about action—it’s also about documentation. Regulators and insurers may request proof of your compliance.

Ensure that you:

  • Keep up-to-date records of risk assessments, alarm tests, servicing, and drills.

  • Store documentation securely but accessibly for audits or inspections.

  • Review logs regularly to ensure nothing has been missed.

Good record-keeping demonstrates responsibility and helps protect your business legally and financially.

Conclusion: Build a Safer Year Ahead

The New Year is the perfect time to strengthen your fire safety plan. By reviewing risk assessments, keeping equipment in top condition, training staff, and conducting drills, you can protect lives and property while ensuring compliance with fire safety laws.

At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, we’re here to support businesses across the UK with professional fire extinguisher servicing and expert advice.

For help updating your fire safety measures for the year ahead, call us today on 0330 133 0380.