Is Your Workplace Fire-Safe? Key Steps to Take Before National Fire Safety Month

October is National Fire Safety Month, a time for all workplaces across the UK to take stock of their fire safety measures, review procedures, and ensure both compliance and protection. While many organisations treat fire safety as a box-ticking exercise, the reality is that failing to take it seriously can lead to devastating consequences for people, property, and business operations.

At Fireline UK, we work with businesses of all sizes to improve fire safety standards. From offices and shops to warehouses and workshops, we help ensure your fire precautions are not only compliant with the law but fully effective when it matters most.

In this blog, we break down the key steps every workplace should take in the lead-up to Fire Safety Month, offering a practical guide to help you protect your staff, your premises, and your peace of mind.

Why Fire Safety Should Be a Priority

Fires in the workplace can start unexpectedly and escalate quickly. The causes are often everyday issues—faulty wiring, overloaded sockets, kitchen mishaps, or even carelessly discarded cigarette ends. Without the right measures in place, a small fire can result in serious injuries, significant property damage, and long-term business disruption.

Worse still, failure to comply with fire safety laws can result in fines, legal action, or even imprisonment for those found to be negligent. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 outlines legal duties for employers and business owners, which include carrying out risk assessments, maintaining fire safety equipment, and ensuring staff are trained appropriately.

Fire Safety Month is the perfect opportunity to ensure you’re meeting your obligations—and going beyond them to create a safer workplace for everyone.

Step 1: Review Your Fire Risk Assessment

Every workplace in the UK is legally required to have a current fire risk assessment. This assessment should identify:

  • Fire hazards

  • People at risk

  • Procedures to reduce or remove those risks

  • Emergency plans and escape routes

  • Recommendations for fire safety equipment

If your workplace has experienced any changes in layout, staffing, or operations over the past year, your fire risk assessment should be reviewed and updated. At Fireline UK, we offer comprehensive fire risk assessments carried out by qualified professionals, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Step 2: Service Fire Safety Equipment

Fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and emergency lighting are only effective if they’re properly maintained. Before Fire Safety Month, carry out a thorough inspection of all your fire safety equipment:

  • Extinguishers – Check they’re in-date, located in the correct places, and suited to the types of fire risk in your workplace (e.g. Class A for solids, Class B for liquids, CO2 for electrical fires).

  • Alarms – Test weekly and ensure they’re audible throughout the building.

  • Emergency lighting – Make sure it functions during power cuts.

  • Fire doors – Confirm they close automatically and aren’t wedged open.

  • Escape signage – Ensure all signage is visible, illuminated (where required), and legible.

Fireline UK provides scheduled servicing and maintenance contracts to ensure your equipment meets all British Standards and legal requirements.

Step 3: Train Staff and Appoint Fire Marshals

Your staff need to know exactly what to do in the event of a fire. Fire safety training should be provided for all new employees and refreshed regularly for existing team members.

Key training areas include:

  • Raising the alarm

  • Evacuation procedures

  • Using fire extinguishers (where appropriate)

  • Understanding fire risks relevant to their roles

  • Location of exits, assembly points, and fire equipment

In addition, every business should appoint and train Fire Marshals (also known as Fire Wardens). These individuals are responsible for helping coordinate evacuations, performing roll calls, and ensuring all areas are cleared safely.

Step 4: Conduct a Fire Drill

Fire drills are an essential part of your workplace fire safety strategy. They provide an opportunity to:

  • Test your evacuation procedures

  • Ensure escape routes are accessible

  • Assess staff response times and behaviour

  • Identify areas for improvement

October is an ideal time to hold a practice fire drill, particularly if you haven’t conducted one in the past 6 months. Be sure to document the drill and review what went well and what could be improved.

Step 5: Communicate Fire Safety Responsibilities

Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Make sure every employee is aware of:

  • How to raise the alarm

  • Where to find fire exits

  • What to do during a fire evacuation

  • Who the designated Fire Marshals are

  • Where the assembly point is located

Display this information clearly in break rooms, near fire exits, and on staff noticeboards. A clear, well-communicated plan can make all the difference in an emergency.

Step 6: Inspect Escape Routes and Building Layout

A safe and speedy evacuation relies on well-maintained escape routes. Before Fire Safety Month begins:

  • Walk all escape routes to check for obstructions

  • Ensure corridors and stairwells are free from storage or clutter

  • Confirm exit doors open freely and aren’t locked during working hours

  • Check all fire exit signage is in place and up to standard

If you’ve made changes to the layout of your premises, update your fire escape plan accordingly.

Step 7: Prepare for Power Cuts and Emergencies

Fire doesn’t always strike in ideal conditions. A power cut, blocked stairwell, or missing key holder can quickly create complications.

Prepare for the unexpected by:

  • Installing emergency lighting in all key areas

  • Having a backup power source for alarms, if needed

  • Keeping an emergency grab bag with torches, first aid supplies, and staff contact details

  • Reviewing lone worker procedures, especially in large or shift-based organisations

Final Thoughts: Prevention is Better than Cure

Investing time and effort into your fire safety preparations this October could prevent a disaster—and potentially save lives. Beyond legal compliance, it shows your commitment to a responsible, safety-focused working environment.

Let Fireline UK Help You Prepare

At Fireline UK, we’re proud to support UK businesses with expert advice, equipment servicing, training, and fire risk assessments. Whether you need a one-off inspection or a full workplace fire safety plan, our experienced team is here to help.