To meet the fire safety requirements under UK law, businesses need to have certain essential fire equipment in place to protect employees, customers, and visitors and to minimise property damage in the event of a fire. The specific requirements for fire safety equipment are outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which places responsibility on the “Responsible Person” (typically the employer or building owner) to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures, including equipment, are in place. Here is an overview of the essential fire equipment every business should have as a minimum to stay compliant and maintain a safe environment.

1. Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are one of the most fundamental pieces of fire safety equipment for any business. The British Standard BS 5306 provides guidance on the number, type, and location of extinguishers based on the building size and potential fire risks.

Minimum Requirements for Fire Extinguishers

• Types: Different fire extinguisher types are needed depending on the types of fire risks present in the workplace. Common types include:
  • Water Extinguishers (for Class A fires involving solid combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles).
  • Foam Extinguishers (for Class A and B fires, including flammable liquids).
  • CO₂ Extinguishers (for electrical fires and flammable liquids).
  • Powder Extinguishers (suitable for various fire classes but can reduce visibility when used indoors, so these are typically recommended for industrial settings or external areas).
• Location and Accessibility: Fire extinguishers should be located at points of exit, in high-risk areas like kitchens, and distributed throughout the premises so that no one has to travel more than 30 meters to reach one.
• Maintenance: Extinguishers must be inspected annually by a competent person, typically a qualified fire safety technician, to ensure they’re in working order. Businesses are also required to keep records of these inspections as part of their fire safety compliance.

Practical Example

A small office with standard electrical equipment and paper storage would need water and CO₂ extinguishers, with the CO₂ placed near electrical equipment (such as the IT server room) and water extinguishers near exits.

2. Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

Fire alarms and detection systems are critical for alerting occupants to a fire. These systems should be appropriate for the size, layout, and purpose of the building.

Minimum Requirements for Fire Alarms

• Type of System: For small, low-risk premises, a simple manual alarm system with call points might be sufficient. For larger or high-risk premises, automatic fire detection (AFD) systems, such as smoke or heat detectors, are required to provide early warnings.
• Coverage: All parts of the building where a fire could start need to have detection coverage. This includes storage rooms, kitchens, and areas with significant electrical equipment.
• Maintenance: Fire alarms should be tested weekly by the Responsible Person to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Full inspections and servicing by a qualified technician should occur at least twice a year.

Practical Example

A retail shop with a small back-office area could use a manual call-point system at exits. For larger premises like hotels or factories, a full automatic detection system with smoke and heat detectors in various areas is necessary to meet compliance standards.

3. Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is essential for safe evacuation in the event of a power failure. In accordance with the British Standard BS 5266, emergency lighting is required in areas where sudden darkness could pose a risk, such as stairways, corridors, and high-risk zones.

Minimum Requirements for Emergency Lighting

• Location: Emergency lights should be installed along all escape routes, stairwells, and in areas without natural light. High-risk areas, such as industrial spaces or kitchens, also require emergency lighting.
• Maintenance and Testing: Emergency lighting must be tested monthly to ensure it activates correctly. Full duration tests are typically performed annually by a qualified technician to confirm that emergency lights remain on for their specified duration (often 3 hours).

Practical Example

An office building with several floors and staircases would require emergency lighting on each floor and along all exit paths. In the event of a fire, emergency lighting guides occupants towards safe exits even if power is lost.

4. Fire Safety Signage

Fire safety signage is legally required to guide building occupants to exits and provide instructions on fire safety equipment use. Signs should comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which dictates the standardised symbols and colours for fire safety signs.

Minimum Requirements for Fire Safety Signage

• Fire Exit Signs: Fire exits must be clearly marked with signs that guide people to the nearest safe exit. These should be visible and illuminated, either by emergency lighting or built-in lighting, to ensure visibility in low light.
• Equipment Signage: Fire extinguishers and other equipment should be labelled with signs indicating their type and intended use.
• Instructional Signage: Signs providing instructions, such as “In case of fire, do not use lifts” or “Fire assembly point,” are also required, especially in larger premises.

Practical Example

A manufacturing facility with multiple exits should have fire exit signs along all paths, showing the direction to the nearest safe exit. Additionally, instructions for fire extinguisher use should be clearly posted.

5. Fire Doors

Fire doors play a critical role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke, allowing time for safe evacuation. All designated fire doors should be kept closed and marked with appropriate signage.

Minimum Requirements for Fire Doors

• Location: Fire doors are typically required in areas where they will help contain a fire, such as stairwells, corridors, and areas separating different parts of a building (e.g., offices from warehouse space).
• Signage: Each fire door should have a “Fire Door – Keep Shut” sign, and doors that are routinely held open should be fitted with automatic release devices that close the door in case of fire.
• Maintenance: Fire doors need to be inspected regularly for any damage to the door, frame, hinges, and seals that could compromise their effectiveness. Faulty fire doors should be repaired or replaced immediately.

Practical Example

An office building with fire doors leading to staircases should have these doors inspected to ensure they close fully and latch correctly, keeping stairwells safe for evacuation.

6. First Aid Kits for Burns

While not directly required by the Fire Safety Order, having first aid kits equipped to treat burns is recommended, especially in workplaces where there is an elevated risk of fire, such as kitchens, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities.

Minimum Requirements for First Aid Kits

• Contents: Burn-specific supplies, such as burn dressings, gels, and cold packs, should be included.
• Location: Kits should be easily accessible in high-risk areas and checked regularly to ensure all supplies are stocked and in date.

Practical Example

A restaurant should have burn kits in or near the kitchen area, as well as training for staff on how to treat minor burns while awaiting medical assistance.

In Summary…

To meet minimum compliance, businesses must equip their premises with fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency lighting, safety signage, fire doors, and, where appropriate, burn treatment supplies. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places the responsibility for choosing, maintaining, and testing this equipment on the business’s “Responsible Person.” This proactive approach ensures that fire safety is both adequate for the specific environment and capable of evolving as the business or premises changes.

Investing in these essential pieces of fire equipment not only fulfills legal obligations but also provides peace of mind by safeguarding the lives of employees and visitors. Regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to fire safety regulations are crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring a swift and safe response in case of a fire emergency.