Did you know that since October 2023, it is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises to have a fire risk assessment recorded by a competent person?
This applies to workplaces, commercial buildings and shared areas — regardless of size. Fire
risk assessments are no longer optional or informal; they must reflect real
risks and be kept up to date.
And those risks aren’t always obvious.
Recently, one of our clients experienced a fire caused by a discarded vape igniting inside a waste bin. Thankfully, no one was injured, but it caused premises damage and highlighted how easily everyday
items can create serious fire hazards.
5 Fire Risks You’re Probably Overlooking
Even inwell-managed premises, we often see the same issues cropping up:
Blocked fire exits
Fire routes used for storage can seriously delay evacuation in an emergency.
Overloadedelectrics
Extension leads, ageing wiring, cheap unregulated charging leads and damaged
plugs remain a common cause of fires.
Poorhousekeeping
Waste, packaging, and clutter can allow fires to spread faster than expected.
Outdatedrisk assessments
Changes to layouts, equipment, or occupancy can quickly make an assessment
inaccurate.
Unclearstaff procedures
If people don’t know what to do, even good fire safety measures can fail.
Why This Matters
Fire risk assessments should reflect what’s actually happening in your premises today,
not how it looked years ago. Regular reviews help protect people, reduce
disruption, and ensure you stay compliant with current legislation.
👉 If you’re unsure whether your fire risk assessment is still suitable and sufficient, now is the time to
review it.