FAQS

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As an employer, what do I need to do to ensure everyone is safe from fire in my business?

To ensure adequate fire safety in the workplace, UK regulations—specifically the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005—set out clear responsibilities and actions.

The employer as the ‘Responsible Person’ must:

  • Carry out a Fire Risk Assessment: Identify fire hazards, people at risk, and evaluate, remove, or reduce risks and ensure the actions are acted upon.
  • Review the Assessment Regularly: Especially after significant changes to the premises or workforce.

The following may be required:

  • Adequate fire alarms and detection systems
  • Keep escape routes and exits clearly marked and unobstructed.
  • Having appropriate firefighting equipment available (fire extinguishers, blankets, etc.).
  • Providing emergency lighting to illuminate exit routes and fire equipment.
  • Maintain and test all fire safety systems and equipment
  • Provide staff fire safety training on induction and periodically thereafter including evacuation procedures.
  • Deliver specific training for anyone with any specific fire safety role within the organisation including during evacuation procedures.
  • Carry out fire evacuation drills
  • Record the training that has been delivered.
  • Ensure visitors and contractors are given relevant fire safety information.
  • Consult workers on fire safety in the workplace.

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What is a fire strategy?

A fire strategy is a documented plan that details how fire safety is embedded into the design, layout, and management of a building. It forms the backbone of fire risk management and helps ensure people’s safety while meeting legal requirements.

A comprehensive fire strategy often includes:

  • Means of Escape: Clearly defined and unobstructed escape routes with appropriate signage and emergency lighting.
  • Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: Types of detectors, coverage areas, and how alarms are triggered and communicated.
  • Fire Compartmentation: How the building is divided into fire-resistant sections to contain and slow the spread of fire and smoke.
  • Firefighting Provisions: Location and type of equipment like extinguishers, sprinklers, and hose reels, including access for fire services.
  • Occupant Characteristics: Any specific risks or vulnerabilities (e.g., people with mobility challenges, sleeping occupants, high visitor turnover).
  • Evacuation Strategy: Whether it’s simultaneous, phased, or staff-assisted, depending on the building’s size and use.
  • Emergency Signage and Lighting: To guide safe evacuation, especially under low visibility.
  • Building Features: Materials used in construction, fire-resistant doors and glazing, and design features that impact fire safety.
  • Roles and Responsibilities: A clear breakdown of who is responsible for what—such as fire marshals, maintenance personnel, management, or external contractors. This ensures accountability and fast, informed action during an incident.
  • Management Systems: Maintenance plans, training schedules, and procedures for reviewing and updating the strategy.

This document often supports the fire risk assessment and may be required by building control authorities or insurers — especially for more complex or high-risk premises.

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Why Do You Need a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment is essential because it identifies potential hazards, evaluates risks to people, and outlines clear steps to reduce or eliminate those risks. It’s more than best practice—it’s a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises in the UK.

Here’s Why It Matters:

  • Legal compliance – Building owners, employers, landlords, and managing agents are legally required to complete and regularly review a Fire Risk Assessment.
  • Protecting lives – Ensures that alarms, escape routes, and fire-fighting equipment are in place and functional, keeping occupants safe.
  • Preventing damage – Fires can devastate businesses. A strong assessment can help prevent incidents before they ignite.
  • Avoiding penalties – Failing to comply can result in enforcement notices, fines, or even prosecution.
  • Documentation requirement – Fire Risk Assessments must be recorded, and the significant findings must be shared with relevant individuals.

How K M Fire and Safety Can Help
Based in Hull and serving the East Riding of Yorkshire, K M Fire and Safety provides expert Fire Risk Assessments, fire door inspections, and bespoke action plans to help you meet legal requirements and stay safe. With over 40 years of experience, including public fire
service enforcement, their team delivers clear, practical guidance that gets results—no jargon, no waffle.

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Can I Inspect My Own Fire Doors?

Yes, you can carry out basic fire door checks yourself, provided you know what to look for. These checks are useful for spotting obvious issues, but they don’t replace formal inspections by a competent person—especially in non-domestic or multi-occupied residential
buildings.

What You Can Check:

  • Is the door clearly marked as a fire door?
  • Are the door and frame free from damage?
  • Does the self-closing device work properly—i.e. does the door close fully and latch shut when released from both fully open (at least 70 degrees) and from a partially open position (around 5 degrees or 75 mm)?
  • Are the intumescent and smoke seals intact and undamaged?
  • Are the hinges secure and free from damage?
  • Are the gaps between the door and frame?
    • 2 to 4 mm at the sides and head?
    • No more than 3 mm at the threshold, if the door is required to prevent the passage of smoke?
    • Up to 8–10 mm at the threshold, if smoke control is not required?

These visual checks can be done monthly or as part of routine maintenance.

When to Call in a Professional:

  • If you’re unsure about any aspect of the door’s condition or compliance.
  • If the door is part of a communal area or high-risk building.
  • If you need a formal fire door inspection report for legal or insurance purposes.

Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations2022, (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022/fact-sheet-fire-doors-regulation-10), then responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres must:

  • Carry out quarterly checks of fire doors in communal areas.
  • Use best endeavours to check every flat entrance door annually.

    For commercial, industrial, and other non-residential buildings, six-monthly inspections are widely recommended to meet fire safety obligations and maintain compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

    How K M Fire and Safety Can Help
    Whether you’re managing a workplace, residential block, or public building, K M Fire and Safety is here to help. With over 40 years of experience and a background in public fire service enforcement, they provide detailed fire door inspections, clear reports, and practical
    advice to keep your premises safe and compliant. Where possible, they’ll also advise on suitable repair methods to maintain the fire-resisting performance of your doors—helping you avoid unnecessary replacements.

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    Can I Carry Out My Own Fire Risk Assessment?

    Yes, you can carry out your own Fire Risk Assessment—but only if you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to do so. The law doesn’t require you to hire a professional, but it does require that the assessment be suitable and sufficient for your premises.

    Things to Consider:

    • Competence is key – You must understand how fires start and spread, be able to identify hazards, assess risks, and recommend appropriate safety measures.
    • Simple premises? Possibly DIY – If your building is small, low-risk, and has a straightforward layout, you may be able to complete the assessment yourself using official guidance such as:
    • A guide to making your small non-domestic premises safe from fire,
    • A guide to making your small paying-guest-accommodation safe from fire, and
    • A guide to making your small block of flats safe from fire.
    • Complex or high-risk premises? Get help – If your building has multiple floors, vulnerable occupants, or unusual layouts, it’s strongly recommended to use a qualified fire risk assessor.

    How K M Fire and Safety Can Help

    Whether your premises are simple or complex, K M Fire and Safety is here to help. With over 40 years of experience and a solid foundation in public fire service enforcement, we deliver clear, practical Fire Risk Assessments tailored to your needs. Our no-nonsense approach ensures you’re not only compliant but confidently protected.

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    My fire doors do not meet today’s standards. Do I need to replace them?

    Not necessarily.
    If your existing fire doors are in good condition, function correctly, and provide adequate fire resistance, they may still be compliant under current regulations—even if they don’t meet the latest specifications. According to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, fire doors
    must be regularly checked and maintained to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

    However, if a fire risk assessment identifies significant faults—such as damaged seals, poor self-closing mechanisms, or structural issues—then remedial work or full replacement may be required to ensure safety and compliance.

    It’s best to have a qualified fire door inspector assess the doors and advise whether repairs or upgrades are sufficient, or if replacement is the safer option.

    K M Fire and Safety offers a professional fire door inspection service across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, helping you assess the condition of your doors and determine whether repairs or replacements are necessary.