Fire Safety Checklists

Fire risk assessment: the 5 steps

Based on the gov.uk fire safety risk assessment 5-step checklist.

• Identify the fire hazards: sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen, and unsafe practices
• Identify the people at risk: staff, visitors, contractors and anyone who may need help to escape
• Evaluate the risk and act: remove or reduce hazards, and check escape routes, detection, warning, lighting and signage
• Record, plan, inform and train: record your findings and arrangements, and make sure people know what to do
• Review: review regularly and whenever there is a significant change

Since the Building Safety Act 2022 (October 2023), the assessment and your fire safety arrangements must be recorded in full, whatever the size of the business.

Fire door check: 5 quick steps

Based on the Fire Door Safety Week five-step fire door check.

• Certification: look for a label or marking (often on the top or side edge) confirming it is a certificated fire door
• Gaps: check the gaps around the door are consistent, roughly 3mm, and the under-door gap is not excessive
• Seals: check intumescent and smoke seals are present, continuous and undamaged, and not painted over
• Hinges: check all hinges are firmly fixed, with no missing or broken screws
• Closing: open the door halfway, let go, and check it closes firmly onto the latch without sticking

This is a quick visual check, not a substitute for a detailed inspection by a competent person.

Before your fire risk assessment: what to have ready

A Daedon preparation checklist.

• Floor plans or a layout of the premises
• How the building is used and how many people use it
• Any previous fire risk assessment and action plan
• Fire alarm and emergency lighting test records
• Fire door inspection and maintenance records
• Staff training and fire drill records
• Details of anyone who may need help to evacuate
• Information on recent works, alterations or changes of use

Landlord & HMO fire safety checklist

Drawn from gov.uk guidance and the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (as amended 2022).

• A current fire risk assessment covering the communal areas
• At least one working smoke alarm on every storey with living accommodation, tested at the start of each tenancy
• A carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
• Clear, unobstructed escape routes and final exits
• Fire doors appropriate to the building, kept self-closing and not wedged open
• Emergency lighting on escape routes where it is needed
• A safe electrical installation, with periodic inspection and testing
• Furniture that meets fire safety regulations in furnished lets
• Clear fire safety and evacuation information given to residents
• Records of checks, tests, maintenance and training kept up to date

HMOs carry additional duties and licensing conditions; requirements vary with the building.