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Fire risk assessment checklist

Walk round your premises with these questions. Any “no” is something to fix and should go into your action plan with a priority and a date. The online template asks the same questions and builds the action plan for you.

Detection and warning

• Is there a fire alarm or detection system that warns everyone in the building?
• Is it tested weekly and serviced by a competent person, with records kept?

Means of escape

• Are escape routes and final exits clear and easy to open without a key?
• Are exits and routes signed?
• Is there emergency lighting where routes would be dark, tested monthly?
• Are fire doors self-closing, undamaged and never wedged open?

Firefighting

• Are suitable extinguishers or fire blankets provided, visible and serviced annually?

Sources of ignition

• Do contractors doing hot work give you RAMS and keep a fire watch afterwards?
• Has the fixed wiring been inspected (EICR) and are portable appliances checked?
• Is smoking banned inside, with any smoking area away from doors and bins?
• Are heaters and cooking equipment used and maintained safely?
• Is charging of e-bikes and e-scooters kept off escape routes?

Sources of fuel

• Are flammable liquids and stock stored safely and in small quantities?
• Is rubbish removed regularly and bins kept away from the building?

Management

• Do staff get training at induction and regular refreshers?
• Is a fire drill held at least once a year?
• Do people who need help to escape have a personal evacuation plan?
• Have you identified other Responsible Persons in the building?
• Is there a log book of tests, checks and training?

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