Fire risk assessment for a small business
Every business with premises in England and Wales needs a written fire risk assessment, whatever its size. For a simple shop, office or café the owner can usually do it in under an hour by following five steps.
The five steps
- Identify the fire hazards: sources of ignition (wiring, heaters, cooking) and things that burn (paper, packaging, stock, waste).
- Identify people at risk: staff, customers, people working alone, and anyone who would need help to get out.
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks: alarm, escape routes, fire doors, emergency lighting, extinguishers, housekeeping.
- Record, plan and train: write down the findings, prepare an emergency plan and train your staff.
- Review regularly and whenever something changes.
Steps as published on gov.uk (“Fire safety in the workplace”), checked October 2026.
What changed in October 2023
Before 1 October 2023 only businesses with five or more employees, a licence or an alterations notice had to write down their significant findings. Now every Responsible Person must record all the findings, the fire safety arrangements, and the name of the person (and organisation) who did the assessment. In a shared building you must also find out who the other Responsible Persons are and cooperate with them.
Examples by type of premises
| Premises | Hazards that usually matter most |
|---|---|
| Shop | Stock and packaging blocking exits, rubbish stored outside, display lighting |
| Office | Chargers and extension leads, kitchen appliances, paper storage |
| Café or takeaway | Fryers, grease in extract ducts, gas, cooking oil |
| Workshop | Hot work, flammable liquids, dust, pallets |
Can I do my own fire risk assessment?
Yes, if you are competent to do it for your premises. Gov.uk says you can use a guide; if you lack the expertise or time, appoint a competent person such as a professional fire risk assessor. Your local fire and rescue service can advise but cannot do it for you.
What about contractors and hot work?
Welding, cutting, grinding and roofing are a common cause of fires in business premises. Ask contractors for a method statement and risk assessment (RAMS) before they start and include a fire watch afterwards. Contractors can create RAMS and run a toolbox talk on hot work with RAMS Maker.
What happens if I don’t have one?
Fire and rescue authorities can inspect premises and issue alteration, enforcement or prohibition notices. Serious breaches can be prosecuted, with fines and in the worst cases imprisonment.
By type of premises: office · shop · restaurant, café and takeaway · all premises
Related: checklist · fire log book · COSHH assessment