How Not to Fail a Fire Risk Assessment
Nobody wants to hear “We’ll need to come back once these issues have been addressed.”
Whether you’re preparing for an internal fire risk assessment, an insurer visit or a formal inspection, most failures come down to the same handful of problems and nearly all of them are preventable.
At Brighter Compliance, we carry out fire risk assessments across the UK every week. The good news? The majority of issues we find can often be fixed before they become expensive problems.
Here’s what we’re looking for and how you can make sure your business is ready.
1. Blocked Fire Exits
It sounds obvious, but it’s still one of the most common findings.
Boxes waiting to be unpacked, cleaning equipment, stock deliveries or even a single chair can reduce the width of an escape route.
Ask yourself:
- Could everyone leave quickly if the alarm sounded?
- Are all fire exits easy to open?
- Are routes kept clear at all times?
Escape routes should never become temporary storage areas. They’re there to save lives. Keeping exits clear is a key requirement of UK fire safety guidance.
2. Fire Doors That Don’t Do Their Job
Fire doors only work if they’re in good condition.
During surveys we regularly find:
- Damaged seals
- Doors wedged open
- Large gaps around the frame
- Missing self-closing devices
- Damaged glazing
A fire door that’s been altered or doesn’t close properly may no longer provide the protection it was designed for. If you’re unsure whether your fire doors are compliant, our Fire Door Surveys can identify issues before they become a bigger problem.
3. Emergency Lighting Hasn’t Been Tested
Emergency lighting often goes unnoticed until the power fails.
Your survey may check whether:
- Lights are working
- Monthly function tests are being completed
- Annual inspections are recorded
- Defects have been repaired
If there’s no evidence that lighting has been maintained, it’ll almost certainly be raised as an action.
4. Fire Extinguishers Are Out of Date
Having extinguishers isn’t enough.
They should be:
- Correctly positioned
- Easily accessible
- Serviced annually
- Suitable for the fire risks within the building
A missing service label is one of the quickest things an assessor will notice.
5. Staff Don’t Know What To Do
You can have the best equipment in the world, but if nobody knows what to do during a fire, there’s still a serious risk.
We’ll often ask questions such as:
- Have staff received fire safety training?
- Do they know the evacuation procedure?
- Has a fire drill been carried out recently?
- Are fire wardens appointed where required?
Fire safety isn’t just about equipment, it’s also about people, planning and training.
6. Your Fire Risk Assessment Is Out of Date
A fire risk assessment shouldn’t sit in a drawer for years.
It should be reviewed whenever:
- The building changes
- You refurbish an area
- You change how a space is used
- Staff numbers increase
- There has been a fire or near miss
An outdated assessment may no longer reflect the risks within your premises. Government guidance recommends regular reviews and updates when significant changes occur.
If your assessment hasn’t been reviewed for a while, it could be worth arranging a Fire Risk Assessment to make sure it still reflects how your building is being used today.
7. Poor Housekeeping
Simple housekeeping has a huge impact on fire safety.
Common issues include:
- Waste building up
- Cardboard stored near electrical equipment
- Flammable liquids left unsecured
- Plant rooms used as storage
Good housekeeping reduces both the chance of a fire starting and how quickly it could spread.
8. Fire Alarm Maintenance Records Are Missing
It’s not enough to say your alarm is serviced.
You’ll usually be expected to provide evidence of:
- Routine testing
- Weekly checks
- Maintenance visits
- Repairs
- Service certificates
Keeping accurate records demonstrates that your fire safety systems are being maintained.
9. Safety Signage Is Missing or Damaged
Fire exit signs, extinguisher identification and emergency information all help people react quickly during an emergency.
Missing, faded or incorrect signage can easily become a survey action.
Take a quick walk around your building and ask yourself:
“Would a visitor know how to leave safely?”
10. Waiting Until Inspection Day
The biggest mistake businesses make?
Only thinking about fire safety when somebody is coming to inspect.
Fire safety should be part of everyday operations, not a last-minute tidy-up.
Regular surveys help identify issues before they become enforcement notices, insurance concerns or costly remedial works.
How Brighter Compliance Can Help
Fire safety surveys don’t have to be stressful.
At Brighter Compliance, we help businesses identify potential issues before they become bigger problems. Our surveys provide clear, practical recommendations, not pages of jargon, so you know exactly what needs attention and why.
Whether you manage a single office, multiple sites or a large industrial facility, we’ll help you stay compliant, protect your people and give you confidence that your premises are prepared.
Need a fire risk assessment? If you’re looking for an experienced team to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment or Fire Door Survey, we’d love to help. Get in touch with the team at Brighter Compliance to arrange a visit and make sure your business is inspection-ready.
FAQ’s
What happens during a fire risk assessment?
A fire safety survey is a thorough inspection of your premises to identify anything that could increase the risk of fire or prevent people from evacuating safely. During the survey, we’ll look at things like fire exits, fire doors, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, signage and escape routes, as well as reviewing any relevant fire safety documentation. Once we’ve finished, you’ll receive a clear report highlighting any areas that need attention, along with practical recommendations to help you stay compliant.
Can you fail a fire safety survey?
There’s no official pass or fail, but a fire safety survey may identify issues that need to be addressed. Some findings might be simple housekeeping tasks, while others could require more urgent action if they pose a risk to people’s safety. The aim of a fire safety survey isn’t to catch businesses out – it’s to help identify potential risks before they become bigger problems and support you in maintaining a safe, compliant workplace.
How often should a fire safety survey be carried out?
There’s no fixed legal timescale, but it’s good practice to carry out regular fire safety surveys, especially if your building, workforce or the way you operate has changed. Many businesses choose to have a survey annually to help keep on top of compliance, identify issues early and ensure their fire safety measures remain effective.
Who is responsible for fire safety in a business?
Under UK fire safety legislation, the responsibility usually sits with the Responsible Person. This could be the employer, business owner, landlord, facilities manager or anyone with control over the premises. They’re responsible for ensuring suitable fire safety measures are in place, carrying out or arranging a fire risk assessment, maintaining fire safety equipment and taking reasonable steps to protect everyone who uses the building.
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