If you run a small business, it is easy to assume that fire safety requirements are mainly for larger premises.
A small shop, office, salon or workshop can feel straightforward by comparison. You may already have an alarm and extinguishers in place, and only a few people on site at any one time.
You still need to understand the fire risks. Government guidance published in January 2026 confirms that businesses operating from commercial premises must carry out a fire risk assessment. It should consider the people who work at or visit the premises, how a fire might start and whether everyone could leave safely if one did.
What Does the Assessment Cover?
A fire risk assessment looks at how your premises are actually used. It considers possible sources of ignition, materials that could help a fire spread, escape routes, fire precautions and anyone who may need help to leave.
The findings should give you a clear basis for action. In one building, that could mean keeping an escape route free of storage. In another, it might mean looking more closely at a fire door, staff procedures or arrangements shared with a landlord. The right measures depend on the building and the people using it.
What If the Landlord Deals with the Building?
Fire safety duties can be shared. A landlord or managing agent may look after the common areas or certain systems, while your business controls what happens inside its own space. Where responsibilities overlap, the people involved need to cooperate.
Check who maintains the alarm, who looks after shared escape routes and who deals with any faults you report. It is much better to settle those questions before a problem arises.
When Should the Assessment Be Reviewed?
Think about what has changed since the last assessment. Have you altered the layout, taken on more staff, changed how a room is used or introduced new equipment? Has building work affected an escape route or a fire door?
Your assessment should reflect the premises as it is now. Significant changes that affect fire precautions are a reason to review it and revise it where needed.
Clear Advice for Your Premises
The aim is to understand the risks and deal with them sensibly. FRA Compliance provides independent Fire Risk Assessments with clear, practical advice for businesses across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
If you are unsure whether your current assessment still reflects your premises, get in touch for advice or a quotation.
Contact FRA Compliance
📞 Phone: 01822 489444
🌐 Website: https://fracompliance.co.uk/
FRA Compliance — Fire safety doesn’t happen by accident.
