Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats—owner, manager, marketer, bookkeeper… and like it or not, fire safety officer too.
If you’ve got a shop, office, café, workshop, salon, or any kind of premises where people work or visit, then yes—you need a fire risk assessment. It’s not just good practice—it’s the law.
But before you start panicking about clipboards and fire drills, don’t worry. At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we help small businesses across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire stay safe and compliant—without overcomplicating things.
Here’s everything you need to know, clearly and simply.
Why Fire Risk Assessments Matter for Small Businesses
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, you must carry out a Fire Risk Assessment for any non-domestic premises. That means:
- Offices
- High street shops
- Cafés and restaurants
- Hair and beauty salons
- Small industrial units or studios
- Co-working spaces
- Garages and workshops
- And yes—even that spare room at home, if you use it to see clients
If someone works there, visits, or receives a service from you—it counts.
Since October 2023, the law now requires all fire risk assessments to be recorded in writing—even if you’re self-employed or have fewer than five employees.
What a Fire Risk Assessment Involves
A fire risk assessment isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s a process to identify:
✅ What could cause a fire (hazards like electrics, cooking, flammables)
✅ Who could be at risk (staff, customers, contractors)
✅ How serious the risk is
✅ What measures are in place already
✅ What needs to be improved
✅ What actions you’ll take—and when
This could be as simple as checking your fire exits aren’t blocked, making sure your smoke alarms are working, or putting up the right signs. But it could also highlight issues you’ve missed—like dodgy electrics, lack of training, or broken fire extinguishers.
A good assessment doesn’t just cover the obvious—it looks at how your business works, where people go, and what happens in an emergency.
Who’s Responsible?
The law refers to the “Responsible Person.” That’s usually:
- The business owner
- The employer (if you have staff)
- The person with control over the premises (could be a tenant or landlord, depending on the lease)
As the Responsible Person, it’s your job to make sure a fire risk assessment is done, actions are taken, and everything is kept up to date.
Do You Need a Professional?
If your premises are small, simple, and low-risk—and you feel confident—you can do your own fire risk assessment using government templates and guidance.
But if you’re not sure where to start, or you’re running a slightly more complex setup (e.g. cooking, machinery, public access, or multiple floors), it’s safer (and usually easier) to get a qualified professional.
At ESI, our assessors work with small businesses every day. We understand your challenges. We speak your language. And we’ll give you a clear, practical report—no jargon, no fear tactics, and no unnecessary upgrades.
How Often Should You Review It?
Even if your assessment is up to date now, you’ll need to review it regularly, especially when:
- You move or refurbish your premises
- You hire new staff or change your layout
- You bring in new equipment or services
- There’s a fire, near miss, or safety concern
As a rule of thumb, we recommend reviewing your fire risk assessment at least once a year—and sooner if anything changes.
What Happens If You Don’t Do It?
Ignoring fire safety isn’t just risky—it’s illegal.
The local Fire and Rescue Authority can inspect your premises, and if they find serious issues, they can:
🚫 Serve enforcement notices
🚫 Shut down parts (or all) of your premises
🚫 Issue fines or prosecute you in court
Worse still, if a fire happens and you haven’t taken proper steps to manage risks, you could be liable for injuries, damage—or even fatalities.
It’s not worth the risk to your business, your staff, or your reputation.
Final Thoughts
A fire risk assessment isn’t just a legal hoop to jump through—it’s about protecting your team, your customers, and everything you’ve worked hard to build.
And for small businesses, getting it right doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
Need a fire risk assessment for your small business?
📞 Call ESI today or book online. We’ll help you stay compliant, protect your premises, and get peace of mind—so you can get on with running your business.
