As a small business owner in Yorkshire, it is crucial that you are aware of all the possible fire safety risks that are possible within or around your vicinity. Whether you’re running a café in Harrogate, a retail shop in Leeds, or a warehouse on the outskirts of Sheffield, the threat of fire is very real, and the consequences can be devastating.
Some risks are far more obvious to others, but in this blog, we will uncover some of the more common issues we find.
Top fire safety risks for small businesses we’ll cover in further detail include:
- Faulty or Overloaded Electrical Systems
- Poor Storage of Combustible Materials
- Blocked or Inaccessible Fire Exits
- Unsafe Heating Systems
- Inadequate Smoking Areas
- Inadequate Staff Training and Fire Drills
If you have any questions or concerns after reading this blog, our team here at Absolute Health Fire Safety are happy to support you further. We can also supply you with a FREE quote and site survey on any of our services if you wish.
Call us today at 0113 418 2911 or use our online contact form to get in touch.
Common Fire Safety Faults in Small Businesses
Many fires in the workplace are entirely preventable. Yet, time and again, the same risks surface in fire incident reports, often due to complacency, a lack of awareness, or failure to carry out regular fire risk assessments.
Here are some of the most common fire safety risks and faults we often identify at small businesses in Yorkshire:
Faulty or Overloaded Electrical Systems
Faulty wiring, damaged plugs, and overloaded extension leads remain some of the most common causes of workplace fires.
In small offices or retail units across Yorkshire, it’s easy to underestimate the number of appliances drawing power from a single outlet. Staff room toasters, computers, heaters, and printers are often plugged into low-cost extension leads, creating a serious fire risk. To avoid this, always be mindful of how many devices you’re connecting.
If you’re unsure or planning changes to your setup, we’re happy to offer advice on safe electrical layouts tailored to your space.
Poor Storage of Materials
Improper storage is a hidden but significant fire hazard in many workplaces. Whether it’s cardboard boxes stacked near heat sources or cleaning chemicals stored incorrectly, poor storage habits can turn a minor oversight into a serious incident.
Keeping your assets, products, and people safe starts with organised, well-thought-out storage. Ensuring everything is kept in the right place, away from ignition sources and with fire safety in mind, greatly reduces the risk of a fire starting unexpectedly.
Blocked or Inaccessible Fire Exits
In an emergency, clear and accessible fire exits are critical for ensuring everyone’s safety.
Yet, it’s surprisingly common to find exits blocked by deliveries, stock, or even used as makeshift storage areas, a practice that is both dangerous and a clear violation of fire safety regulations. The solution is simple: remain vigilant and regularly check that all exit routes are kept clear. A few moments of attention can make all the difference in an emergency.
Unsafe Heating Systems
Outdated or poorly maintained heating systems and boilers can pose serious fire and safety risks.
If your equipment hasn’t been serviced in a while, or is long past its prime, it could be a hidden hazard waiting to escalate. Regular maintenance and professional inspections are essential; a qualified engineer’s approval not only gives peace of mind but confirms that your system meets safety standards.
Inadequate Smoking Areas
While many employees choose to smoke during breaks, it’s essential that this is done in a designated, safe area.
In smaller businesses across Yorkshire, lack of space is often cited as a reason for not having a proper smoking area, but this simply isn’t a valid excuse. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of accidental fires. To minimise the risk, ensure smoking areas are clearly defined, equipped with appropriate bins, and located well away from the main building and entrances.
Inadequate Staff Training & Fire Drills
Even the best fire prevention systems are ineffective if your team isn’t prepared to respond in an emergency.
Many small businesses in Yorkshire overlook the importance of proper staff training and regular fire drills, a gap that can significantly increase risk when it matters most. Consistent fire safety training and clear evacuation procedures are essential for protecting everyone on-site. Staying on top of this ensures that both staff and visitors remain safe in the event of a fire.
How Small Businesses in Yorkshire Can Reduce Fire Risk
Here are some key steps you can take to significantly reduce fire risk in your small Yorkshire business.
While these measures may require investment, they are highly effective in protecting your people, property, and operations:
Regular Fire Risk Assessments
Comprehensive fire risk assessments are the foundation of any effective fire safety plan. They identify hazards, evaluate who might be at risk, and outline the actions needed to reduce or eliminate those risks. For many small business owners, hiring professional fire risk assessors, just like Absolute Health Fire Safety, ensures complete peace of mind.
Routine Equipment Checks
Have all electrical and heating systems inspected regularly by qualified professionals. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) should be carried out at least once a year to ensure equipment remains safe to use. Any faults or issues identified should be addressed immediately by a certified company, such as ours, to maintain compliance and prevent potential hazards.
Clear Storage and Housekeeping
Store flammable materials safely and well away from heat sources and exit routes. Implement clear cleaning and organisation policies so that all staff understand where items should be stored. This not only reduces fire risk but also ensures that escape routes remain clear and accessible at all times.
Create Safe Smoking Zones
If smoking is permitted on your premises, establish a designated outdoor smoking area located well away from buildings and entrances. Provide appropriate disposal options, such as metal bins or sand buckets, to safely extinguish cigarettes. You may also want to include separate bins for vape devices, ensuring they don’t pose an additional fire risk.
Install and Maintain Fire Safety Equipment
Ensure your business is equipped with the correct fire extinguishers, fully functional smoke detectors, effective emergency lighting, and reliable alarm systems. All of these safety devices should be regularly inspected and maintained by qualified professionals who can certify that they meet safety standards and are ready to perform in an emergency.
Staff Training and Emergency Planning
As we’ve mentioned previously, we believe that every member of your team should be trained in fire awareness. Assign fire wardens, run regular drills, and make sure everyone understands the evacuation plan. Absolute Health Fire Safety provides tailored fire safety training that can be delivered on-site at times that suit your operations if you need.
Your Legal Responsibilities
If you’re a small business owner, employer, landlord, or occupier of a premises, you’re legally considered a ‘responsible person’ under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This means you’re required by law to:
- Carry out fire risk assessments regularly.
- Implement fire safety measures to minimise risk.
- Maintain fire detection and fire-fighting equipment.
- Ensure safe evacuation in the event of a fire.
- Provide fire safety training to employees.
Failing to comply can result in business closure, hefty fines, or even imprisonment.
Don’t even leave this to chance because the outcomes can be devastating and fatal.
Contact Absolute Health Fire Safety
Choosing Absolute Health Fire Safety to support your small business in Yorkshire is a smart decision.
With over 20 years of experience serving a wide range of local organisations, we tailor fire safety plans to meet your unique needs. Our team is fully qualified, accredited, and dedicated to helping you minimise fire risks.
For more information or a FREE, no-obligation quote on any of our services, get in touch with Absolute Health Fire Safety.
Call us at 0113 418 2911 or complete the contact form, and we’ll respond promptly.