AMP Fire News: The Most Common Fire Safety Questions Asked by UK Businesses in 2025

Helping organisations stay compliant, informed, and protected.

At AMP Fire, we work with hundreds of businesses across the UK — from schools and academies to offices, warehouses, hospitality venues and childcare settings. One thing we see time and time again is that business owners are unsure what the law requires when it comes to fire safety.

To support our customers and help clear up the confusion, we’ve put together a news-style breakdown of the most commonly asked fire safety questions from UK businesses, along with straightforward guidance based on current legislation and best practice.

🔥 1. “Do we need a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) — and who must carry it out?”

Yes — almost every business in the UK legally requires a Fire Risk Assessment.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient FRA.

But many business owners are unaware that the assessment must be completed by a competent person — meaning someone with the correct training, experience and understanding of fire safety law.
This responsibility falls to the Responsible Person, which can be:

• The employer

• The business owner

• The landlord

• The managing agent

• Anyone with control of the premises

At AMP Fire, we frequently encounter FRAs completed internally by staff members who simply aren't qualified — often leaving the business unknowingly non-compliant.

🔥 2. “What should a Fire Risk Assessment actually include?”

A proper FRA is not a tick-box exercise. It must:

• Identify potential fire hazards

• Assess who may be at risk (staff, customers, contractors, children, vulnerable people)

• Evaluate current fire safety measures

• Review the condition and suitability of alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting and escape routes

• Record all findings

• Produce a clear, prioritised action plan

It must also take into account the layout of the premises, evacuation procedures, the needs of vulnerable occupants, and the ability of staff to respond effectively in an emergency.

This is one of the most misunderstood areas — many businesses believe any document labelled “FRA” will suffice. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.

🔥 3. “How often should we update our Fire Risk Assessment?”

An FRA is not a once-and-done task.

You should review your fire risk assessment:

• Regularly (best practice: annually)

• After renovations or building changes

• After changes in business activity

• When occupancy increases (e.g. hiring more staff)

• After a fire, near miss or safety concern

Even small layout adjustments — new shelving, moved machinery, changes in fire door usage — can affect evacuation routes and fire safety integrity.

🔥 4. “Who is legally responsible for fire safety — and what does it involve?”

The Responsible Person has a legal duty to:

• Ensure an up-to-date, suitable FRA is in place

• Maintain all fire safety measures

• Keep escape routes clear

• Ensure fire-fighting equipment is present and maintained

• Provide fire safety training and information to staff

• Prepare and communicate an emergency plan

This applies whether the premises is owned, leased, shared or part of a multi-tenant building.
We regularly meet businesses who mistakenly believe their landlord is responsible — when in many cases, the duty is shared or falls entirely on the tenant.

🔥 5. “Do we need fire alarms, extinguishers and emergency lighting — and how often do they need servicing?”

Almost all commercial premises require:

• A fire detection and alarm system

• Suitable fire extinguishers

• Emergency lighting

• Clear, unobstructed escape routes

• Fire door compliance

The exact requirements depend on the size, layout and use of the premises — but all equipment must be regularly maintained.

Typical maintenance requirements include:

• Fire alarm servicing: twice yearly

• Emergency lighting testing: monthly (function test) and annually (full duration test)

• Fire extinguishers: annual servicing

• Fire doors: regular checks (every 6 months minimum; high-traffic areas more often)

Many businesses fail inspections due to lack of routine maintenance — not because equipment was missing, but because it wasn’t serviced.

🔥 Why These Questions Are So Common — And Why They Matter

Fire safety law applies to every non-domestic premises, yet many businesses:

• Underestimate their legal responsibilities

• Believe having “some form” of FRA means they are compliant

• Are unsure who counts as a “competent person”

• Don’t realise how often FRAs and equipment require reviewing

• Lack time to stay on top of record-keeping and maintenance

In busy, fast-moving workplaces, it’s easy for fire safety tasks to slip — especially when the consequences feel distant or unlikely. However, inadequate fire safety can lead to:

• Enforcement notices

• Business closure

• Insurance refusals

• Fines

• Serious risk to life

🔥 AMP Fire: Helping UK Businesses Stay Compliant and Protected

At AMP Fire, we specialise in:

• Professional Fire Risk Assessments

• Fire alarm installation & servicing

• Extinguisher supply & maintenance

• Emergency lighting installation & testing

• Fire door inspections

• Fire safety training

• Ongoing compliance support for multi-site organisations

Whether you’re a small business, a growing company, or responsible for multiple locations, we ensure your premises meet all legal requirements — and stay that way.

Need help with your Fire Risk Assessment or fire safety compliance?

Visit www.ampfire.co.uk or get in touch with our team for expert advice.