Top 10 Fire Safety Mistakes UK Businesses Make (And How to Fix Them)
(Also known as: “What Not to Do During a Fire Safety Inspection”)
From burnt toast to blocked exits, we’ve seen every fire safety fail under the sun. And if you think, “That would never happen here”, we’re sorry to report — it probably already is.
Here are the top 10 fire safety mistakes UK businesses make, and more importantly, how to fix them before something goes up in smoke.
1. Extinguishers with Expired Service Dates
🧯 If it hasn’t been touched since 2019, it’s not equipment — it’s decor.
✅ Fix it: Get them serviced annually by a qualified engineer.
2. Fire Exits Blocked by… Stuff
❌ Boxes, bins, bikes, even Christmas trees — we’ve seen it all.
✅ Fix it: Keep exits clear. Always.
3. Staff with No Fire Training
❓“I think we run outside screaming?” is not a fire strategy.
✅ Fix it: Run regular fire marshal training and drills.
4. No Fire Risk Assessment
If you don’t know your risks, neither does your team.
✅ Fix it: Get a professional fire risk assessment — and keep it updated.
5. Smoke Detectors in All the Wrong Places
Too close to the toaster? Too far from actual risk areas?
✅ Fix it: Position detectors properly. Not “where the ladder reached.”
6. No Emergency Lighting
What happens when the power goes out mid-evacuation? Chaos.
✅ Fix it: Install and maintain compliant emergency lighting.
7. Using Fire Doors as Doorstops
“Let’s keep it open so it doesn’t slam.” Until smoke floods the corridor.
✅ Fix it: Keep fire doors closed. Or install an approved hold-open device.
8. Poor Signage
No one should have to guess where the extinguisher or exit is.
✅ Fix it: Use clear, legal signage — not handwritten Post-its.
9. No Record of Testing
You say you tested the alarm. But the logbook says otherwise.
✅ Fix it: Keep up with weekly fire alarm tests — and write them down.
10. The “We’ll Sort It Next Month” Syndrome
Small fire safety problems become big, expensive ones.
✅ Fix it: Sort it now. (Or call us — we’ll sort it for you.)
Don’t Be a Stat. Be Safe.
We help UK businesses stay legally compliant and genuinely fire-safe — with zero fluff and no clipboard lectures.
📞 Call Sanjay at The Fire Safety Company on 01748 811992
Or visit 👉 www.firesafetycompany.com
Because “hope for the best” is not a fire strategy.
