Making sure your property follows UK fire safety building regulations might sound tricky, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're managing a block of flats, running a small business, or just taking care of your own home, it’s important to make sure everything is safe in case a fire breaks out.
Start with the basics: fire doors, smoke alarms, and clear escape routes. Fire doors are specially made to hold back flames and smoke, giving people time to get out safely. You’ll often find fire doors in shared buildings like flats or office blocks, but they can be useful in homes too. Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every floor and test them monthly. If there’s a loft conversion or an extension, don’t forget to install alarms there as well.
Another key part is keeping escape routes clear. Hallways, staircases, and exits should be free from anything that could block the way during an emergency. Avoid storing bikes, prams, or furniture in corridors and stairs.
Materials used in your property matter too. Fireproof solutions, like fire-retardant paint or plasterboard, can help slow the spread of fire. If you’re renovating or building, pick materials that meet the latest fire safety standards. Always check with your builder or contractor that the products they use are safe and meet current regulations.
Don’t forget about electrical safety. Faulty wiring and overloaded plugs are a common cause of fires. It’s a good idea to get your wiring checked by a qualified electrician every five to ten years. If you’ve recently moved into an older property, it could be worth checking sooner.
Lastly, if you own or manage a non-domestic building (like a shop, office, or rental property), you must carry out a fire risk assessment by law. This involves spotting fire hazards, figuring out who might be in danger, deciding how to reduce the risk, and planning what to do in an emergency. You can do this yourself using government guidance, or get help from a professional.
Keeping your property safe doesn’t mean spending lots of money or getting lost in difficult rules. By checking off these simple steps, you’ll be doing your part to protect the people who live or work in your space — and giving yourself peace of mind too.