In the UK, ensuring fire safety is not just a moral responsibility; it’s a legal obligation for businesses that own or lease commercial buildings.
Complying with tight fire safety governance and policies is crucial for safeguarding business and the people within premises. In this piece, KBO Fire and Security will discuss the rules and regulations that business owners must adhere to and the risks associated with non-compliance.
Fire Safety Regulations for Commercial Buildings
UK fire safety regulations for commercial buildings in England and Wales are outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
In Scotland, the requirements are covered in the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. Every company must have a “Responsible Person” who regularly conducts fire risk assessment at least once per year.
What is a fire safety inspection certificate?
Once the fire inspector is satisfied, they will receive the fire safety certificate
A Fire Safety Certificate is an official document issued by the local fire and rescue authority to confirm that commercial premises meet the necessary fire safety standards.
Users will have to send their application to the local fire department so that they can come and inspect the property. Once the fire inspector is satisfied, they will receive the fire safety certificate.
Commercial Landlord Responsibilities for Fire Safety
Both the landlord and the tenant have some responsibilities toward the fire safety of the commercial place. The landlord has to ensure that all fire safety equipment is maintained, tested, and serviced regularly. These include fire alarms, fire extinguishers, hose reels, and sprinklers.
Fire alarms should be maintained under the British Standard BS 5839. Landlords should keep escape routes clear and well-marked. Fire exit signs should be visible and in good working condition. The BS 5499 fire safety signs are per The Health and Safety Regulations 1996.
Commercial kitchen fire safety
To reduce the risk of fire incidents, strict fire safety measures must be implemented
Commercial kitchens are particularly susceptible to fires due to the presence of flammable materials, high heat sources, and busy cooking environments.
To reduce the risk of fire incidents, strict fire safety measures must be implemented such as regular inspection and employee training. Employees need to be aware of evacuation procedures and how to use fire safety equipment.
KBO’s approach to fire safety
KBO Fire & Security understands the importance of fire safety and regulations for both commercial and residential properties. It can support users with a free audit of premises by KBO experts and, then provide a tailor-made service.
KBO offers high-quality fire alarm systems such as:
- Fire detection systems
- Wireless fire detection systems
- Fire suppression and extinguishing systems
- Aspiration systems
- Emergency lighting
- Portable fire extinguishers
- Remote monitoring
Those systems can be fully integrated with other security systems such as access controls or CCTV cameras. KBO's job doesn’t end with the installation process; also offers maintenance and monitoring as the main objective is that users stay safe.
