Fire safety planning is a critical aspect of any business, ensuring the safety and well-being of staff, visitors and customers. A well-thought-out fire safety plan can save lives and minimise property damage in the event of a fire emergency. However, there are common mistakes that can compromise the effectiveness of fire safety measures. According to recent Home Office data, fire and rescue services in England attended over 185,000 fires in the last year, highlighting the persistent risk businesses face. In this article, we will explore some of these mistakes and provide essential tips on how to avoid them.
Fire safety planning is important because it plays a crucial role in safeguarding lives, protecting property, and minimising the devastating impact of fire emergencies. A well-prepared fire safety plan ensures that employees are familiar with evacuation procedures, designated escape routes, and the proper use of firefighting equipment, promoting a swift and organised response if a fire were to break out. Beyond life safety, robust planning is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties, which is why many responsible persons are now looking at understanding legal responsibility in fire incidents at work to ensure they remain protected.
Through comprehensive fire risk assessments, potential hazards can be identified and addressed, preventing fires before they occur. Additionally, fire safety planning includes regular training sessions to educate staff on how to react calmly and effectively in high-stress situations, reducing the risk of panic and confusion. Prioritising fire safety planning is therefore important for taking proactive measures to mitigate the dangers posed by fires. This is especially vital in complex environments like healthcare facilities, where patient mobility and sensitive equipment create unique evacuation challenges.
Here are the 6 most common mistakes made by businesses when fire safety planning.
One of the most significant mistakes in fire safety planning is the absence of a comprehensive fire risk assessment. Conducting a thorough risk assessment helps identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and determine appropriate fire safety measures needed for the specific building or site. Enlisting a professional fire safety consultancy to assess the premises, carry out a comprehensive fire risk assessment and develop a tailored fire safety plan is key. Many businesses benefit from the role of fire safety audits in risk management to identify hidden vulnerabilities that a standard internal check might miss.
You can book a fire risk assessment with BusinessWatch here.
A well-prepared fire safety plan is of little use if a site’s employees are not trained to respond effectively in the event of a fire. Lack of proper training can lead to panic, confusion, and unsafe actions taken during an emergency. Regular fire drills and training sessions are essential to familiarise staff with evacuation procedures, the location and use of firefighting equipment, and general fire safety practices. For those managing residential blocks, it is vital to stay updated on what landlords must know about fire safety compliance to ensure tenant safety and legal adherence.
There are a variety of fire safety training courses available, all of which are beneficial to businesses. View all our fire safety training courses here.
Buildings undergo changes over time, such as renovations, modifications, or alterations in occupancy. One common mistake in fire safety planning is failing to update the fire safety plan accordingly. An outdated plan may lead to confusion during emergencies, as escape routes and firefighting equipment might have changed. Regularly review and update the fire safety plan, as well as the fire escape plan to ensure its relevance to the current building conditions. This is particularly important for those in property management, where tenant turnover and layout changes can frequently render old plans obsolete.
Overlooking the maintenance and testing of fire detection and suppression systems is a grave mistake in fire safety planning. Smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers should be regularly inspected, maintained, and tested to ensure their proper functioning. In industrial settings such as a factory, dust and debris can often interfere with sensitive sensors, making regular servicing even more critical. Many forward-thinking businesses are now exploring the future of fire detection sensors, IoT, and real-time analytics to move toward a more proactive maintenance model.
Having inadequate escape routes and exits is a serious mistake that can prevent a swift and safe evacuation in the event of a fire. A well-designed fire safety plan should include multiple escape routes and clearly marked exits with emergency lighting, accessible to all occupants. Avoid obstructing exit doors or pathways and ensure they remain unobstructed at all times. Proper passive fire protection, such as fire doors and compartmentation, also plays a vital role in keeping these escape routes clear of smoke and flames for as long as possible.
Failing to consider individuals with special needs in the fire safety plan is a critical oversight. Some occupants may have mobility impairments, hearing or visual impairments, or other disabilities that require additional assistance during an evacuation. It is essential to accommodate these needs by providing accessible exit routes, clear evacuation instructions, and designated personnel to assist individuals with disabilities. In high-traffic environments like retail stores, staff must be specifically trained to assist the public, who may be unfamiliar with the building’s layout.
As we move through 2025 and into 2026, the nature of fire risks is evolving. The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries in work equipment and electric vehicles has introduced new hazards that traditional fire safety plans may not have addressed. Recent reports from the Guardian indicate growing fears over lithium battery fires, which require specific suppression techniques and rapid detection. Additionally, the UK Government has strengthened fire safety regulations to ensure higher standards for high-rise buildings and commercial properties. Businesses must ensure their fire safety alignment includes these modern considerations to remain fully protected and compliant.
At BusinessWatch we are passionate about protecting businesses, sites, assets and people, especially from the devastating effects of fire. We know that fire safety planning is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly, but understand that it can be challenging for sites and businesses to keep on top of, and avoid making critical mistakes. That’s why we provide a total fire safety consultancy that covers all aspects of fire safety planning and can provide you with a bespoke, comprehensive service that covers all your site’s needs. Whether you operate in the education sector or manage a large industrial complex, our experts ensure your site is secure.
Regular training, fire risk assessments, updated plans, and well-maintained fire detection and suppression systems are key to safeguarding lives and property in the face of potential fire hazards. Get in touch to discuss your site needs and get a free quote.
Call us on 0330 094 7404 or contact us online here.
