Fire safety
You can find an overview of documents relating to fire safety law here. It provides guidance to anyone who has a legal duty for fire safety in a relevant building to meet those duties.
Business fire safety
Many businesses may be operating with reduced staff numbers, it’s important to still consider the appropriate fire safety measures including the following:
- fire safety systems within your premises still need to be maintained. Review your fire safety risk assessment as circumstances change and implement any necessary control measures
- how to maintain emergency plans if your staff numbers are reduced
- ensure that all openings are secured when closing down the building and bins cannot be easily accessed
- download our checklist highlighting the minimum actions that you should be taking
If you have concerns about fire safety in the workplace email Fire.Safety@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Identifying vulnerable persons at risk from fire
Person-centred risk assessment
Guidance has been developed to support people that work or that are in regular contact with vulnerable people or people that may need adjustments or assistance in the event of a fire. This guidance will help everyone in connection with the person to identify if they are at an increased risk of fire. It can be used by:
- family members
- carers
- representatives of housing providers
- care providers
- local authorities
- utility companies
- businesses
View the guidance, including the person-centred risk assessment.
By law, the owners of all non-domestic buildings must carry out fire risk assessments.
For advice on how to carry out a fire risk assessment, visit GOV.uk.
For fire safety risk assessment guidance, including how to choose a fire risk assessor, visit the National Fire Chiefs Council website.
To help you keep a record, download our fire safety log book.
We enforce fire safety laws in all non-domestic buildings in Lincolnshire.
We address complaints about fire safety. We undertake post-fire investigations if there is evidence of poor fire safety.
Where breaches occur, we provide practical advice or issue formal notices. If we believe there is a serious risk to life, we can prohibit or restrict the use of the building.
To find out more, read our fire service enforcement policy.
Guidance and information
A fire risk assessment is based on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005, which applies to various types of properties. This includes:
- residential
- non-domestic
- commercial
Business owners and employers are legally obligated to adhere to this order, ensuring their premises meet fire safety standards at all times.
As of October 2023, legislation has changed, making it mandatory for all businesses to conduct a fire risk assessment.
The primary goal of this assessment is to identify potential risks and hazards that could endanger people within the premises. By implementing control measures, we aim to minimize these risks and maintain a safe environment.
Effective control measures are crucial as they ensure a safe and efficient workplace, significantly reducing the likelihood of fire.
If you're new to fire risk assessments and unsure about the legal requirements, it can be overwhelming. However, the Government provides resources to help you. You can visit the official government website for assistance in finding a qualified risk assessor and for guidance on conducting a fire risk assessment visit: Fire risk assessments - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
We do not create fire risk assessments. However, we can guide you to competent risk assessors and provide advice on completing your assessment and direct you to reliable sources of information.
Find detailed criteria on the competency of fire risk assessors, including the FRACC's standards.
When a fire risk assessment is prepared by a competent assessor or by the business itself, it's crucial that the assessment aligns with the legal responsibilities of the duty holder within the business or premises. The assessment must comply with the law and legislation.
As a duty holder, you're not expected to be an expert in monitoring fire safety risks. However, it's important to implement the risk assessment throughout your business and follow the recommendations provided.
If the fire risk assessment indicates that certain works are necessary, the responsible person must ensure that the chosen contractor is qualified for the task.
Here are some key points to help you select a suitable contractor:
- verify the fire risk assessor's competence and qualifications. If in doubt, consult the government website
- choose individuals with experience relevant to your type of premises
- communicate clearly with the contractors and provide them with the necessary access to complete their work
- maintain a detailed record of how and why you selected the risk assessor, including checks on their qualifications
- confirm that the contractors have adequate insurance for the type of work they will perform on your business premises
Residential accommodation
By law, the owner or manager for residential accommodation must check the fire safety of materials used on or in their buildings.
If you find flammable cladding, you should consider this in your evacuation plan.
You should check that fire doors within the building perform properly in the event of a fire.
This includes when doors are renewed or replaced, and must include accredited certification.
Fire risk assessments should also assess the smoke control system and prove that the systems are maintained.
Visit Gov.uk for further advice on smoke control systems
Buildings such as high rises are split into each home using fire safe doors, walls, floors and other construction.
This is called 'compartmentation'.
Fire risk assessments should address this to help form your evacuation plan.
Grenfell and other fires have shown that 'compartmentation' can be breached externally too.
This should be a consideration in an assessment.