Fire Safety for Businesses and Buildings
Fire Safety for Businesses and Buildings
Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you own, manage, or occupy a building, you have a legal duty to keep people safe from fire. This section is designed to help you understand what is required, what good practice looks like, and where to find trusted advice from the Fire Industry Association.
Our guidance is written for:
- Business owners and employers
- Building owners and landlords
- Responsible Persons and duty holders
- Facilities and property managers
Each guide below provides clear, step-by-step advice and downloadable resources to help you meet your fire safety obligations with confidence.
Start here
If you are new to fire safety, begin by identifying your responsibilities. The law requires that every workplace and non-domestic building has a designated Responsible Person who must assess fire risks, implement preventive measures, and maintain effective fire protection systems.
The FIA can help you get started with:
- Understanding your fire safety duties
- Carrying out or commissioning a Fire Risk Assessment
- Managing fire alarms, extinguishers, and evacuation procedures
- Choosing competent, certified providers for inspection and maintenance
1. Your Legal Duties
Learn what the law requires of the Responsible Person and how to begin your fire safety plan.
2. Fire Risk Assessment
Understand how to appoint a competent assessor, what an assessment should cover, and how to act on the findings.
3. Fire Detection and Alarm Basics
Discover how your alarm system protects lives, what routine checks are needed, and how to prevent false alarms.
4. Prevent and Manage False Alarms
Minimise disruption and cost by identifying causes, managing alarm responses, and maintaining your system effectively.
5. Evacuation Planning and Response
Create and test an evacuation plan that fits your building type and occupancy.
6. Competence and third-party certification
Find out why certification matters and how to verify that suppliers and service providers meet recognised standards.
Why competence and compliance Matter
Choosing the right professionals is essential. Third-party certification schemes, such as those approved by BAFE or LPCB, demonstrate that a company or individual has been independently assessed for competence and compliance. Using certified providers gives you assurance that your fire protection measures will perform as expected in an emergency.