Fire Safety Self-Check

Are you compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005? This self-check tool helps you review your fire safety arrangements and identify gaps in your compliance.

How it works

1. Answer questions about your fire safety arrangements across 8 key areas
2. Review your summary showing what you have in place vs what's needed
3. Get prioritised recommendations to address gaps in your fire safety compliance
4. Download your action plan with links to detailed guidance and next steps

What you'll learn

After completing the self-check, you'll understand:

• Whether you have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment
• If your means of escape are adequate and well-maintained
• Whether your fire detection and warning systems meet requirements
• If emergency lighting is properly installed and tested
• Whether fire extinguishers are appropriate and maintained
• If fire doors are functioning correctly
• Whether your evacuation plan is documented and practised
• If staff have received adequate fire safety training

What we'll ask about

Fire Risk Assessment

• Whether you have a written fire risk assessment
• When it was last reviewed
• Whether it identifies significant findings and people at risk
• If it's been updated after building or occupancy changes

Means of Escape

• Number and adequacy of escape routes
• Travel distances to exits
• Signage and emergency lighting on routes
• Whether routes are kept clear and unobstructed

Fire Detection and Warning

• Type of fire detection system (automatic, manual, none)
• Coverage of detection in the building
• Weekly testing and maintenance records
• Audibility of alarm throughout premises

Emergency Lighting

• Presence of emergency lighting on escape routes and exits
• Monthly functional testing
• Annual duration testing
• Maintenance records

Fire Extinguishers

• Appropriate types for the fire risks present
• Locations and accessibility
• Annual servicing and maintenance
• Staff awareness of locations and use

Fire Doors

• Identification of fire doors and their locations
• Self-closing mechanisms functioning
• Seals and gaps checked
• Signs in place and doors not propped open

Evacuation Plan

• Written emergency evacuation plan
• Assembly points identified
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable persons
• Fire drills conducted and recorded

Fire Safety Training

• Induction training for all staff
• Refresher training frequency
• Training for fire wardens/marshals
• Records of training maintained

Before you start

You'll get the most useful results if you have:

• Your current fire risk assessment (if you have one)
• Records of fire alarm tests and drills
• Maintenance records for fire equipment
• Your building's floor plan or layout
• Information about who uses the building and when

Who should use this tool?

This self-check is designed for:

• Business owners who are the responsible person under the Fire Safety Order
• Facilities managers checking compliance across their premises
• Landlords ensuring tenant safety and their own legal duties
• Charity trustees responsible for premises management
• Property managers maintaining multiple buildings
• Health and safety advisors conducting initial reviews

Understanding your results

Your results will be divided into:

What you have in place

A summary of fire safety measures you've confirmed are implemented and maintained.

What's missing or needs attention

Clear identification of gaps in your fire safety arrangements that need to be addressed.

Priority recommendations

Actions ranked by urgency:

• High priority: Immediate fire safety risks or legal requirements not met
• Medium priority: Important improvements to enhance fire safety
• Low priority: Best practice recommendations for ongoing improvement

After completing the check

Use your results to:

1. Address urgent gaps identified as high priority
2. Commission a fire risk assessment if you don't have a suitable one
3. Create an action plan with timelines for medium and low priority items
4. Arrange maintenance for any fire safety equipment needing servicing
5. Book training for staff if fire safety training is overdue
6. Schedule regular reviews to maintain ongoing compliance

Start the self-check

Frequently asked questions

Is this self-check a replacement for a fire risk assessment?

No. The Fire Safety Order 2005 requires the responsible person to carry out a fire risk assessment. This self-check helps you understand what should be covered in that assessment and identify gaps, but it doesn't replace the legal requirement for a proper fire risk assessment.

How often should I use this tool?

Use this self-check:

• When you first become responsible for premises
• Annually as part of your fire safety review
• After significant changes to the building or its use
• If you've had changes in occupancy or operational hours

What if I find serious gaps in my fire safety?

If the self-check identifies high-priority issues (like no fire risk assessment, blocked exits, or non-functioning alarms), you should:

1. Take immediate action to address life safety risks
2. Arrange for a professional fire risk assessment urgently
3. Consider contacting your local fire and rescue service for advice
4. Do not delay addressing critical fire safety deficiencies

Do I need specialist help to complete this?

No. The questions are designed to be answered by anyone familiar with the premises and its fire safety arrangements. However, if you're uncertain about fire safety requirements, it may be worth getting professional advice before or after completing the self-check.

What legislation does this cover?

This tool primarily covers requirements under:

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England and Wales)
• Fire Safety Act 2021 (which amended the 2005 Order)
• British Standards for fire safety equipment and testing