Guest Blogger – Michael Potts of Orion Risk Management
As a small business owner, you’re used to wearing many hats: managing operations, juggling finances, keeping customers happy. But there’s one crucial responsibility that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: fire safety.
While large corporations may have dedicated health and safety teams, small businesses often assume that fire safety is something they can deal with later – or worse, not worry about at all.
But here’s the truth: neglecting fire safety can cost you everything.
At Orion Risk Management, we provide professional Fire Risk Assessments to help small businesses stay safe, compliant and resilient. In this post, we’ll explain why fire safety matters, debunk some common misconceptions, outline what the law requires and share practical tips to help you as a small business owner meet your obligations.
🔥 Why Fire Safety Is a Big Deal (Even for the Small Fry)
Even the smallest spark can burn down the biggest dreams. Just because your business is small doesn’t mean the risk is.
In fact, small businesses are often hit hardest by fire incidents. A study by the Business Sprinkler Alliance found that 80% of small businesses never fully recover after a serious fire – many shut down permanently within months.
The impact goes far beyond property damage. There’s the risk to life and health, interruption to trade, loss of critical data or stock, reputational damage and potential legal action. With fewer resources to fall back on, small businesses need to be even more vigilant when it comes to fire prevention and protection.
Taking fire safety seriously isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about safeguarding your people and assets, your livelihood and the future of your business.
💭 Fire Safety Myths That Should Be Extinguished
Let’s debunk some fire safety fiction before it fuels the wrong decisions.
When we speak to clients, we often hear the same misconceptions about fire safety. Here are some of the most common, and why they’re dangerous:
“My business is too small to need a fire risk assessment.”
Not true. The law applies to all businesses, no matter how small. If you have even one employee (or are open to the public), you have legal obligations.
“We’ve got extinguishers and smoke alarms – that’s enough.”
Equipment alone is not a plan. Fire safety is about understanding risks, putting controls in place, and regularly reviewing your procedures.
“There’s never been a fire here, so we must be safe.”
Past luck is no guarantee of future safety. Risk increases over time as layouts change, new equipment is added, fire exits become blocked and protection equipment ages.
“Fire safety assessments are expensive and complicated.”
In reality, a professional assessment is often quick, cost-effective and provides peace of mind. It’s an investment in your business, not a cost.
⚖️ Law & Flammable: What the Regulations Really Say
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the legal responsibility for fire safety in a workplace rests with the Responsible Person – the individual responsible for the day-to-day safety and management of a building (usually the business owner or employer).
As the Responsible Person, you are legally required to:
- Have a documented Fire Risk Assessment carried out by a competent person
- Put in place appropriate fire safety measures
- Ensure emergency plans and evacuation procedures are in place
- Provide your staff with fire safety training
From 1 April 2025, the Responsible Person must ensure that a comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment is conducted by a competent person, defined as someone qualified and listed on a Tiered Fire Risk Assessment Register. Additionally, fire risk assessments must be reviewed annually to maintain compliance.
Failing to meet these requirements can result in enforcement notices, fines, or even prosecution.
🧯 Hot Tips to Stay Cool Under Fire
If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some key steps to help make sure your business is fire-safe and legally compliant:
✅ Book a professional Fire Risk Assessment
This is the most effective way to identify fire hazards, assess risk and get a tailored action plan. At Orion Risk Management, we help small businesses navigate this process with clarity and confidence.
✅ Train your team
Make sure your staff know what to do in the event of a fire. Run regular fire drills and provide basic fire safety training.
✅ Check your fire exits
Are your escape routes clearly marked, unobstructed, and easy to open from the inside? You’d be surprised how often this simple check is overlooked.
✅ Maintain your fire equipment
Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, emergency lighting – they all need to be regularly tested and serviced.
✅ Keep fire safety on the radar
Things change: staff turnover, new equipment, layout updates. Review your fire risk assessment at least annually, or whenever significant changes occur.
Ready to Take Fire Safety Off Your Worry List?
You don’t need to handle this alone. Orion Risk Management specialise in helping small businesses meet their fire safety obligations without stress or confusion. Expert, fully qualified assessors with experience in firefighting provide clear, actionable advice and support so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
Book your Fire Risk Assessment today and take the first step toward a safer, more compliant business. Contact Michael Potts via the Orion Risk Management website.
Thank you to Michael Potts of Orion Risk Management for submitting this blog on a subject we agree is of utmost importance to business owners. TEDCO clients are welcome to submit blog posts for our consideration. We are particularly interested in topics that are relevant to small businesses. Email Janice Ross at hello@tedco.org with Blog Opportunity in the Subject Line.
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