Fire safety is a critical aspect of running a business, and regular fire safety inspections ensure that commercial properties meet the necessary legal requirements. However, failing a fire safety inspection can have serious consequences, from legal penalties to putting lives at risk.
If your business doesn’t meet fire safety regulations, it’s essential to act quickly to rectify compliance failures and avoid further repercussions. In this guide, we’ll explore what happens if your business fails a fire safety inspection, the potential consequences, and the steps you need to take to fix any issues.
What Is a Fire Safety Inspection?
A fire safety inspection is conducted by a fire safety officer from your local fire and rescue authority to assess whether your premises comply with UK fire safety laws.
Fire safety inspections are based on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all non-domestic premises, including offices, shops, factories, warehouses, and rental properties with multiple occupants.
During an inspection, the officer will check:
✔ Fire risk assessment – Have you conducted one, and is it up to date?
✔ Escape routes and exits – Are they clear and properly signposted?
✔ Fire doors and compartmentation – Are they in good condition and functional?
✔ Fire detection and alarm systems – Are they installed, tested, and maintained?
✔ Emergency lighting – Does it work in case of a power failure?
✔ Fire extinguishers and equipment – Are they suitable, serviced, and accessible?
✔ Staff fire safety training – Have employees been trained on what to do in a fire?
Consequences of Failing a Fire Safety Inspection
If your business fails a fire safety inspection, the fire safety officer will take action depending on the severity of the breaches. These actions range from formal warnings to legal enforcement.
1. Informal Notification
If the failures are minor and do not pose an immediate danger, the fire safety officer may issue an informal notification, outlining the improvements required.
📌 What this means for you:
- You’ll be given a deadline to correct the issues.
- You must provide evidence that the necessary changes have been made.
💡 How to resolve this:
- Carry out the required improvements promptly.
- Keep records of any actions taken.
2. Enforcement Notice
If the issues are more serious, the fire safety officer will issue an enforcement notice. This is a formal legal notice requiring specific failures to be addressed within a set timeframe.
📌 What this means for you:
- You are legally required to fix the problems within the given deadline.
- You must submit evidence of compliance.
- If you fail to comply, you could face prosecution.
💡 How to resolve this:
- Conduct a full fire safety review to ensure all issues are corrected.
- Seek advice from a fire safety professional if necessary.
3. Prohibition Notice
If there is an immediate and serious risk to life, the fire safety officer can issue a prohibition notice, which may partially or completely shut down your business until the safety issues are resolved.
📌 What this means for you:
- You must stop using the premises (or certain areas) until all issues are fixed.
- You may suffer financial losses due to business closure.
💡 How to resolve this:
- Immediately address the hazards that led to the prohibition.
- Work with fire safety experts to implement the necessary changes.
- Request a reinspection once the issues are corrected.
4. Fines and Prosecution
Failure to comply with fire safety laws can lead to severe penalties, including:
💰 Fines of up to £5,000 for minor offences.
⚖ Unlimited fines and even imprisonment for serious breaches.
📌 Recent example:
In 2022, a landlord was fined £40,000 for fire safety breaches in an HMO property, including missing fire doors and an inadequate alarm system.
💡 How to avoid prosecution:
- Always stay proactive with fire safety compliance.
- Carry out regular fire risk assessments and document everything.
- Train staff and keep safety systems maintained.
How to Rectify Compliance Failures
If your business has failed a fire safety inspection, taking immediate action is crucial. Here’s what you should do:
1. Conduct a Thorough Fire Risk Assessment
- Identify all fire hazards and risks on your premises.
- Review escape routes, emergency lighting, and fire detection systems.
- Keep your fire risk assessment up to date (it should be reviewed at least annually).
2. Upgrade Fire Safety Equipment
- Install fire alarms and smoke detectors if they are missing or outdated.
- Ensure you have the correct fire extinguishers for your building type.
- Regularly test and service all fire safety equipment.
3. Improve Fire Door Compliance
- Check that all fire doors are functioning correctly and fitted with intumescent seals.
- Ensure doors close automatically and are never propped open.
4. Train Employees on Fire Safety
- Conduct regular fire drills so staff know how to respond in an emergency.
- Train employees on how to use fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures.
5. Work with Fire Safety Professionals
- If you’re unsure how to resolve compliance issues, seek expert advice.
- A professional fire safety consultant can review your premises and implement necessary upgrades.
How to Prevent Failing a Fire Safety Inspection in the Future
Be proactive, not reactive! The best way to avoid failing an inspection is to stay on top of fire safety requirements:
✅ Carry out routine fire safety checks – Don’t wait for an inspection to identify problems.
✅ Test alarms and safety equipment regularly – Schedule maintenance checks.
✅ Keep documentation up to date – Fire risk assessments, training logs, and maintenance records should be well-maintained.
✅ Train staff and update fire safety protocols – Fire safety awareness should be an ongoing effort.
Take Fire Safety Seriously
Failing a fire safety inspection is not just a bureaucratic issue—it can put lives at risk and lead to severe legal and financial consequences. Whether you receive an informal notice, an enforcement order, or a prohibition notice, it is essential to take corrective action immediately.
If your business has fire safety concerns, don’t wait for an inspection to flag them up. Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy offers expert advice on fire protection and prevention. Contact us today to ensure your business meets the latest UK fire safety standards and stays protected from potential penalties.