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📋 Toolbox Talk · Health & Safety

Fire Safety:
Everyone's Responsibility

Fire risk assessments, evacuation procedures, extinguisher types, the role of the responsible person and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

✅ Verified July 2026📚 HSE · RR(FS)O 2005🇬🇧 Applies across the UKukworkrights.co.uk

The law

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Responsible Person (employer, owner or occupier) must carry out a fire risk assessment and act on it
Must put in place appropriate fire safety measures — detection, warning, escape routes, firefighting equipment
Must ensure all employees receive fire safety information and training
Must review the fire risk assessment regularly and after any significant change
Fire risk assessments for premises with 5+ employees must be recorded in writing
In 2023/24, there were 22,000+ fires in non-domestic premises in England (NFRS data)

⚠ Non-compliance

Failure to comply with the RRO can result in prosecution, unlimited fines and imprisonment of the Responsible Person.

Extinguishers

Fire extinguisher types — use the right one

Type (colour)	Use on	Never use on
Water (red)	Wood, paper, textiles	Electrical, flammable liquids
Foam (cream)	Flammable liquids, solids	Electrical equipment
CO₂ (black)	Electrical, flammable liquids	Cooking oil
Powder (blue)	Most fires — multi-purpose	Enclosed spaces (hazardous)
Wet chemical (yellow)	Cooking oils (Class F)	Electrical (unless rated)

⚠ Key rule

Never fight a fire if it means putting yourself at risk. Sound the alarm, evacuate, call 999. Extinguishers are for small, contained fires in the escape path only.

In an emergency

What to do if a fire breaks out

Raise the alarm immediately

Use the nearest break-glass call point or shout "FIRE". Do not assume someone else has done it.

Evacuate — do not use lifts

Leave by the nearest safe exit. Close doors behind you — this limits fire spread. Do not stop to collect belongings.

Go to the assembly point

Do not re-enter the building for any reason. Report to the fire warden so they can account for everyone.

Call 999

If not already called. Give your location, the building name and what is on fire. Stay on the line.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How often should fire drills take place?

At least once a year — more frequently in higher-risk premises or where staff turnover is high. The results must be recorded. A drill that goes badly is valuable — it shows what needs to improve.

What if I have mobility difficulties and cannot use the stairs?

Your employer must have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for you. This should identify the evacuation route, any assistance needed and refuge points. Ask your employer if you don't have one.

Can I be fined for propping fire doors open?

Fire doors must never be propped open as they are designed to contain fire and smoke. Doing so could constitute a breach of the RRO — with serious consequences for the Responsible Person and potential criminal liability.

Do all premises need a fire risk assessment?

Yes — the RRO applies to virtually all non-domestic premises including offices, shops, warehouses, schools, care homes and communal areas of residential buildings. Domestic homes are not covered.

Free H&S guidance

Fire Safety
free guidance

Get plain-English guidance on your rights and your employer's legal duties.

HSE Infoline

0300 003 1747

hse.gov.uk

ACAS

0300 123 1100

acas.org.uk

Citizens Advice

0800 144 8848

citizensadvice.org.uk

UK Work Rights

Fire Safety

ukworkrights.co.uk/toolbox-firesafety.html

Fire Safety:Everyone's Responsibility