Have you reassessed the needs of your business and your team and decided you need to move to a new office? Perhaps you’re ready to expand and need a bigger office? Maybe you have more of your team working from home and can save money by moving to a smaller office? Whatever the reason for moving to a new office, there will be fire safety checks to consider.
If you are buying the premises and will own the building, you are responsible for the fire safety checks. However, if you are renting or leasing the office it is important you take the time to find out who is responsible for the fire safety of the building. There will still be some fire safety practices that you will need to take responsibility for though.
Below we have listed just some of the fire safety checks you need to be aware of when moving to a new office. These fire safety checks will help ensure you are compliant with fire safety regulations in your new office.
- Fire Risk Assessment
As per the responsibilities laid out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business should have a fire risk assessment carried out. This will help ensure that key things are established about your new office. These key things include the persons at risk along with any hazards and elimination of fire risks. It will cover any further action required and fire safety assets and equipment within the building. The fire risk assessment will also state a date for a future fire risk assessment review.
- Fire Escape Plan
A new office means a new layout. This also means that a new fire escape plan is vital. By completing a fire escape plan you can ensure that your team know what to do in case of a fire. They also know where to go. It is essential that you do not simply carry over the same plan to your new office. This is because the layout and fire exits could be in different locations.
- Trained Staff Members
It is a good idea to have trained staff members as fire wardens or fire marshals. These people should be trained to lead fire safety for your business. In turn, this will help establish best practices for the business. If you have staff that are already trained in fire safety, a refresher for the new office could be a good idea. This is especially the case if the staff levels or operations of the business have changed.
- Fire Alarms
A fire alarm is essential for the early warning in the event of a fire. If you seek a new fire alarm system then call our fire alarm specialists. You may need your existing fire alarm system to be checked or maintained,. If so, call our team. We will help you to create a sense of security and fire safety in your new office space.
- Fire Extinguishers
You may find that you already have fire extinguishers in place. Just like the fire alarms, it is always a good idea to check that they are well maintained and in good working order. The operations and items within your office may be different to those of the previous business, so it is worth ensuring that you have the right fire extinguishers for your business and office. Again, this is something that our fire safety team can help you with.
- Emergency Lighting
As per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 you have a legal obligation as a business owner to ensure that exits and emergency routes are illuminated. Take the time to check your escape routes and fire exits. Ensure that the correct emergency lighting is in place and that it is in good working order.
Need help with your fire safety checks when moving to a new office? Call our commercial fire safety specialists now to see how we can help you.
