Moving Offices? Here’s What You Need to Know About Fire Safety
Recent reports suggest that nearly half of all UK business owners are considering moving to a new office. While many are looking for better locations to meet clients or upgrade facilities, others are downsizing, expanding, or seeking to reduce costs.
Moving into new premises can be a huge task, with plenty to think about. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the logistics, it’s essential to make fire safety a top priority throughout the process.
Who’s Responsible for Fire Safety When You Move?
If you’re purchasing a building, you’re responsible for ensuring that it’s properly protected and compliant with all fire and health and safety regulations.
If you’re leasing office space, there may be a facilities management company that oversees fire safety for the building. It’s important to clarify who your point of contact is and what responsibilities they handle. However, even if fire safety is managed externally, you still have a legal duty to reduce risks and protect your employees in the event of an emergency.
Key Fire Safety Considerations When Moving Offices
1. Fire Risk Assessment
You can’t simply transfer your previous fire risk assessment to your new premises. A new environment brings different risks — from new floor and wall materials to altered airflow and ventilation systems.
Conducting a fresh assessment isn’t just smart; it’s a legal requirement. To learn more, read our full guide on fire risk assessments and your legal responsibilities.
2. Fire Equipment
In leased offices, items like extinguishers, fire alarms, and fire doors often come pre-installed. However, if your assessment identifies elevated risk, you may need additional systems. In larger offices, sprinkler systems can slow fire spread, while dry & wet risers are essential in high-rise buildings to help firefighters access water quickly.
3. Evacuation Plan
Before staff move in, make sure everyone knows the quickest and safest exit routes. Office layouts often change significantly, so you’ll need to create a new evacuation plan and clearly communicate it to all employees.
Identify primary and secondary escape routes, ensure fire exits are unobstructed, and establish a safe assembly point outside the building. Our guide to designing an evacuation strategy for your business goes into more detail.
4. Fire Marshals
If you already have appointed fire wardens, they can continue in their role at the new location. However, if your new office spans multiple floors or zones, review seating and working arrangements to ensure adequate coverage. You should have at least one trained fire marshal per area to help with evacuations and support staff during emergencies. Our guide to the responsibilities of a workplace fire warden sets out what the role covers.
Move Offices With Confidence
Relocating your business can be a stressful process, but fire safety doesn’t have to add to your worries. At Eversafe Fire Protection, we can help you install, maintain, and test the right fire protection systems for your new premises, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
Contact us today to arrange an inspection or discuss fire protection solutions tailored to your business.