Fire Safety Audits—What to Expect and How to Prepare
Fire audits are typically carried out by the local fire authority or a third-party provider to ensure that your premises comply with fire safety legislation.
What Inspectors Look For
A current fire risk assessment
Records of fire alarm and emergency lighting tests
Fire door condition reports
Staff training documentation
Fire extinguisher service records
Electrical installation condition report (EICR)
Common Fire Door Failures Found in Dorset Businesses
Most Common Fire Door Failures
Excessive Gaps: Gaps larger than 4mm around the edges or 8mm at the base compromise the door’s integrity.
Faulty or Missing Closers: Without a functioning closer, the door may not shut properly.
The Role of Fire Safety Signage in Emergency Situations
Why Signage Matters
Fire safety signage guides people to safety. Without it, even the best evacuation plans can fail.
Emergency Evacuation Planning for Dorset Offices
What Is an Emergency Evacuation Plan?
An emergency evacuation plan outlines how occupants should leave a building in case of fire or other emergencies. It’s a legal requirement under the Fire Safety Order and should be specific to your premises.
Why Fire Risk Assessments Are Critical for Dorset Offices & Retail Units
Whether you're operating a high street retail shop in Poole or running a corporate office in Yeovil, as a business owner you have a legal duty to protect occupants and property from fire. Under the Fire Safety Order 2005, the responsibility falls to the 'Responsible Person' to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place. This applies no matter how few staff you have.
How to Inspect Fire Doors Properly in Hotels and Flats
Fire doors are not just any doors. They are a crucial part of a building's passive fire protection system. Properly installed and maintained fire doors help contain fires, protect escape routes, and give people more time to evacuate. In blocks of flats, hotels, care homes, and other multi-occupancy buildings across Dorset, fire doors are especially vital.
The Importance of Regular Fire Risk Assessments in Dorset
Fire safety is not just a box to tick—it’s a legal requirement and a vital part of protecting your people, premises, and reputation. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every non-domestic premises in England, including those in Dorset, Yeovil, and Taunton, must carry out a "suitable and sufficient" fire risk assessment. The findings must be documented, no matter how few employees you have.