Why Fire Risk Assessments Are Critical for Dorset Offices & Retail Units
Understanding the Commercial Duty
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.
Key Risks in Offices and Shops
Our team at Pinks Fire Safety frequently encounters the following issues in Dorset offices and retail premises:
Overstocked storerooms blocking exits
Electrical overloading at workstations
Inadequate staff training on alarm procedures
Expired fire extinguishers or blocked equipment access
Fire alarm zones not aligned to floor layouts
These are not only hazards—they are breaches that can result in enforcement notices.
Custom Assessments by Sector
Different types of commercial premises have varying risks. For instance:
Retail Units: High customer turnover, seasonal storage overflow, display lighting
Offices: Dense occupancy, computer server risks, multiple departments
Pinks Fire Safety tailors each assessment to your environment, layout, occupancy levels, and fire strategy.
The Value of a Professionally Conducted FRA
While templates exist for DIY fire risk assessments, they are not advisable for commercial use unless conducted by someone with proven competence. Our qualified assessors:
Identify risks you may overlook
Prioritise remedial actions
Provide clear, documented reports
Support your compliance in the event of a fire authority audit
Dorset Locations We Serve
From seafront shops in Weymouth to new-build offices in Taunton and industrial units in Blandford Forum, Pinks Fire Safety serves:
Poole
Dorchester
Yeovil
Taunton
Bournemouth
Don't risk non-compliance. Schedule your commercial fire risk assessment with Pinks Fire Safety—protecting businesses across Dorset and Somerset.