How to complete a fire risk assessment for the premises

If you operate a business from a physical premises in the UK, you are legally designated as the 'Responsible Person' and must carry out a fire risk assessment. This is a systematic evaluation of your workspace to identify what could start a fire, who might be at risk, and what specific actions you need to take to prevent harm. Completing this is not just a legal box-ticking exercise; it is a vital step in protecting your clients, your staff, and your livelihood.

The Five Steps of a Fire Risk Assessment

The UK government recommends a standard five-step approach to assessing fire safety. You do not necessarily need a professional consultant for small, low-risk premises like a salon, but you must be thorough.

1. Identify the fire hazards: Walk through your premises and look for potential ignition sources. In a salon, this includes electrical equipment like hairdryers and straighteners, or faulty wiring. Next, identify 'fuel'—things that burn easily, such as towels, cardboard packaging, and flammable hair products.
2. Identify people at risk: Consider who is in the building. This includes your staff and clients, but also pay special attention to those who might be more vulnerable, such as children, elderly clients, or people with disabilities who may need extra help during an evacuation.
3. Evaluate, remove, and reduce the risks: Look at your findings and take action. Can you move flammable liquids away from heat sources? Have your electrical items been PAT tested? Once you've reduced the risks, you must protect the premises by installing smoke alarms, ensuring fire exit signs are visible, and providing the correct fire extinguishers (e.g., CO2 extinguishers for electrical fires).
4. Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan, and provide training: If you have five or more employees, you must keep a written record of your assessment. Regardless of your team size, you should have a clear emergency plan that everyone understands.
5. Review and update regularly: Your assessment isn't a "one and done" task. Review it annually or whenever you make significant changes to the salon layout or equipment.

Fire Safety Essentials for Salons

Because salons use a high volume of electrical equipment and chemicals, there are specific areas you should focus on to remain compliant:

Area of Concern	Action Required
Fire Exits	Ensure all exit routes are kept completely clear of boxes, chairs, or equipment at all times.
Electrical Safety	Avoid overloading plug sockets with multiple extensions for styling tools. Turn off all non-essential equipment at the wall overnight.
Fire Fighting	Install at least one water-based or foam extinguisher for general fires and a CO2 extinguisher for electrical risks. Ensure they are serviced annually.

Tip: You can download a free fire risk assessment template from the GOV.UK website or your local Fire and Rescue Service website to ensure you haven't missed any industry-specific requirements.

Best Practices

• Assign a Fire Marshal: Even in a small team, designate someone to be responsible for checking that fire exits are clear and that the alarm system is tested weekly.
• Daily "Close-Down" Check: Create a simple checklist for the end of the day to ensure straighteners are unplugged, bins are emptied, and fire doors are closed.
• Staff Induction: Every new team member should know where the fire assembly point is and how to use a fire extinguisher on their very first day.