# What fire safety equipment does my business need?

Start with the fire risk assessment, then specify equipment suited to the building and its use.

Jurisdiction: England, Wales
Source check: 2026-11-03. Editorial status: source-checked draft; specialist sign-off pending.

## Who this covers
Those responsible for fire safety in non-domestic premises covered by the Fire Safety Order.

## The requirement
Provide appropriate fire detection, warning and firefighting arrangements. Equipment needs suitable installation, checking and maintenance.

## Practical steps
- Check what the fire risk assessment says your building needs.
- Establish who checks and maintains the equipment.
- Record faults and make sure they are dealt with.

## Common mistake
A standard equipment package may not suit your premises. Ask how each recommendation relates to the assessment and the risks.

## Timing
Regular checks and appropriate maintenance. Establish the schedule for your equipment and premises with competent advice.

## Questions for a provider
- Which assessment findings support this specification?
- What checks can our staff perform?
- What does the maintenance agreement include?

## Official sources
- [GOV.UK: fire equipment, drills and training](https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-safety-equipment-drills-and-training)

General information, not an assessment or a statement that a business is compliant.


## Know what the maintenance agreement actually covers

### Before you commission work
Prepare a list of the systems and premises covered, with existing service records and known faults. Ask the provider to identify routine visits, emergency attendance and chargeable parts separately. Agree the site contact and arrangements for notifying anyone affected by the work.

### Follow through on the result
Read the service findings rather than recording only the attendance date. Keep faults awaiting parts or further approval visible to the responsible manager. If changing provider, obtain the equipment history and outstanding-work list so the new contractor can distinguish a recurring problem from a newly reported one.

## Related buying guides
- [Fire alarm maintenance contracts: compare coverage and call-outs](https://whatcompliance.com/buying-guides/fire-alarm-maintenance-contracts)

## Buying the right work
- Start with the fire risk assessment and any outstanding findings.
- List the equipment, locations and records already in place.
- Clarify what routine checks, maintenance, call-outs and repairs the agreement includes.

## What you can do yourself
Arrange the routine checks your premises need and ensure faults are reported. Staff carrying out checks need appropriate instruction; this does not replace specialist maintenance.

## When to get help
Use competent help to specify, install and maintain systems. Ask how proposed equipment relates to the fire risks and escape arrangements.

## Records to keep
- System and equipment information.
- Checks, maintenance, faults and repairs.
- Training and the arrangements for reporting problems.

## Does buying extinguishers complete fire safety?
No. Fire precautions, evacuation, maintenance and staff arrangements need to work together.

Source check for this expanded guide: 2026-11-03. Specialist sign-off pending.