THE ANSWER, FIRST
Choose suitable fire-warning and firefighting arrangements for the premises. Keep equipment working and act on faults; a standard package is not a substitute for understanding the building.
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Who is responsibleYour next stepsBefore spending moneyWhat you can do yourselfPutting it into practiceRecords to keepWhen to reviewCommon questionsOfficial sourcesWho is responsible?
Those responsible for fire safety in non-domestic premises covered by the Fire Safety Order.
Provide appropriate fire detection, warning and firefighting arrangements. Equipment needs suitable installation, checking and maintenance.
START HERE
Your next three steps
- 1
Check what the fire risk assessment says your building needs.
- 2
Establish who checks and maintains the equipment.
- 3
Record faults and make sure they are dealt with.
BEFORE YOU PAY
Make sure you’re buying the right job
- 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.
Watch out: A standard equipment package may not suit your premises. Ask how each recommendation relates to the assessment and the risks.
Compare the whole cost of two quotesWhat can you 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 competent help
Use competent help to specify, install and maintain systems. Ask how proposed equipment relates to the fire risks and escape arrangements.
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.
Compare costs and decide what to buy
Use these buying guides to prepare your brief, check exclusions and compare the whole price.
Keep a useful record
Aim for information that helps the next person make a sound decision.
- System and equipment information.
- Checks, maintenance, faults and repairs.
- Training and the arrangements for reporting problems.
When to review it
Regular checks and appropriate maintenance. Establish the schedule for your equipment and premises with competent advice.
Ask a supplier to distinguish a legal deadline, a recommendation based on risk and a condition in your contract or insurance. They are not interchangeable.
Questions to put to a provider
- Which assessment findings support this specification?
- What checks can our staff perform?
- What does the maintenance agreement include?
Common questions
Does buying extinguishers complete fire safety?
No. Fire precautions, evacuation, maintenance and staff arrangements need to work together.
Check the official sources
Read the current guidance for the place where you operate. A link is not an endorsement of this website by the regulator.
Source-checked guidance. Specialist editorial sign-off is pending; this is not an assessment of your business. It does not cover every specialist activity or replace competent, case-specific advice.
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