Fire is one of the most serious risks in any workplace. Every year in the UK, thousands of fires break out in commercial premises — hotels, restaurants, offices, care homes, shops, and factories. The consequences can be catastrophic: loss of life, serious injury, destruction of property, and permanent closure of businesses.
Yet fire safety is one of the areas where many businesses fall short. Staff do not know what to do in an emergency. Fire exits are blocked. Fire risk assessments are out of date or incomplete. Fire wardens have not been trained. These are exactly the kinds of failings that fire safety legislation is designed to prevent.
This guide explains the legal framework for fire safety in the UK, the specific training requirements for employers and employees, and how to make sure your workplace is compliant.
The Law: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Fire safety in non-domestic premises in England and Wales is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (commonly known as the Fire Safety Order or RRO). In Scotland, the equivalent legislation is the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
The Fire Safety Order places responsibility on the “responsible person” — typically the employer, owner, or occupier of the premises. Their duties include:
- Carrying out a fire risk assessment and keeping it up to date
- Implementing appropriate fire safety measures based on the risk assessment
- Providing fire safety training to all employees
- Appointing fire wardens (also called fire marshals) where appropriate
- Maintaining fire detection and warning systems, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, and escape routes
- Establishing an emergency plan for evacuation
- Keeping records of the fire risk assessment, training, drills, and maintenance
The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all non-domestic premises, including workplaces, commercial buildings, shared areas of residential buildings, hotels, restaurants, pubs, schools, hospitals, care homes, and places of worship.
The Fire Safety Act 2021
The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified and strengthened the original Fire Safety Order, particularly in relation to multi-occupied residential buildings. It confirmed that the Fire Safety Order applies to:
- The structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings
- Common parts of residential buildings (corridors, stairwells, lobbies)
While the Fire Safety Act 2021 is most directly relevant to building owners and managers, it reinforced the importance of fire risk assessments and the duties of responsible persons. For hospitality businesses operating in shared or multi-use buildings — such as restaurants at ground level with residential flats above — this legislation is directly relevant.
The Building Safety Act 2022
For high-rise residential buildings (over 18 metres or seven storeys), the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced additional fire safety requirements, including the appointment of an Accountable Person and a Building Safety Manager. While this primarily affects building owners rather than individual businesses, hospitality operators in high-rise or mixed-use buildings should be aware of its implications.
Who Needs Fire Safety Training?
Under the Fire Safety Order, all employees must receive fire safety training. This is not optional — it is a legal requirement. The training must be provided:
- When an employee first starts work — as part of their induction
- When an employee is exposed to new or increased risks — for example, when they change role, move to a new area, or when the premises are altered
- At regular intervals — to ensure knowledge is maintained and refreshed
The level and depth of training depends on the employee’s role and responsibilities:
All Employees
Every member of staff needs to understand the basics covered in our Health and Safety for Employees course:
- The fire risks in their workplace
- What to do if they discover a fire
- How to raise the alarm
- The evacuation procedure and assembly point
- The location of fire exits and escape routes
- How to use a fire extinguisher (basic awareness)
Fire Wardens and Fire Marshals
Fire wardens (sometimes called fire marshals — the terms are used interchangeably) are employees who have been given specific fire safety responsibilities. They receive additional training covering:
- Conducting floor sweeps during an evacuation to ensure everyone has left
- Assisting people with disabilities or mobility issues during evacuation
- Reporting to the assembly point and confirming their area is clear
- Using fire extinguishers to tackle small fires where safe to do so
- Liaising with the fire service on arrival
- Understanding fire risk assessments and contributing to fire safety planning
There is no fixed legal requirement for the number of fire wardens per workplace, but the general guidance is one fire warden per floor, with additional wardens for large or complex premises. The fire risk assessment should determine the appropriate number based on the size, layout, occupancy, and risk level of the building. Our Fire Warden Training course covers the specific duties and skills that designated fire wardens need.
The Responsible Person
The responsible person (typically the employer, building owner, or premises manager) has the highest level of fire safety responsibility and should have a thorough understanding of:
- Fire risk assessment methodology
- Legal duties under the Fire Safety Order
- How to implement and monitor fire safety measures
- Record-keeping requirements
Fire Risk Assessments
A fire risk assessment is the foundation of fire safety compliance. It must be carried out by the responsible person (or a competent person on their behalf) and must be reviewed regularly.
A fire risk assessment should follow five steps:
Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards
This means identifying potential sources of ignition (electrical equipment, cooking equipment, heating systems, naked flames, hot surfaces), sources of fuel (paper, cardboard, textiles, chemicals, cooking oils, waste), and sources of oxygen (air conditioning, ventilation, stored oxidising chemicals).
In hospitality settings, kitchens present significant fire risks due to the combination of high-temperature cooking equipment, cooking oils, gas supplies, and flammable materials.
Step 2: Identify People at Risk
Consider all people who might be affected — employees, customers, visitors, contractors, and anyone else on the premises. Pay particular attention to people who may be especially vulnerable, including those with disabilities, mobility issues, sensory impairments, young children, and elderly people.
Step 3: Evaluate, Remove, or Reduce Risks
Based on the hazards and people identified, evaluate the level of risk and take action. This might include removing unnecessary flammable materials, installing fire detection systems, improving escape routes, introducing fire-resistant storage, and providing appropriate firefighting equipment.
Step 4: Record, Plan, Train
Document the findings of the risk assessment, create an emergency plan, and ensure all staff are trained. The emergency plan should cover how the alarm is raised, who calls the fire service, the evacuation procedure, the assembly point, and duties of fire wardens.
Step 5: Review and Update
The fire risk assessment must be reviewed regularly — and immediately if there is a significant change to the premises, the use of the premises, the people using the premises, or if a fire or near-miss occurs.
For premises with five or more employees, the fire risk assessment must be recorded in writing.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Understanding fire extinguishers is a core component of fire safety training. Different types of extinguisher are designed for different classes of fire, and using the wrong type can make a fire worse.
Water Extinguishers (Red Label)
- Suitable for: Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles, solid combustibles)
- Not suitable for: Electrical fires, flammable liquids, cooking oils
- How they work: Cool the burning material below its ignition temperature
Foam Extinguishers (Cream Label)
- Suitable for: Class A and Class B fires (flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, and solvents)
- Not suitable for: Cooking oil fires, electrical fires (though some are rated for incidental electrical contact)
- How they work: Smother the fire and seal the surface of the liquid to prevent reignition
CO2 Extinguishers (Black Label)
- Suitable for: Electrical fires and Class B fires
- Not suitable for: Cooking oil fires, Class A fires (limited cooling effect)
- How they work: Displace oxygen around the fire and cool it. Leave no residue, making them ideal for offices and server rooms
Dry Powder Extinguishers (Blue Label)
- Suitable for: Class A, B, and C fires (flammable gases) and electrical fires
- Not suitable for: Enclosed spaces (visibility issues and breathing hazards), cooking oil fires
- How they work: Chemically interrupt the fire reaction
Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Yellow Label)
- Suitable for: Class F fires (cooking oils and fats) — essential in commercial kitchens
- Also suitable for: Class A fires
- How they work: Cool the oil and create a soap-like film that seals the surface and prevents reignition
In a hospitality environment, wet chemical extinguishers are particularly important given the prevalence of deep fat fryers and cooking oils. The Fire Safety course covers extinguisher types in detail and explains how to select and use the right one.
Fire Safety in Hospitality
Hospitality venues face specific fire safety challenges:
Kitchen Fires
Commercial kitchens are high-risk environments for fire. Deep fat fryers, gas hobs, grills, and ovens all present ignition sources. Cooking oils and fats are highly flammable and can cause Class F fires, which are particularly dangerous and difficult to extinguish.
Kitchens should be fitted with wet chemical extinguishers, fire blankets, and — ideally — automatic fire suppression systems over cooking equipment. Staff should be trained in the specific procedures for dealing with cooking oil fires, including the critical instruction to never use water on a fat or oil fire.
Escape Routes and Occupancy
Hotels, restaurants, pubs, and event venues have high and variable occupancy levels. Escape routes must be wide enough, clearly signed, well-lit, and free from obstruction at all times. Emergency lighting must be maintained and tested regularly.
Night-Time Risk
Hotels and other premises with sleeping occupants present particular challenges. Guests may be unfamiliar with the building layout, may be asleep when the alarm sounds, and may have mobility or sensory impairments. Fire detection, alarm systems, and evacuation procedures must account for these factors.
Multi-Use Buildings
Many hospitality businesses operate in buildings that combine commercial and residential use. The Fire Safety Act 2021 is particularly relevant here, as it clarifies the fire safety responsibilities for shared and common parts of these buildings.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The consequences of failing to meet fire safety obligations can be severe:
- Enforcement notices — requiring specific improvements within a set timeframe
- Prohibition notices — preventing the use of premises until serious deficiencies are remedied
- Fines — fire safety offences can result in unlimited fines
- Imprisonment — for the most serious offences, the responsible person can face up to two years in prison
- Civil liability — if a fire causes injury or death due to negligence, the responsible person may face civil claims for damages
- Insurance implications — non-compliance can invalidate business insurance, leaving the business unprotected in the event of a fire
The human cost is the most important consideration. Between 2022 and 2024, UK fire and rescue services attended over 170,000 fires annually. Proper fire safety measures and training save lives.
How to Get Certified
Getting your Fire Safety certificate through Chefs Bay Academy is straightforward:
- Buy a licence for £29 — this gives you access to the Fire Safety course and 130+ other courses in the library
- Start learning — work through the course modules at your own pace on any device
- Complete the assessment — pass the end-of-course assessment to confirm your understanding
- Download your certificate — your CPD accredited certificate is available immediately
The course covers the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire risk assessments, evacuation procedures, fire warden duties, extinguisher types and use, and specific fire safety considerations for different workplace environments.
For a broader view of workplace safety compliance, explore our full range of health and safety courses — covering manual handling, COSHH, first aid, and more. All are included in the same £29 licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fire safety training a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure that all employees receive appropriate fire safety training. This includes training on fire risks, evacuation procedures, and the use of firefighting equipment. Training must be provided at induction and refreshed regularly.
How often should fire safety training be renewed?
While there is no specific legal renewal period, the Fire Safety Order requires training at regular intervals. Best practice is to provide refresher training annually and to conduct fire drills at least twice a year. Training should also be updated whenever there are significant changes to the premises, personnel, or fire safety arrangements.
What is the difference between a fire warden and a fire marshal?
In practice, the terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to a designated person with specific fire safety duties, including conducting floor sweeps during evacuation, assisting vulnerable people, and liaising with the fire service. Some organisations use “fire warden” for general duties and “fire marshal” for those with additional responsibilities, but there is no legal distinction.
How many fire wardens does a workplace need?
There is no fixed legal requirement. The number should be determined by the fire risk assessment, taking into account the size and layout of the premises, the number of occupants, and the level of risk. The general guidance is at least one fire warden per floor, with enough wardens to cover all areas during shifts, holidays, and absences.
Can fire safety training be completed online?
Yes. Online fire safety training is widely accepted and meets the requirements of the Fire Safety Order for general fire safety awareness and fire warden training. Practical fire extinguisher training — where staff physically handle extinguishers — should ideally be provided in person as a supplement to online training, but the theoretical component can be completed online.
Related Guides
If you found this guide helpful, you might also want to read:
- Manual Handling Training: What UK Workers Need to Know — proper lifting techniques and the TILE assessment framework
- COSHH Awareness: Understanding Hazardous Substances — controlling hazardous substances is another key fire risk factor
- First Aid at Work: Requirements, Regulations and Training Options — first aid provision goes hand-in-hand with fire safety planning
All these courses are included in your Chefs Bay Academy licence — £29 for instant access to 130+ courses.