Common Fire Hazards Small Businesses Overlook (and How to Fix Them)

Fire safety can sometimes fall down the list of priorities for small businesses. When you’re focused on customers, staffing, and keeping the doors open, it’s easy to miss the small things that can add up to big risks. The good news is, most fire hazards are simple to spot and straightforward to fix once you know what to look for.

Here are some of the common issues I see when risk assessing small businesses and what you can do about them.

1. Storing items in electrical cupboards

The hazard: Boxes, cleaning products, or even spare stock are often tucked away in electrical cupboards. This combines two risks: ignition sources (electrical equipment) with fuel (paper, packaging, chemicals).

Why it’s an issue: If an electrical fault develops, combustible materials make a small spark far more likely to develop into a serious fire.

How to fix it: Keep electrical cupboards clear of anything flammable. Use them for electrical equipment only, and find safer storage areas for stock and cleaning products.

2. Blocked escape routes

The hazard: Chairs, bins, or deliveries stacked in corridors or near fire exits.

Why it’s an issue: Escape routes must be clear at all times. Even a small obstruction can slow people down in an emergency, creating bottlenecks and panic.

How to fix it: Make a daily habit of checking exits and walkways are clear. If space is tight, create designated storage areas that don’t encroach on escape routes.

3. Reduced number of fire wardens

The hazard: Relying on a single fire warden, who may not always be present, especially during sickness or holidays or a hybrid working model.

Why it’s an issue: In an emergency, you need trained people available to guide staff and customers to safety and to contact the emergency services. Too few wardens means gaps in cover.

How to fix it: Train more than one fire warden so there’s always someone competent on-site. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least one fire warden for every 20 staff, adjusted for your type of premises and risk.

4. Poor housekeeping around external bins

The hazard: Overflowing or unsecure external bins placed too close to the building.

Why it’s an issue: Rubbish left in external bins increases the risk of arson. If bins are positioned against walls or near doors and windows, fire can spread quickly into the premises.

How to fix it: Keep bins locked, secure, and positioned well away from the building where possible. Arrange regular collections and avoid letting waste pile up.

5. Fire doors wedged open

The hazard: Doors propped open with wedges, bins, or furniture.

Why it’s an issue: Fire doors are designed to slow the spread of smoke and flames. Wedging them open removes this protection, allowing fire to travel quickly.

How to fix it: Best practice is to keep fire doors closed unless fitted with a proper automatic hold-open device linked to the fire alarm system.

Take Action

Fire safety doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does rely on vigilance. Small changes like clearing escape routes, securing bins, or storing items properly can make a huge difference in keeping your staff, customers, and business safe.

If you haven’t reviewed your fire risk assessment in the last year, now is the time. A fresh look will help you spot these common issues before they become a real danger.