Fire Safety 101: Why Every Workplace Needs a Plan

When we talk about workplace safety, fire is one of the biggest risks businesses face. Fires can start quickly, spread fast, and the consequences can be devastating, not just to property, but to people’s lives and the future of the business. That’s why fire safety isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a responsibility every employer in Scotland should take seriously.

In Scotland, fire safety in the workplace is set out under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. These laws place the duty on employers, owners, landlords, and other “dutyholders” to make sure their premises are safe from fire. This isn’t about waiting for the fire service to step in, the responsibility sits squarely with the business.

So, what does that mean in practice? At its heart, it comes down to having a clear fire safety plan. That includes:

• Carrying out a fire risk assessment to identify hazards and put sensible precautions in place.

• Maintaining fire safety equipment like alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting.

• Keeping escape routes clear and making sure everyone knows how to use them.

• Training staff so they know what to do in the event of a fire.

• Reviewing regularly, because workplaces change and so do risks.

Why is this important? Again, we can look at it through the same lens as health and safety:

• Legal: The law is clear. Duty holders must take steps to reduce fire risk and protect people. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, fines, or worse.

• Moral: Nobody should go to work worried about their safety. A strong fire safety plan shows staff, customers, and visitors that their wellbeing comes first.

• Financial: Fires can shut down a business overnight. Even if insurance covers some costs, the disruption, downtime, and reputational damage can be enormous. Preventing a fire is always cheaper than dealing with the aftermath.

Fire safety isn’t about endless paperwork or ticking boxes. It’s about creating a safe environment where people know what to do if the worst happens.

If you haven’t reviewed your fire risk assessment in a while, now’s the time. Even small updates can make a big difference in keeping people safe and protecting your business.