Operating a compact retail unit does not exempt you from strict fire safety obligations. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies equally to smaller premises, requiring a formal risk assessment whenever staff are employed or the public enters the building. You must document findings under PAS 79-1:2020 to ensure you meet current legal standards.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), the person responsible for the premises must ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out. This document is not just paperwork; it is the foundation of your fire safety strategy. It identifies hazards, determines who is at risk, and helps you implement control measures. For small shop owners, understanding this requirement is essential to avoid penalties and, more importantly, to ensure a safe environment.
Who is the "Responsible Person"?
The RRO places a specific duty on the Responsible Person. In the context of a small shop, this is usually the employer, the owner, or the occupier. If you are in control of the premises to any extent, the duty likely falls to you.
If you share the building with other businesses—for example, if your shop is in a parade or a mixed-use building with flats above—responsibility might be shared. In such cases, you must coordinate with other responsible parties to ensure safety across the whole site. Failing to identify who is responsible can lead to gaps in safety coverage, which enforcement bodies will flag during an inspection.
What does the law require?
The law requires that you take general fire precautions to ensure the safety of any relevant persons. For a shop, "relevant persons" includes your employees, delivery drivers, and crucially, your customers.
Your duties under the RRO include:
- Reducing the risk of fire spreading.
- Ensuring means of escape are safe and accessible.
- Providing and maintaining fire safety equipment (such as extinguishers and alarms).
- Providing staff training and information on fire risks.
You cannot fulfil these duties effectively without first conducting a risk assessment. The assessment must be reviewed regularly and updated if there is a significant change to the premises, such as a change in layout, stock levels, or use of the building.
The 5 steps of a fire risk assessment
A fire risk assessment for a small shop does not need to be overly complex, but it must be systematic. Following recognised guidance, such as that provided by the HSE and PAS 79, the process generally involves five key steps:
- Identify fire hazards: Look for sources of ignition (heaters, electrical equipment), sources of fuel (packaging, stock, waste), and sources of oxygen (air vents, oxygen cylinders).
- Identify people at risk: Consider staff, customers, and anyone particularly vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with mobility issues.
- Evaluate, remove, reduce, and protect: Assess the risks and decide if you can remove them. If not, look at ways to reduce them and implement precautions to protect people.
- Record, plan, inform, instruct, and train: Write down your significant findings and the actions you are taking. Prepare an emergency plan and ensure your staff knows what to do in the event of a fire.
- Review: Keep the assessment under review and revise it when necessary.
Common hazards in small retail units
Small shops often face specific risks that are easily overlooked. Storage is a frequent issue. Piling stock high in corridors or near fire exits can block escape routes and provide additional fuel for a fire. Electrical safety is another major concern; overloaded sockets and damaged cables are common causes of fires in retail environments.
You must also consider means of escape. For a small shop, this usually involves ensuring the front and rear doors are easily openable, clear of obstructions, and lead to a place of total safety. Emergency lighting may be required if the shop is windowless or if the escape route passes through areas that would be in darkness if the main lighting failed.
Do I need a professional assessor?
The legislation does not explicitly state that a risk assessment must be completed by an external professional. If you feel you have the necessary competence and understanding of fire safety principles, you can complete it yourself. However, "competence" is defined by having sufficient training, knowledge, and experience.
Many small business owners lack the time or specific technical knowledge to confidently identify all risks, particularly regarding complex building layouts or modern fire alarm systems. In these cases, seeking external help is the safest option. An inaccurate assessment can lead to unsafe conditions and potential enforcement action by the Fire and Rescue Service.
How HawkSwift can help
At HawkSwift Ltd, we understand that running a shop is demanding. Let us handle the compliance side of fire safety so you can focus on your customers. We provide comprehensive fire risk assessments for small shops, starting from £199 + VAT.
Our team includes NEBOSH-qualified assessors who understand the nuances of UK fire safety legislation. We pride ourselves on efficiency and clarity, delivering your detailed report within 48 hours of the site visit. We identify the hazards, provide clear recommendations, and help you achieve compliance without the jargon.
To ensure your shop meets its legal obligations and is safe for everyone, book a fire risk assessment with HawkSwift today.
Quick answers
Q: Do small shops in the UK need a fire risk assessment?
Yes, if you employ anyone or the public has access to your premises, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires you to carry out a fire risk assessment. This legal duty applies regardless of the size of the business.
Q: Who is responsible for fire safety in a small shop?
The employer, owner, or occupier is usually the "Responsible Person" under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If the building is shared with other businesses, you must coordinate with other responsible parties to ensure safety across the site.
Q: What are the 5 steps of a fire risk assessment?
The process involves identifying fire hazards and people at risk, then evaluating, removing, or reducing those risks. You must record significant findings and emergency plans, inform staff, and regularly review the assessment in line with guidance such as PAS 79-1:2020.
