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Fire Risk Assessment for Restaurants: Fire Risk Assessment Consultants for Restaurants
Fire Risk Assessment for Restaurants is an essential process to protect your staff, customers, and business from the threat of fire. In a restaurant setting, a fire risk assessment identifies potential fire hazards (like cooking equipment, electrical appliances, or flammable materials) and evaluates the risks they pose to people on the premises. It checks what fire safety measures (alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency exits) are already in place and what improvements are needed. The assessment culminates in a plan for reducing fire risks – including recording the findings, training staff in fire safety procedures, and scheduling regular reviews to keep the plan up to date. This thorough approach not only keeps everyone safe but also ensures you comply with UK fire safety law (the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005) as the responsible person for the premises.
JTA Fire Consultancy provides professional fire risk assessment services tailored for restaurants to comply with UK fire safety law and protect people, property and reputation.
Fire Risk Assessment for Restaurants: Five Key Steps
Typically, a restaurant fire risk assessment follows five key steps according to standard fire safety guidance:
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Identify fire hazards: look for anything that could start a fire (ignition sources) and anything that could burn (fuel). In a restaurant this includes obvious ignition sources like kitchen cooking equipment (stoves, ovens, deep fat fryers), electrical wiring or appliances, heating equipment, as well as accumulations of grease, cooking oils, paper or packaging, and even cleaning chemicals that might be flammable. Consider oxygen sources too (air flow, ventilation, or oxygen cylinders) since they can feed a fire.
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Identify people at risk: determine who would be in danger if a fire breaks out. This includes kitchen and serving staff, diners, and other visitors. Pay special attention to vulnerable individuals – for example, children, the elderly, or people with disabilities – who may need assistance during an evacuation. Don’t forget delivery personnel or contractors who might be on-site.
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Evaluate risks and take precautions: for each hazard identified, evaluate how likely it is to cause a fire and how severe the consequences could be. Then take action to eliminate or reduce those risks. Check whether current fire safety measures are sufficient – for instance, are there enough fire alarms and smoke detectors, clearly marked escape routes, emergency lighting, appropriate fire extinguishers and fire blankets in the kitchen, and fire doors to contain a blaze? If any safety measures are lacking or inadequate, plan improvements. This might include installing or upgrading equipment (like adding a fire suppression system above deep fryers) or improving maintenance and housekeeping routines.
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Record findings, plan and train: if you have five or more employees, you are legally required to document your fire risk assessment findings. In practice, it’s wise for any restaurant to keep a written record. Write down the hazards you found, the people at risk, and what precautions you have in place or will implement. Using these findings, create an emergency plan detailing how you will keep people safe if a fire occurs (for example, evacuation procedures and assembly points). Train your staff on what to do in case of fire – regular fire drills and staff training sessions are crucial so everyone knows their role and escape routes.
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Review and update regularly: a fire risk assessment isn’t a one-time task. You need to review it on a regular basis to keep it effective. Circumstances in a restaurant can change frequently – you might renovate the dining area, install new kitchen equipment, change your menu (introducing new cooking methods), or see staff turnover. Whenever there’s a significant change that could affect fire safety (or at least once a year as a good practice), revisit the risk assessment. Update any sections necessary: add new hazards, remove irrelevant ones, and record any new safety measures. Regular reviews ensure that new risks are addressed promptly and that your fire safety measures remain effective over time.
Specific Considerations for Restaurant Fire Safety: Fire Risk Assessments & More
A kitchen fire extinguisher provides a crucial first line of defence in a restaurant kitchen. Ensuring the right fire-fighting equipment is present and easily accessible is one of many important considerations in a restaurant fire risk assessment.
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Restaurants present some unique fire risks compared to other workplaces, so your fire risk assessment should pay special attention to a few key areas. Below are specific considerations for fire safety in restaurants:
Kitchen
The kitchen is typically the highest-risk area in any restaurant. Open flames, gas hobs, hot oils, grease buildup in extraction hoods, deep fat fryers, ovens, and numerous electrical appliances all combine to create a potent fire hazard. Strict cleaning schedules (to prevent grease accumulation), regular maintenance of cooking equipment, and installed fire suppression systems (such as automatic stove-top extinguishers or Ansul systems) are critical precautions in kitchen areas.
Storage areas
Restaurants often store flammable items like cooking oil, alcohol, paper goods (napkins, takeout containers), cardboard boxes, and cleaning chemicals. Poorly managed storage or clutter can turn a small fire into a big one. Keep storage rooms and cupboards tidy and well-organized. Flammable liquids should be kept in proper containers away from heat sources. Dispose of rubbish and greasy rags frequently so they don’t build up and create additional fuel for fire.
Escape routes
Check that all escape routes (hallways, doors, corridors leading to exits) are clear of obstructions at all times. In a busy restaurant, it’s easy for boxes, high chairs, or even extra tables to block an exit pathway – this is extremely dangerous in an emergency. Make sure exit routes are well-lit (with emergency lighting in case of power loss) and that illuminated exit signs are installed and visible. During your assessment, walk the route that customers and staff would take to evacuate and ensure it’s straightforward and quick.
UK Legal Requirements for Fire Risk Assessments in Restaurants
Running a restaurant in the UK comes with legal fire safety responsibilities. The primary legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all non-domestic premises (including restaurants, cafes, pubs). Under this law, the person deemed the "responsible person" for the restaurant – usually the owner, employer, or a person in control of the premises – must ensure that a fire risk assessment is carried out and maintained for the venue. In practice, this means you need to not only perform an initial fire risk assessment but also keep it up to date (reviewing it periodically as we noted above).
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If your restaurant has five or more employees, or if the premises requires a licence (which most restaurants do for serving food/alcohol), the law also requires you to keep a written record of your fire risk assessment and its significant findings. This written record should detail the major hazards identified, measures taken to mitigate them, and an action plan for any improvements. Authorities (like fire inspectors or local council licensing officers) may ask to see this documentation as proof that you are managing fire risks responsibly. Failing to have a suitable, up-to-date fire risk assessment (or not adhering to its action plan) can lead to enforcement notices, fines, or even criminal liability in serious cases. In short, staying on top of your fire risk assessment isn’t just best practice – it’s a legal requirement to keep your staff and customers safe from fire.
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JTA Fire Advice: the "responsible person" can be held accountable for compliance. It’s wise to assign this role clearly – for example, an owner or general manager – and ensure they understand their duties.
Expert Fire Risk Assessment Services for Restaurants
While it’s possible to conduct a fire risk assessment on your own, many restaurant owners find value in using professional fire risk assessment consultants to ensure nothing is overlooked. As specialists, we bring expert knowledge of fire safety regulations and real-world experience identifying hazards in commercial kitchens and dining areas. We can thoroughly evaluate your restaurant’s layout, equipment, and procedures, then provide practical recommendations to improve safety and compliance.
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Why choose a professional fire risk assessment for your restaurant?
You gain peace of mind that your assessment is comprehensive and meets all legal requirements. Our consultants will document everything for you and even help train your staff in fire safety protocols. Using an expert can save you time and help avoid costly mistakes or omissions. Most importantly, it helps protect your employees, customers, and business reputation by greatly reducing the risk of a fire incident.
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Book a consultation: if you need help with a fire risk assessment in your restaurant, reach out to our fire safety team. We offer consultation and on-site assessment services to get your venue fully compliant and safe. Let us handle the complexities of fire safety so you can focus on running your restaurant with confidence.
Fire Risk Assessment Consultancy for Restaurants You Can Trust: This is JTA Fire.
What Happens During Your Fire Risk Assessment Consultation for Restaurants
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Site Visit & Inspection
Our consultant visits your premises to walk every relevant area and assess fire risks. -
Risk Identification
We identify hazards, ignition sources, escape routes and potential risk factors. -
Report with Recommendations
You’ll receive a concise, compliant report outlining findings and clear, practical steps to reduce risk and meet legal duties. -
Follow-Up Support
We explain priorities and help you plan improvements that protect people and strengthen safety.
Fire Risk Assessment for Restaurants: FAQs
How often should a restaurant have a fire risk assessment?
How often should a restaurant have a fire risk assessment?
There’s no fixed rule for all situations, but as a general guideline you should review your restaurant’s fire risk assessment at least once a year. Regular annual reviews help ensure that any changes in your restaurant (new equipment, menu changes affecting cooking methods, renovations, staff changes, etc.) are accounted for. In addition to the yearly review, you must update the fire risk assessment whenever significant changes occur – for example, if you redesign the kitchen, alter the layout of the dining area, introduce a new cooking process, or after any incident like a small fire. The goal is to keep the assessment current so it always reflects the actual risks and control measures in your restaurant. By reviewing it periodically (and after changes), you stay compliant with regulations that require the assessment to be kept up to date and ensure continuous safety for your premises.
Do I legally have to have a fire risk assessment for my restaurant?
Yes – it is a legal requirement for virtually all businesses, including restaurants, to have a current fire risk assessment. UK fire safety law (Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005) mandates that the responsible person for the premises must ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out and reviewed regularly. This isn’t optional; if you operate a restaurant (even a small café), you must assess the fire risks in your environment and take appropriate precautions. If you have five or more employees, you are also required to keep a written record of this assessment. Fire authorities can ask to see evidence of your fire risk assessment, and if you haven’t done one or if it’s out of date, you could face enforcement action, fines, or even prosecution. Aside from the legal obligation, having a fire risk assessment is simply good practice – it helps prevent fires and keeps everyone in your restaurant safer.
What are the five steps of a fire risk assessment?
The five key steps of a fire risk assessment (as commonly recommended in UK guidance) are: 1) identify the fire hazards; 2) identify the people at risk; 3) evaluate the risks and put in place precautions to reduce or remove the risk; 4) record your findings and prepare an emergency plan (and train staff); and 5) review and update the assessment regularly. These five steps provide a structured approach to systematically assess and manage fire risks. In the context of a restaurant, following these steps helps ensure you’ve looked at all relevant fire hazards (from the kitchen to the customer areas), considered everyone who could be affected, taken appropriate actions to mitigate risks, documented the process, and set a schedule for ongoing reviews.
Can I do a fire risk assessment for my restaurant myself?
Yes, you can conduct a fire risk assessment yourself if you are the responsible person and feel confident that you have sufficient knowledge and expertise to do it properly. The law doesn’t require you to hire an expert – many small business owners carry out their own assessments using available guides and templates. However, you must be sure you understand what’s involved: you’ll need to identify all relevant hazards, know the fire safety measures and legal requirements, and be honest about evaluating risks. If you don’t have the expertise or time, you are allowed (and even encouraged) to seek help from a competent professional fire risk assessor. Hiring a professional can be a smart choice, especially for larger or higher-risk restaurants, because they bring experience and can often spot issues you might miss.
Remember, even if you do it yourself, it’s your responsibility to ensure the assessment is suitable and sufficient. The bottom line is, do it yourself only if you’re confident in doing so – otherwise, get a qualified fire safety consultant to help. Your priority is to have a thorough assessment, so your restaurant is safe and compliant.