5 Fire Safety Mistakes Building Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

Fire safety isn’t optional; it’s a legal requirement and a responsibility to everyone who occupies your building. Yet many building owners make mistakes that put lives and property at risk. Here are 5 common fire safety mistakes and practical ways to fix them.

1. Skipping Regular Fire Door Inspections

Mistake: Assuming fire doors are safe once installed.

Why it’s risky: Research shows 75% of UK fire doors fail inspection due to worn seals, gaps, or misaligned frames.

Fix it: Schedule annual inspections, check BM TRADA-certified doors, and promptly repair any issues. Small fixes today prevent disasters tomorrow.

2. Ignoring Updated Fire Safety Legislation

Mistake: Relying on old compliance standards.

Why it’s risky: The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 set strict rules. Non-compliance can result in fines or insurance problems.

Fix it: Stay updated on current regulations and use certified fire safety professionals to audit your building.

3. Poor Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment and Signage

Mistake: Installing alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, or fire signage and then neglecting them.

Why it’s risky: Faulty equipment or missing/incorrect signage is useless in an emergency, creating confusion and increasing risks.

Fix it: Test alarms monthly, inspect extinguishers annually, check emergency lighting regularly, and ensure all fire safety signs are correctly positioned, visible, and compliant. Proper signage guides occupants safely and supports evacuation plans.

4. Inadequate Staff Training & Evacuation Plans

Mistake: Assuming occupants know what to do in a fire.

Why it’s risky: Confusion during an emergency can lead to injuries or fatalities.

Fix it: Conduct regular fire drills, provide training for staff and key occupants, and ensure clear signage and evacuation routes.

5. One-Size-Fits-All Fire Safety Solutions

Mistake: Using generic solutions or DIY fixes.

Why it’s risky: Every building has unique risks, generic approaches can leave gaps in protection.

Fix it: Work with specialist fire solutions providers to create tailored compliance strategies, from fire door replacements to passive fire protection.

Why Proactive Fire Safety Matters

Fire safety is an ongoing responsibility. Avoiding these mistakes ensures occupant safety, regulatory compliance, and protection of your assets.

Take the next step: Arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with our certified fire solutions experts to assess your building’s fire safety today.

https://www.odsgroup.co.uk/fire-solutions

sales@odsgroup.co.uk