Essential Fire Safety Measures for Businesses in Milton Keynes

On 12 December 2024, a devastating fire tore through the Milton Keynes Market, leaving a trail of destruction and uncertainty in its wake. The official cause? An electrical fault, is the kind of hazard that can exist in any commercial setting.

For many business owners, this incident was a wake-up call. Fires don’t just happen elsewhere. They happen close to home, in familiar places, and often when you least expect them.

So the question arises, has your business taken the necessary steps to minimise fire risk and protect what matters most?

If you’re running a shop, office, café, or warehouse, having a clear fire safety strategy is no longer optional. It’s essential. In this guide we cover fire safety measures for businesses in Milton Keynes, helping you stay compliant with current fire safety regulations for businesses and, more importantly, keeping your premises, staff, and customers safe.

We’ll cover the four pillars of workplace fire safety:

• Fire risk assessments
• Emergency lighting
• Smoke alarms
• And fire extinguishers

The Importance of Fire Risk Assessments in Milton Keynes

Without a fire risk assessment, how can you identify the specific risks on your premises and know what action to take? Quite simply, you can’t. That’s why the government placed fire risk assessments at the heart of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

This legislation applies to all non-domestic properties in England, including shops, offices, warehouses, restaurants, and shared areas in residential buildings. Under the law, who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment? That duty falls to the “responsible person,” typically the employer, owner, landlord, or a designated facilities manager.

This responsible person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out, reviewed regularly, and kept up to date. It’s about ticking boxes and keeping people safe.

How to Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment?

A proper fire risk assessment isn’t guesswork. It’s a structured process that helps you understand your fire risks and implement measures that genuinely reduce the likelihood and impact of a fire. Here’s what’s involved:

1. Identify hazards such as faulty wiring, blocked fire exits, or the storage of flammable materials.
2. Identify people at risk including staff, customers, and especially vulnerable individuals.
3. Evaluate the risks and take action if hazards can be removed, or should control measures be put in place?
4. Record your findings and implement a fire policy.
5. Review and update regularly, especially after structural changes or major staff turnover.

Still wondering, “Do I need to do a fire risk assessment?” If your business has five or more employees, the answer is yes, and you’re legally required to document it.

Can you do it yourself? Possibly, but only if you’re what the legislation defines as a ‘competent person’ someone with adequate knowledge, training and experience. If that sounds like a stretch, hiring a professional is often the safest and most effective route, especially for fire risk assessments for commercial premises in Milton Keynes where compliance is critical.

At Northants Fire, our fully qualified assessors don’t just carry out inspections. We provide clear, prioritised reports that are easy to act on. So you’re not just handed a document, you’re given a roadmap to safer premises.

Emergency Lighting in Milton Keynes: A Must for Fire Safety

If a fire causes the power to fail, how will people find their way out of your building safely? That’s where emergency lighting steps in quite literally, a guiding light when visibility is lost.

Why are emergency lights provided? It’s simple: they illuminate escape routes during an emergency. In a smoky corridor or a dark stairwell, well-placed lights can make the difference between a safe evacuation and a dangerous delay. Emergency lighting is one of the most essential tools in any strategy and tips for fire safety in work environments.

Legal Requirements for Emergency Lighting

Under current fire safety regulations for businesses, most commercial premises are required to have an appropriate emergency lighting system in place. This isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal obligation.

Systems must meet the standards set out in BS 5266-1, the British Standard for the design, installation and servicing of emergency lighting. These guidelines ensure your system operates reliably in the event of a power failure and support safe and timely evacuation.

If your business is inspected and doesn’t meet emergency lighting regulations, you could be liable for enforcement action or fines. So, if you’ve not reviewed your system in a while, now might be the time.

Tips to Implement and Maintain Emergency Lighting

When it comes to emergency lighting, installation and upkeep are just as important as having the right equipment.

Lights should be installed in critical locations such as:

• Escape routes and stairwells
• Final exit doors
• Open areas larger than 60m²
• High-risk areas like plant rooms or kitchens

As for how often should emergency lighting be tested, the answer is:

• Monthly for a quick functional test: check the lights turn on properly.
• Annually for a full-duration test: ensure they last for the required time, typically 3 hours.

Local Services

If you need help upgrading or maintaining your system, there are several trusted providers offering company fire safety in Milton Keynes, including emergency lighting services.

Professional fire safety engineers can assess your premises, recommend the best lighting layout, and ensure all installations meet current legal standards. This takes the guesswork out of compliance and keeps your business safe, practical, and up to code.

Choosing the Right Smoke Alarms for Your Business in Milton Keynes

Choosing the right smoke alarms is not just a matter of ticking a box. Different alarm types respond to different kinds of fires, and selecting the right ones for your premises can significantly enhance your fire protection.

Let’s break it down:

• Ionisation alarms are fast-acting and sensitive to flaming fires, ideal for general areas.
• Photoelectric (optical) alarms are better at detecting smouldering fires, useful in bedrooms, offices, or dusty areas.
• Heat alarms respond to temperature changes, making them perfect for kitchens or industrial environments.

Determining Quantity and Placement

One of the most common questions we’re asked is where to position smoke alarms. The answer? Anywhere a fire could start, and then some.

The general guidelines include:

• At least one alarm on every floor of the building
• Inside all rooms where fire risks exist
• Along escape routes
• Ceilings only, and positioned at least 30cm from walls or light fittings

Tips for Maintenance and Testing

Once installed, smoke alarms need to be looked after. A faulty alarm is as bad as no alarm at all. Here’s what you need to do:

• Test alarms weekly to check they sound correctly
• Clean units regularly to remove dust
• Replace batteries (if applicable) as recommended
• Log all maintenance as part of your fire safety documentation

Ensure Your Business’s Fire Safety with Northants Fire

If you’re looking for expert support with company fire safety in Milton Keynes, Northants Fire is here to help. Our experienced and professional team offers a full range of fire safety services tailored to suit the unique needs of your business, helping you stay compliant, protected, and prepared.

We provide thorough fire risk assessments to identify potential hazards, ensure legal compliance, and help you implement robust, practical safety measures. When it comes to emergency lighting, we handle everything from initial installation to regular maintenance, ensuring your escape routes remain illuminated and fully compliant with emergency lighting regulations.

Our team also supplies, fits, and services a wide range of smoke alarms, offering expert advice on where to position smoke alarms throughout your premises for the best coverage and protection. 

Additionally, we offer comprehensive support with fire extinguishers, including supplying multi-class units, performing routine checks, and delivering essential staff training. Call us today on 01604 760600 to request a free quote or arrange a no-obligation fire safety survey.