Policy guidance - updated October 2024

Fire safety in charity shops

Fire safety policy, risk assessment, shop floor requirements and resources.

Why is fire safety important?

Fire puts people at risk, may seriously affect your charity's reputation, and the financial costs of a fire have increased over 30% in the last 10 years. Whilst the biggest cause of fire in the UK is arson, fires can also be caused by careless actions, or defective / misused equipment. Failure to adhere to fire safety regulations could result in the shop being closed and the charity being fined and / or prosecuted.

Fire safety on the shop floor – what the law says

Key legislation covering fire safety in the UK.

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Fire safety policy

You can reduce fire safety risks with a comprehensive fire safety policy.

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Fire risk assessment

A mandatory process used to plan how to reduce the threat of fire and protect people.

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Fire exits

Any person confronted by fire anywhere in the building, should be able to turn away from it and escape to a place of total safety unaided.

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Fire fighting equipment and training

Adequate provision should be made for fighting fires.

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Tips to prevent fire in-store

Covering sources of fuel, arson, shop structure and electrical appliances.

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Fire safety induction guides for staff and volunteers

A handy overview of in-store fire safety, this guide covers mandatory documents for shops, how a fire starts and spreads, the best ways to prevent a fire, what to do if there is a fire and an overview of fire safety equipment.