Fire Risk Assessment Information for Offices

Offices are often seen as low-risk workplaces, but fire hazards can still arise from everyday activities, equipment, and building layout. Across Walsall, Staffordshire, and the wider West Midlands, office-based businesses have a legal duty to manage fire safety and ensure suitable arrangements are in place to protect staff and visitors.

A fire risk assessment (FRA) is the foundation of effective fire safety management in office premises. It identifies potential fire hazards, assesses the level of risk, and confirms whether appropriate fire precautions are in place to support safe evacuation in the event of a fire.

Why offices need a fire risk assessment

Office environments typically contain electrical equipment such as computers, servers, printers, and kitchen appliances, all of which can present ignition risks if not properly managed. Layout changes, storage of documents, and shared escape routes can also affect fire safety over time.

A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment helps duty holders understand:

• Where fire hazards may exist

• How staff and visitors could be affected

• Whether escape routes are suitable and clearly marked

• If fire detection, alarms, and emergency lighting are appropriate

• What practical steps are needed to reduce risk

Common issues identified during office fire risk assessments include overloaded electrical sockets, obstructed escape routes, unclear fire action notices, and a lack of staff awareness of procedures.

Local fire safety support for office premises

Office businesses operating in Walsall, Aldridge, Willenhall, Bloxwich, Darlaston, and Brownhills must ensure their fire safety arrangements reflect how the premises are used on a day-to-day basis. The same applies to offices across nearby areas such as Cannock, Burntwood, Lichfield, Stafford, Wolverhampton, West Bromwich, and the wider Staffordshire and West Midlands region.

Every office is different. A small professional office with a handful of staff will have different fire safety needs compared to a multi-occupied or shared office building. A risk-based, proportionate approach ensures fire safety measures are suitable without being overly complex or disruptive.

A practical approach to office fire safety

A well-prepared fire risk assessment should be clear, easy to understand, and focused on realistic improvements. Recommendations should be proportionate to the level of risk and practical to implement.

For many office premises, this may include:

• Suitable fire detection and warning systems

• Clearly defined and unobstructed escape routes

• Emergency lighting where required

• Safe management of electrical equipment

• Simple fire safety procedures and staff awareness

The aim is to support compliance while keeping fire safety straightforward and manageable.

Keeping your office compliant

Fire risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, particularly if there are changes to layout, staffing levels, or how the premises is used. Keeping fire safety under review helps demonstrate due diligence and supports a safe working environment.

If you operate an office in Walsall, Staffordshire, or the West Midlands, a clear and proportionate fire risk assessment is an essential part of responsible business management.