Is Your Business Fire-Safe?

When running a business, fire safety might not be at the top of your daily to-do list. However, overlooking it can have serious consequences. Whether you operate an office, school, hospitality venue or retail environment, fire safety should be a priority not just for legal compliance, but for the safety of your staff, customers, and property.

In this article, we’ll explore how simple choices, such as the type of display materials you use, can play a role in making your business fire-safe, alongside other practical fire prevention measures.

Why Fire Safety Matters

According to UK government statistics, thousands of non-residential fires occur each year, many of which are preventable. The Fire Safety Order (Regulatory Reform 2005) requires all businesses to carry out a fire risk assessment and take reasonable steps to reduce fire risk. While most people think of alarms and extinguishers (and rightly so), the materials used throughout your premises also matter.

From wall coverings to display boards, these items can influence how quickly a fire spreads - or whether it spreads at all.

Common Fire Hazards in Business Premises

Overloaded plug sockets or damaged electrical equipment
Blocked fire exits or escape routes
Improper storage of flammable materials (e.g. paper near heaters)
Unattended cooking appliances in staff kitchens
Dust and debris build-up around electricals or machinery

Regular checks and good housekeeping can significantly reduce these risks.

Fire-Rated Materials: What’s the Difference?

When selecting display items like noticeboards, snap frames, or roller banners, it's worth checking if they meet fire safety standards. Fire-resistant or flame-retardant materials are designed to limit the spread of fire, giving occupants more time to evacuate and helping emergency services respond.

Fire-resistant noticeboards: Ideal for corridors, stairwells, and escape routes, especially in schools, hospitals, or public buildings.
Fire-rated snap frames: Suitable for displaying information in communal or high-traffic areas.
Flame-retardant banners: A smart choice for exhibitions or events where crowd safety is paramount.

These small decisions can make a big difference in ensuring fire safety compliance and protection.

Using Fire-Safe Displays

Check the certification – Look for products tested to standards such as BS EN 13501-1 or BS 476.
Use in the right locations – Especially near escape routes, entrances, and communal areas.
Keep displays tidy – Avoid clutter and ensure noticeboards aren’t overloaded with flammable materials.
Review displays regularly – Make this part of your routine fire risk assessment.

The Fire Risk Assessment – A Quick Overview

Every business is legally required to carry out a fire risk assessment. Here's a simplified overview:

Identify potential fire hazards
Identify people at risk
Evaluate, remove or reduce risks
Record findings and prepare an emergency plan
Review and update regularly

Small businesses may conduct this internally, but larger or higher-risk environments may require professional assessors.

Emergency Planning and Staff Awareness

Having the right equipment is only part of the solution. Make sure your business has:

A clear and up-to-date evacuation plan
Regular fire drills (at least once a year)
Well-placed fire exit signage and lighting
Trained fire marshals or wardens where applicable
Basic fire safety training for all new employees

Creating a safety-conscious culture encourages staff to report hazards and engage with procedures seriously.

Fire Safety Equipment Checklist

Here’s a basic checklist to help ensure your premises are properly equipped:

☐ Working fire alarms (tested weekly)

☐ Correctly placed and serviced fire extinguishers

☐ Clearly marked and unobstructed fire exits

☐ Fire doors that function properly

☐ Emergency lighting in stairwells and corridors

☐ Visible fire action signs and safety notices

Safe Doesn’t Mean Boring

There’s a common misconception that fire-safe products are plain or unattractive, but that’s no longer the case. Fire-rated noticeboards and frames are available in a wide range of colours, sizes and finishes, so you can remain compliant without sacrificing style.

At UK POS, we offer a curated selection of fire-resistant noticeboards, snap frames and banners designed for safety-conscious environments. Whether you're fitting out a school corridor or prepping for a public event, we can help you make responsible choices that also look great.

Stay Safe, Stay Compliant

Fire safety isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating a secure environment where your team and visitors feel protected. By choosing the right materials, staying informed, and reviewing your premises regularly, you’ll be well on your way to a fire-resilient workplace.

Have questions about fire-resistant display products? Get in touch - our team is here to help.

Fire Resistant Snap Frames