Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Secure your place of worship by reducing fire risks from electrical appliances, candles, cooking, and blocked exits. Protect lives, heritage, and community spaces with simple precautions.
1. Electrical Safety
Places of worship often rely on multiple electrical appliances, including sound systems, lighting, heaters, and community fridges. Faulty or overloaded electrical systems pose significant fire risks.
Here’s our electrical safety advice:
- Do not overload sockets or extension leads. Overloading can cause overheating and fire.
- Example: Avoid daisy-chaining extension leads; instead, use surge-protected multi-plug extensions.
- Unplug appliances when not in use. Reduce the risk of overheating and accidental ignition.
- Example: Turn off and unplug sound systems, projectors, and kitchen appliances after services or events.
- Schedule regular Electrical Equipment Testing (EET), formerly known as Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). Ensure that electrical equipment is safe and fit for use.
- Use only fire-rated decorations and lighting. Especially for festive events and seasonal displays.
Our Top Safety Tips:
- Conduct regular electrical safety checks.
- Use RCD (Residual Current Device) protection for electrical outlets.
- Unplug all non-essential equipment when closing the premises.
- Replace damaged leads and avoid using faulty electrical equipment.
- Appoint a responsible person to oversee electrical safety.
2. Candle & Open Flame Safety
Many places of worship use candles or oil lamps for religious rituals and ceremonies. Open flames pose a significant fire hazard if not managed properly.
Read about our candle safety advice:
- Where religious practices allow, consider using battery-operated LED candles to reduce fire risk while maintaining the symbolic significance of candlelight.
- Use sturdy, non-flammable candle holders that prevent tipping over.
- Keep candles away from flammable materials such as curtains, wooden altars, or carpets.
- Ensure that all candles are fully extinguished before leaving the building unattended.
Our Top Safety Tips:
- If LED candles are not suitable, take extra precautions with open flames.
- Keep candles on heat-resistant surfaces, away from draughts.
- Position candles at least one metre away from flammable materials.
- Never leave candles unattended—ensure they are fully extinguished before leaving.
- Train staff and volunteers in candle safety protocols.
3. Cooking & Kitchen Fire Safety
Some places of worship have kitchens for communal meals, charity events, or religious festivals. Kitchens are high-risk areas for fires.
Keep safe in the kitchen with our advice:
- Never leave cooking unattended. Fires start quickly when oil or food overheats.
- Ensure gas cookers and ovens are switched off after use.
- Keep flammable items (tea towels, wooden utensils, oils) away from open flames.
- Train kitchen volunteers on fire safety, including how to use fire extinguishers and blankets.
Our Top Safety Tips:
- Assign a responsible person to oversee kitchen fire safety.
- Always have a fire blanket and correct extinguisher available.
- Ensure kitchen staff and volunteers know how to handle a fire.
- Regularly clean grease and food residue from appliances.
- Store cooking oils and combustibles away from heat sources.
4. Escape Routes & Fire Exits
Ensuring clear escape routes is critical in case of an emergency. Places of worship during can become crowded during religious festivals, making evacuations challenging.
Ensure you have clear escape routes & fire exits:
- Fire exits must always be kept clear. Do not use them for storage.
- Emergency exit signs should be clearly visible.
- Do not obstruct emergency lighting with decorations.
- Regularly practice fire drills with staff and volunteers.
Our Top Safety Tips:
- Check all fire exits daily to ensure they are clear.
- Ensure all doors open easily without needing special keys.
- Test emergency lighting and alarms regularly.
- Train staff and volunteers in evacuation procedures.
- Assign fire wardens to guide congregants in an emergency.
5. Fire Safety Equipment & Training
Fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency lighting play a crucial role in protecting places of worship.
Follow our fire safety advice:
- Ensure a fire alarm system is installed and tested weekly.
- Emergency lighting must function during power cuts. Test monthly.
- Fire extinguishers should be appropriate for the type of fire risks present.
- Faith leaders and those responsible for managing the premises should receive fire safety training.
Our Top Safety Tips:
- Assign fire safety responsibilities to a designated person.
- Maintain an up-to-date fire risk assessment.
- Train all key personnel in emergency response procedures.
- Regularly check and maintain alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lights.
- Keep records of all safety checks and training sessions.
