My smoke alarm is beeping what do I do?
A beeping or chirping smoke alarm can indicate a fault with the battery or sensor within it. Although the smoke alarm may continue to work in the short term when the beep is intermittent, the cause of the beeping needs to be investigated and if necessary the smoke alarm should be replaced.
I have a concern about a fire risk in a business or flats - who do I tell?
If you are concerned about a possible fire risk, please let us know.
Our business engagement and fire safety teams will investigate or give advice as appropriate.
Please contact your local fire safety office with as much information as you can, using the Contact Us page on the website under ‘Safety in the workplace’.
If the concern is an emergency, dial 999.
Can you recommend a fire safety training provider?
As a regulatory authority we can not recommend a training provider or provide training. There are many organisations that provide training either at a central venue, or your business. When selecting a provider and course, consider any significant findings from your fire risk assessment and your procedures.
Do you run fire safety training courses - for example, use of extinguishers/how to complete a fire risk assessment?
As a regulatory authority we are not allowed to provide training or conduct risk assessments as this could lead to a conflict of interest.
Do I need to notify you about building works or plans for new buildings?
No. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service are statutory consultees, which means that we are consulted by the Local Authority Building Control or Approved Inspector responsible for signing off the construction work. We are notified of all building work through this process, so you only need to deal with one point of contact.
Can you advise on the best place to purchase fire doors, extinguishers or other fire safety equipment?
As a regulatory authority we are not allowed to recommend or endorse any particular business or provider. There are companies who can supply this kind of equipment, and the following UK trade organisations can provide advice:
– Association for Specialist Fire Protection
– British Woodworking Federation
– Glass and Glazing Federation
– Door and Hardware Federation
– British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association
– XACT
I am running an event; do I need a licence or permit from the fire service?
No, although you may be required to obtain permission or a Temporary Event Notice from your Local Authority Licensing team.
Do I need to inform or get permission from the fire service to put on a public firework display?
You do not need to get permission from the fire service to put on a public firework display. These sorts of events are licensed by the Local Authority, so you do need to contact them, and follow any instructions they give. Sales of fireworks are regulated by Trading Standards.
I have a shop/office/business. Can someone from the fire service come and check for fire safety?
We can give advice on how to comply with your duties under the Fire Safety Order, however we cannot fulfil these duties on your behalf. If you are still unsure, it may be worth employing a Competent Person to conduct the risk assessment for you.
I have a small pub, I don’t have any staff and do all the work myself, does the Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes. You are responsible not only for yourself, but also the people that enter your premises. You must ensure that there are adequate fire safety arrangements. As you hold a licence to sell alcohol, you must also record the findings in a fire risk assessment.
I run a business out of my small workshop. I am self-employed, does the Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes you must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire. To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions and record the findings of your assessment. This is called a Fire Risk Assessment and if our fire safety inspectors were to visit your business, they would wish to see this to show that you understand your fire risks.
What are the main requirements of the Fire Safety Order?
The Responsible Person is required to:
– Carry out, or nominate someone to carry out, a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the risks and hazards
– Consider who may be at risk
– Eliminate/reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably practical, and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk
– Take additional measures where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored
– Create a plan to deal with any emergency and document the findings
– Review the findings
What exactly are my duties under the Fire Safety Order?
You must:
– Take general fire precautions
– Carry out a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the general fire precautions
– Apply the principles of prevention, implementing fire safety measures
– Plan, organise, control, monitor, review fire safety measures
– Eliminate/reduce risks
– Maintain fire safety equipment and devices
– Provide fire safety information and training to employees
And ensure premises:
– Are equipped with firefighting equipment
– Have fire detectors and alarms
– Have safe emergency routes and exits
– Have safe procedures to follow
– Have additional measures for dangerous substances
Where does the Fire Safety Order apply?
The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure, and open space. For example:
– Offices and shops
– Premises that provide care
– Community halls
– Common areas of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
– Pubs, clubs and restaurants
– Schools
– Tents and marquees
– Hotels and hostels
– Factories and warehouses
It does not apply to domestic premises occupied by a single family.
Does a business need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes. You must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire. To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions and record the findings in a Fire Risk Assessment. If a fire safety inspector visits your business, they would wish to see this to show that you understand your fire risks.
How do I dispose of unwanted/old fire extinguishers?
You should contact your local waste disposal site and enquire about local policies. Please do not bring old or unwanted fire extinguishers to a fire station.
Do you test/recharge fire extinguishers?
Unfortunately we do not offer this service. Your extinguishers may be leased and/or be under a maintenance contract and initially this should be looked into. There are many companies which offer these services and we would recommend looking for those who are part of a trade organisations such as the Fire Industry Association or Fire Extinguishing Trades Association.
Does a business need to have fire extinguishers?
You should look at the appropriate guide for your type of business premises and judge the appropriate type of extinguisher based upon the risks. In general though you should provide one fire extinguisher for every 200m2, with at least two extinguishers on each floor.
If you operate within a very small premises, and only occupy one floor, then one extinguisher appropriate to the level of risk may be ok. Guidance should be sought from a competent fire extinguisher provider.
Does a business fire alarm need to be tested?
Yes. You should test your business fire alarm once a week. You should test a different call point each time. The result of this test should be recorded. Your alarm must be tested twice per year by a competent alarm engineer.
Does emergency lighting need to be tested?
Yes. Emergency lighting should be tested once a month to ensure that it is working and the findings of the test recorded. Emergency lighting should also be tested once a year by a competent person.
I think there are gas cylinders being stored dangerously, is this an issue for the fire service?
Gas cylinders for barbecues and patio heaters need to be stored, handled and used properly. Store gas cylinders in an upright position outside of the home, away from drains, heat, and sources of ignition. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service does not enforce the storage of gas cylinders at domestic addresses. Concerns about gas cylinder storage should be referred to the Environmental Health department local to the address.
My neighbour has high hedges is this a fire risk?
High hedges are not a fire safety concern, they are an issue to address in the first instance with the person whose land the hedge is on. If this is unsuccessful and the high hedge meets certain criteria, you can ask your council for a complaint form, but be aware that you may need to pay the council a fee to consider your complaint.
Do I need to let you know I am having a bonfire?
Bonfires can be a fire risk, so we would always recommend looking for alternative ways to get rid of your waste. Some areas of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes are designated smoke free areas which means that you will need to check with your local council if a restriction affects your address. You do not need to notify Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service of your intent to have a bonfire.
I am worried a fire engine could not get down my road, can you help?
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service regularly receives complaints about nuisance parking, despite having no power to regulate it. Concerns about parking that poses an immediate danger to the public, such as preventing an emergency vehicle from accessing a street, should be reported to Thames Valley Police online or by calling the non-emergency number 101.
Do you provide school assemblies or lessons?
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service aims to provide an educational engagement visit to every Year 5 child in primary school. To arrange an educational engagement visit, please email education@bucksfire.gov.uk with the name and address of the school, a contact name and phone number and if any of the pupils have special educational needs.
