How Fire Safety Failures Can Cost More Than Just a Fine

The FPA’s report detailed how a property owner received a significant fine after fire safety officers found a range of serious breaches, which included blocked escape routes, missing fire doors, and inadequate fire risk assessments. These failings endangered lives.

This particular outcome demonstrates that fire safety compliance isn’t just a tick-box exercise. There are legal, moral, and financial implications for businesses and those responsible for applying safety protocols. Read the full article on thefpa.co.uk.

The Real Cost of Neglect

Many business owners underestimate the consequences of poor fire safety management. Beyond the immediate penalties and legal costs, a single breach can lead to:

• Irreversible reputational damage: Clients and staff lose trust fast when safety is compromised.
• Operational disruption: Enforcement notices can force closures until the issue is resolved.
• Increased insurance premiums: Or even the loss of cover altogether.
• Personal liability: In some cases, the Responsible Person — or anyone with control over the premises — may face personal prosecution under the Fire Safety Order.

The recent fine may have made headlines, but the human cost of unsafe buildings often doesn’t. Behind every statistic are people, employees, tenants, and visitors who expect to be safe at work or at home.

When Things Go Wrong

From our experience at IPS Fire and Security, the most common reasons for fire safety breaches are surprisingly simple:

• Outdated or incomplete fire risk assessments
  • These are legally required for most premises, yet many are left untouched for years. A fire risk assessment requires regular review – and whenever changes occur, such as a layout alteration or the installation of new equipment. Since October 2023, every Responsible Person must record their fire risk assessment in writing and review it at least annually, or after any significant change to the premises.
• Poor maintenance of fire protection systems
  • Fire alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers, and suppression systems all need scheduled servicing. Without it, faults can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
• Blocked or poorly marked escape routes
  • What seems like a small storage shortcut can quickly become a significant hazard. Exits must always be clear, signed, and accessible.
• Lack of staff training
  • Even with the best systems in place, staff need to know how to respond in an emergency. Regular fire drills and clear evacuation procedures are essential.

Compliance Is Simpler with the Right Support

The fire safety landscape can be complex, especially with evolving legislation such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and updates to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

We help businesses of all sizes understand their obligations, implement effective fire safety strategies, and maintain compliance year-round. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced new duties mainly for high-rise and multi-occupied residential buildings, while amendments to the Fire Safety Order apply to all non-domestic premises.

Our fire safety services include:

• Fire risk assessments
• Fire alarm system installation and maintenance
• Fire door inspections and replacements
• Emergency lighting testing and certification
• Fire safety training and ongoing compliance support

Because we’re completely independent, our recommendations are based solely on what’s best for your site and your safety, not on product sales or manufacturer targets.

Turning Compliance into Confidence

You should never treat Fire safety as a burden or an afterthought. It’s a core part of protecting people, property, and business continuity.

By taking a proactive approach — such as scheduling routine checks like weekly fire alarm tests and monthly emergency lighting inspections — investing in staff training, and working with trusted partners, organisations can reduce risk and gain peace of mind.

The company fined in the recent FPA report has paid a high price for its oversight. But for others, this can serve as a valuable lesson: investing in fire safety is far cheaper and far more responsible than dealing with the aftermath of a preventable incident.

Stay Compliant. Stay Protected.

At IPS Fire & Security, we’re committed to helping UK businesses meet their fire safety obligations with confidence. Our independent expertise means you’ll always get clear, honest advice — and systems you can rely on when it matters most. Fire safety guidance referenced from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and Home Office Article 50 guidance (2024).

Talk to our fire safety experts today to book your fire risk assessment or compliance review. Get a free quote.