Motor trade
Everything you need to know about your fire safety plan
A plain guide to fire risk assessments and evacuation plans for car repair shops and garages, including escape routes, alarms, training and disabled staff.
Fires can start at any moment in a car repair shop, and most of the time you can't predict them. They can take hold very quickly, and the damage can be devastating for a business. Paints, oils and solvents are all flammable, and if you offer welding, sparks add a further risk.
If a fire does break out, you need a quick and safe evacuation procedure so that everyone in the building can get out. Fire and smoke spread fast and could leave staff or customers in danger, especially in parts of the building that are hard to escape from. That is why an evacuation plan should be a priority.
Start with a fire risk assessment
As the person responsible for fire safety, your first step is a fire risk assessment of your premises. This means:
- identifying the fire risks
- working out who could be harmed if a fire broke out
- putting safety measures in place
- reviewing and updating them regularly
GOV.UK has guidance on workplace fire safety responsibilities. Once you have assessed your premises, you can start on the emergency plan itself.
What should be included in a fire evacuation plan?
When preparing your plan, think about the following arrangements:
| Arrangement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Evacuation strategy | Staff need to know what action to take if a fire breaks out. |
| Alarms | Decide how people will be alerted, including anyone who is hard of hearing. |
| Escape routes | Give clear instructions on how to leave the building safely. |
| Signs | Make sure there are enough signs to show the escape routes clearly. |
| Emergency doors | Doors on escape routes must be easy to open, for example with a push bar. |
| Fire alarm points | Staff should know where the alarm call points are and raise the alarm without hesitating. |
| Fire equipment | Keep fire extinguishers in places that are easy to reach. |
| Assembly point | Make it clear where people should gather, with a sign or a mark on the ground. |
| Roll call | Have a way to check who is present and who may still be inside. |
These arrangements help people leave the building as quickly as possible in a safe and orderly way.
Keep escape routes clear and well signed
Your plan should be easy to follow, and you should be able to show a safety inspector that you are well prepared. Corridors, doors and staircases on escape routes must not be blocked. Routes should be clearly marked, lead to a safe place, and be as short and direct as possible so they are easy to follow under pressure.
Make sure there are enough exits. A fire may make some areas unsafe, so having more than one way out helps everyone. A single exit can also become crowded and turn into a hazard itself. Emergency lighting can guide people towards exits and fire-fighting equipment where needed.
Train your staff
Staff should know their roles during a fire, what to do and what to look out for. Regular training helps keep people safe. Make sure everyone knows the escape routes and where the assembly point is.
It is also worth appointing a fire warden or marshal, who can take responsibility for fire safety measures and has a good working knowledge of preventing and dealing with fires. Sending a member of staff on suitable training could be a real benefit to your business.
Planning for disabled employees
A plan that works for able-bodied staff may not work for everyone. When you make your plans, think about people who use a wheelchair, are hard of hearing or have a visual impairment, and be prepared to create a tailored plan for them. This might include:
- making evacuation procedures easy to understand, for example with sign language, braille or large print signs
- asking a colleague to help someone leave the building if they can't see the exit signs
- using visual alarms or vibrating pagers for anyone who can't hear the fire alarm
- arranging help, or adding ramps, for anyone who can't use the stairs
Before you make these arrangements, ask the employees concerned what they need so they can leave safely in an emergency.
Why it matters
There is a lot to take in, but preparing your workplace for a fire protects your staff, your customers, your stock and your business. Alongside a good fire plan, many garages and repair shops look at motor trade insurance that can include cover for premises, tools and stock.