Fire safety guides for landlords and employers

A fire risk assessment is the starting point for any building. The guide to [fire risk assessment in Reigate](/checks-and-training/fire-risk-assessment-reigate) explains what happens during the visit and what the report contains. For shared housing, the page on [HMO fire risk assessment in Reigate](/checks-and-training/hmo-fire-risk-assessment-reigate) covers the extra checks landlords need.

Physical checks matter as much as paperwork. A [fire door inspection in Reigate](/checks-and-training/fire-door-inspection-reigate) looks at gaps, seals and hinges to confirm each door will hold back smoke and flame. A [compartmentation survey in Reigate](/checks-and-training/compartmentation-survey-reigate) goes further, tracing the hidden barriers inside walls and floors that stop fire spreading between rooms.

Larger or more complex buildings may also need a written [fire strategy in Reigate](/checks-and-training/fire-strategy-reigate). That document sets out how the building is meant to be used, where escape routes run and what systems protect them.

Once the risks are known, people in the building need to know what to do. [Fire evacuation plans in Reigate](/checks-and-training/fire-evacuation-plans-reigate) map out routes and set the drill schedule so everyone can leave safely if an alarm sounds.

Staff who work in offices, shops or care settings benefit from [fire safety awareness training in Reigate](/checks-and-training/fire-safety-awareness-training-reigate), which covers alarms, extinguishers and basic escape procedures. Those given extra responsibility should look at [fire warden training in Reigate](/checks-and-training/fire-warden-training-reigate), which focuses on sweep duties and directing people out.

Businesses also need written rules. A [fire safety policy document in Reigate](/checks-and-training/fire-safety-policy-and-procedures-reigate) records those procedures in one place. Appointing a [nominated fire safety person in Reigate](/checks-and-training/nominated-person-service-reigate) gives someone clear accountability for keeping the policy up to date. A broader [health and safety report in Reigate](/checks-and-training/health-and-safety-reports-reigate) places fire precautions alongside other workplace risks. And [fire extinguisher testing advice](/checks-and-training/fire-equipment-testing-advice) explains the checks and records needed to keep equipment ready.

The law places responsibility on a specific person. The guide on [who the responsible person is for fire safety](/who-needs-what/responsible-person-duties) explains how to tell if that duty falls to you. If it does, the page on [how to arrange a fire risk assessment](/who-needs-what/arranging-an-assessment) walks through what to expect when booking one, and the notes on [how often to review a fire risk assessment](/who-needs-what/how-often-reviewed) explain when a fresh look is required.

Rules change. The guide to the [fire safety regulations of 2022](/who-needs-what/fire-safety-regulations-2022) sets out what flat owners now have to do. If a letter from the council has arrived, the advice on [receiving a council fire safety letter](/who-needs-what/council-fire-safety-letter) explains the next steps.

Certain buildings carry particular problems. Read about [fire safety for flats above shops](/who-needs-what/flats-above-shops), [student accommodation fire safety](/who-needs-what/student-and-shared-housing) and [Christmas fire safety checks for shops](/who-needs-what/christmas-trading-fire-checks) during the busy trading season.

Fire risk management follows the same principles everywhere, but local building types differ. Separate guides cover the towns and villages nearby.

[Fire risk assessment in Redhill](/reigate-and-redhill/redhill) addresses homes and workplaces in the neighbouring town. [Fire risk assessment in Horley](/reigate-and-redhill/horley) focuses on landlords and employers near the airport. [Fire risk assessment in Tadworth](/reigate-and-redhill/tadworth) looks at homes and small offices on the downs, while [fire risk assessment in Burgh Heath](/reigate-and-redhill/burgh-heath) deals with flats and offices along the main road. [Fire risk assessment in South Merstham](/reigate-and-redhill/south-merstham) covers rented housing in that part of the borough.

Some services have their own area pages too. Read about [fire evacuation plans in Horley](/fire-evacuation-plans-horley), [compartmentation surveys in Tadworth](/compartmentation-survey-tadworth) and [fire door inspection in Burgh Heath](/fire-door-inspection-burgh-heath). A full list of [areas covered around Reigate and Redhill](/reigate-and-redhill) shows every location served.

Shorter pieces tackle day-to-day problems. Weekly testing keeps alarms reliable, and the notes on [weekly fire alarm testing in Reigate](/journal/weekly-fire-alarm-testing-in-reigate-checks-and-logs) explain what to check and how to log it. Landlords renting out rooms should read about [smoke and heat alarms in rented homes around Reigate](/journal/smoke-and-heat-alarms-in-rented-homes-around-reigate).

Commercial kitchens present their own dangers. The piece on [kitchen fire risks in Reigate cafes and restaurants](/journal/kitchen-fire-risks-in-reigate-cafes-and-restaurants) covers extraction, grease and cooking equipment. Building work changes the risks temporarily, so the guide to [fire safety during refurbishment work](/journal/fire-safety-during-refurbishment-work-dust-doors-exits) addresses dust, blocked doors and missing exits. Any job involving flames or sparks needs a permit, explained in the article on [hot work permits in Reigate](/journal/hot-work-permits-in-reigate-welding-cutting-roofing).

Storage matters too. Read about [warehouse fire safety in Reigate](/journal/warehouse-fire-safety-in-reigate-stock-and-racking) for stock and racking guidance. In blocks of flats, [clutter in communal areas](/journal/clutter-in-communal-areas-of-reigate-blocks-of-flats) blocks escape routes. And anyone letting a home for short breaks should check the advice on [fire safety for holiday lets in Reigate](/journal/fire-safety-for-holiday-lets-and-short-stays-in-reigate).