From increased use of heating equipment to festive lighting and adverse weather conditions, the colder months bring heightened risks that can easily be overlooked. That’s why it’s crucial for business owners and facilities managers to take proactive steps to ensure their fire safety measures are up to date and fully effective.

At Morgan Fire Protection, we’ve supported UK businesses for over 30 years with expert fire safety services. Based on our extensive experience, we’ve compiled a winter fire safety checklist to help you protect your premises, employees, and customers during the colder season.

1. Inspect All Heating Equipment

During the winter, the use of portable heaters, central heating systems, and boilers increases dramatically. While they provide warmth and comfort, they can also be a major fire risk if not properly maintained.

  • Have all heating systems serviced by a qualified technician.

  • Avoid using portable heaters near flammable materials such as paper, curtains, or furniture.

  • Never leave heaters unattended, especially in areas not monitored outside business hours.

  • Ensure proper ventilation for any gas or oil-fuelled heating systems to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

Regular maintenance checks reduce the risk of equipment malfunction and help maintain compliance with fire safety regulations.

2. Test Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting

With shorter days and longer nights, your business may operate more frequently in low-light conditions. This makes functional fire alarms and emergency lighting absolutely essential.

  • Schedule a full alarm system check before the onset of winter.

  • Test all emergency lights to ensure safe evacuation routes are illuminated in the event of a power cut or fire.

  • Replace any damaged or expired batteries in smoke detectors and alarms.

  • Log all checks in your fire safety records to demonstrate due diligence.

Morgan Fire can carry out thorough fire alarm and emergency lighting servicing, ensuring your systems work perfectly when it matters most.

3. Review and Update Your Fire Risk Assessment

By law, all commercial premises must have a valid fire risk assessment. However, risk levels can change with the seasons – especially in winter when extra electrical equipment, temporary storage changes, and weather hazards may be introduced.

  • Review your current fire risk assessment, looking specifically at changes in occupancy, equipment, or layout.

  • Account for any seasonal additions, such as Christmas trees, decorations, or additional electrical appliances.

  • Reassess external risks, like icy fire exits or blocked access for emergency services.

  • Book a professional fire risk assessment if significant changes have occurred since your last review.

At Morgan Fire, we offer fully compliant and cost-effective fire risk assessments tailored to your premises and operations.

4. Ensure Fire Extinguishers Are Accessible and Serviced

Fire extinguishers are a crucial first line of defence in the event of a small fire. However, they are often obstructed or forgotten during the hustle and bustle of the busy winter period.

  • Check all extinguishers are unobstructed, clearly visible, and securely mounted.

  • Make sure all staff know where they are located and how to use them safely.

  • Ensure all extinguishers are serviced annually, as required by UK regulations.

  • Replace or recharge any used or expired extinguishers.

Morgan Fire offers comprehensive extinguisher servicing across a wide range of fire classes, ensuring your business remains protected and compliant all year round.

5. Clear Escape Routes and External Access

Wet weather, fallen leaves, ice, or snow can all block or obscure essential escape routes and access for emergency services. It’s vital that all exits are kept clear and that staff are trained to recognise hazards.

  • Carry out regular inspections of all internal and external fire escape routes.

  • Clear away leaves, ice or snow, particularly from emergency exits, paths and access roads.

  • Install anti-slip mats and signage where required.

  • Train staff to report any obstructions or hazards immediately.

A blocked fire exit could be fatal in an emergency, so ensure all routes are treated as high priority during winter.

6. Promote Staff Awareness and Seasonal Training

Your staff play a vital role in maintaining fire safety. Seasonal reminders and refresher training can help keep fire risks top of mind.

  • Schedule a winter fire safety briefing or toolbox talk.

  • Update your fire marshal rota, especially if staff are taking annual leave over the festive period.

  • Display fire safety signage clearly throughout your premises.

  • Remind staff about safe practices, such as switching off equipment and avoiding overloaded plug sockets.

If you need professional fire safety training, Morgan Fire offers accredited courses tailored to businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Stay Safe with Morgan Fire This Winter

With winter comes increased risk – but with the right fire safety measures in place, your business can stay safe, compliant, and protected. From fire extinguisher servicing and risk assessments to fire alarm maintenance and training, Morgan Fire Protection is here to support your business.

Ready to review your fire safety plan for winter?

Contact our expert team today to book a free consultation or service appointment.