Fire Risk Assessments for The Public Sector

Fire Risk Assessments for The UK Public Sector

Protecting Heritage, People & Public Spaces

Libraries and museums are vital community spaces, safeguarding knowledge, culture and history for future generations. With large visitor numbers, valuable collections and often complex building structures, fire safety in these environments is not just a legal duty, it’s a responsibility to the public.

Our professional fire risk assessments for libraries and museums help public sector organisations stay compliant, protect irreplaceable assets and provide safe spaces for staff and visitors alike.

Why Fire Safety Is So Important in Public Buildings

Unlike many commercial properties, libraries and museums carry a unique combination of risks:

• High footfall from the general public
• Historic or listed buildings with ageing materials
• Extensive electrical systems and climate control
• Paper archives, fragile artefacts and flammable displays
• Limited visibility in exhibition spaces and storage areas

Without effective fire safety controls in place, a single incident could result in catastrophic loss. A compliant fire and safety risk assessment ensures risks are managed correctly, evacuation procedures are clear, and both people and heritage remain protected.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment for a Library or Museum?

A fire and risk assessment is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. For public sector sites such as libraries and museums, it involves a full review of the premises to identify hazards, assess the level of risk and confirm whether existing fire precautions are suitable.

A professional fire risk assessment includes:

• Identification of fire hazards and combustible materials
• Review of ignition sources such as lighting, display equipment and plant rooms
• Assessment of public escape routes and evacuation strategies
• Evaluation of fire detection, alarms and fire-fighting systems
• A clear, prioritised action plan for compliance

The result is a practical, easy-to-follow document that supports both safety and operational continuity.

How Often Should Public Sector Fire Risk Assessments Be Reviewed?

In busy public buildings like museums and libraries, fire risks change regularly. Best practice is to review your fire risk assessments:

• At least every 12 months
• Following any refurbishment or layout changes
• After introducing new exhibitions or storage systems
• If visitor capacity changes
• After any fire, near-miss or repeated false alarms

Routine reviews ensure your fire and safety risk assessment stays accurate, relevant and legally compliant.

What Our Fire Risk Assessments for Public Sector Sites Include

Each fire and risk assessment is tailored to the specific needs of your building and fully documented to meet the expectations of enforcing authorities and insurers. Assessments typically cover:

• Property address and the responsible person's details
• Building construction and general layout
• Occupancy levels and public access areas
• Fire hazards, flammable materials and archive risks
• Electrical, mechanical and environmental systems
• Arson and security considerations
• Fire protection systems and alarm coverage
• Means of escape, signage and emergency lighting
• Maintenance and testing of fire safety equipment
• Staff training, emergency planning and procedures
• A prioritised action plan with recommended improvements

Everything is presented clearly, making it easy for stakeholders to understand their duties and take action.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment in the Cultural & Public Sector?

You are legally required to have a valid fire risk assessment if you manage or operate:

• Public libraries
• Local authority museums
• Art galleries
• Archive facilities
• Exhibition and heritage centres
• Temporary public exhibitions

As the "responsible person", you remain legally accountable for fire safety at all times.

Safeguarding People, Collections & Community Trust

A robust fire and safety risk assessment protects far more than the building itself. It:

• Helps prevent injury or loss of life
• Preserves valuable collections and irreplaceable artefacts
• Supports business continuity and public confidence
• Demonstrates compliance with inspectors and insurers
• Reduces the likelihood of costly disruption or closure

Fire safety is not simply about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting the spaces that educate, inspire and serve the community.

Book Your Fire Risk Assessment for Your Library or Museum

If you require a professional, fully compliant fire risk assessment for your public sector building, we’re here to help. Our experienced assessors provide clear, practical and reliable fire and safety risk assessments designed specifically for libraries, museums and heritage spaces.

Get in touch today to arrange your fire and risk assessment and take a proactive step towards protecting your people, property and priceless collections.