2026-01-01 · HawkSwift Ltd

fire-risk-assessment-for-industrial-units-and-factories

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For factories and industrial units, a fire risk assessment is not a one-off box-ticking exercise. It must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever significant changes occur, such as the installation of new manufacturing equipment, changes to the building layout, or an increase in the storage of hazardous materials. If you employ five or more people, you must record the significant findings of your assessment in writing.

Key Fire Hazards in Industrial Units

Factories and industrial units contain hazards rarely found in standard office environments. A thorough assessment must carefully evaluate the unique risks associated with your specific operations. Common hazards include:

Combustible materials: Accumulations of packaging, wood, paper, and dust in production areas.
Hazardous substances: Solvents, paints, chemicals, and flammable gases used in manufacturing processes.
Electrical faults: Overloaded circuits, damaged wiring on heavy machinery, and poorly maintained equipment.
Hot work: Welding, cutting, and grinding activities that generate sparks and heat.
Arson and security: Unsecured perimeters allowing unauthorised access to flammable waste or storage areas.
Machinery friction: Poorly maintained conveyor belts and moving parts generating excess heat.

The Five Steps of a Factory fire risk assessment

To comply with the RRO 2005 and align with recognised guidance such as PAS 79, a fire risk assessment for an industrial unit should follow a structured methodology:

1. Identify the hazards: Walk the factory floor to locate potential sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen. Pay close attention to storage areas, plant rooms, and production lines. 2. Identify people at risk: Consider everyone on the premises, including employees, night-shift workers, maintenance contractors, and visitors. Account for anyone who may be more vulnerable, such as individuals with mobility issues. 3. Evaluate, remove, or reduce the risks: Implement measures to eliminate hazards where practicable. If a hazard cannot be removed entirely, put controls in place to manage it safely. This might involve upgrading fire doors, installing specialist suppression systems, or enforcing strict housekeeping protocols. 4. Record, plan, and train: Document your findings and develop an emergency plan tailored to the factory layout. Ensure staff receive adequate fire safety training relevant to their roles and the specific substances they handle. 5. Review: Set a schedule to revisit the assessment, ensuring it remains accurate and effective as your industrial operations evolve.

Emergency Planning and Escape Routes

In a large industrial unit, ensuring safe evacuations-fire risk**.

At HawkSwift Ltd, we understand the unique challenges of industrial fire safety. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide thorough, practical evaluations tailored to your specific manufacturing processes. We deliver clear, actionable 48-hour reports that highlight risks and provide sensible recommendations to keep your business compliant. With our professional fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, achieving compliance is both straightforward and cost-effective.

To ensure your factory or industrial unit meets its legal duties and protects your workforce, book a fire risk assessment with the HawkSwift team today.

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