[warehouse](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/fire-risk-assessment-birmingham-industrial-[warehouse](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/fire-risk-assessment-birmingham-industrial-[warehouse](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/fire-risk-assessment-birmingham-industrial-warehouse-compliance) [fire safety](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/competent-person-duties-under-article-18-of-the-rro-2005): High Bay, Racking and [evacuation](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/fire-risk-assessment-for-[shop](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/fire-risk-assessment-for-[shop](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/fire-risk-assessment-for-[shop](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/do-i-need-a-fire-risk-assessment-for-a-small-shop)s-[evacuation](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/fire-risk-assessment-for-shops-evacuation-peak-trading)
compliance fire safety presents unique challenges that differ significantly from standard office and the RRO, staff must receive adequate fire safety training. In a compliance environment, this training should be specific to the risks of the building. Fire wardens play a crucial role in ensuring that complex spaces like high bay areas are thoroughly swept during an evacuation. They need to understand the layout of racking aisles and know how to guide staff safely to the nearest protected exit. Regular fire drills are essential to test the evacuation strategy, particularly in premises where stock locations frequently change.
Reviewing Your warehouse) fire risk assessment
fire safety is not a one-off exercise. Whenever compliance layouts change—such as installing new racking, altering the height of stored goods, or changing the types of materials handled—the fire risk assessment must be reviewed. A change in layout can alter smoke behaviour, extend travel distances, or block critical detection systems.
Because compliance fire safety involves complex interactions between storage heights, detection systems, and evacuation routes, it is highly recommended to use a competent, qualified assessor. HawkSwift Ltd provides professional fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, conducted by NEBOSH-qualified assessors who understand the specific demands of industrial storage environments. We deliver detailed, 48-hour reports to help you achieve compliance and keep your staff safe. To ensure your premises meet UK standards, book a [fire risk assessment](/book) with our team today.
<script type="application/ld+json"> {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":compliance-fire-safety-high-bay-racking-and-evacuation","item":"https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/warehouse)-fire-safety-high-bay-racking-and-evacuation"}]} </script>
<!-- expanded-by-hawkswift-bot -->
Your duties under the RRO 2005 for warehouse)s and factories
- High fire loads from racking, packaging and aerosols demand strict housekeeping and separation.
- Forklift battery charging needs ventilated, designated areas away from escape routes.
- Detection and alarm coverage must suit large open floors (BS 5839-1).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.
*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*
<!-- pas79-block -->
What a competent fire risk assessment covers
A suitable and sufficient FRA follows the PAS 79-1 methodology:
- Stage 1 — Preliminary: gather premises info, identify responsible person and previous assessments.
- Stage 2 — Identify hazards: sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen across all areas.
- Stage 3 — People at risk: occupants, visitors, contractors and anyone needing assistance.
- Stage 4 — Evaluate & protect: whether risks are eliminated or reduced, and whether fire precautions are adequate.
- Stage 5 — Record & plan: write it down, set an action plan with owners and dates, and set the review date.
HawkSwift delivers this as a written, court-defensible report — general guidance, not formal legal advice.