Opening a New Restaurant? Here’s Why a Fire & Security Risk Assessment Is Essential

By admin | June 5, 2025

Launching a new restaurant is an exciting venture, but it comes with serious responsibilities, especially when it comes to safety and compliance. At Arundel Fire, Security and Electrical, we work closely with new restaurant owners to carry out thorough risk assessments that form the foundation for a safe, legally compliant, and secure establishment.

What Is a Fire & Security Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a structured evaluation of the potential hazards in a workplace, especially important in environments like commercial kitchens, dining areas, and storage rooms. For restaurants, this includes fire risks, security vulnerabilities, and safety measures for staff and customers.

What Does a Restaurant Risk Assessment Cover?
Our professional risk assessments for restaurants typically include:


Fire Safety Evaluation

  • Identifying ignition sources (e.g. cookers, fryers, electrical appliances)
  • Reviewing flammable materials and storage practices
  • Assessing kitchen extraction systems and fire barriers

Fire Alarm & Detection Systems

  • Ensuring adequate smoke and heat detectors are installed
  • Recommending zoning for kitchen, public, and staff areas
  • Identifying best locations for control panels and sounders

Emergency Lighting & Signage

  • Evaluating emergency exit signage and lighting
  • Ensuring compliance with BS 5266 standards
  • Confirming visibility during power failures or smoke conditions

Fire Extinguishers & Suppression Systems

  • Determining the right type, number, and location of extinguishers (CO2, foam, wet chemical, etc.)
  • Reviewing the need for automatic kitchen suppression systems

Security Risk Review

  • Assessing access points and entry control
  • Recommending CCTV or intruder alarms for after-hours protection
  • Supporting compliance with insurance and licensing requirements


Staff Awareness & Training

  • Checking if procedures are in place for staff fire training and drills
  • Ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined in case of an emergency


Why a Risk Assessment Is Critical for Restaurants

Legal Compliance: UK fire safety regulations (Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005) require businesses to carry out and maintain fire risk assessments.

Insurance Requirements: Many insurers will demand evidence of a professional risk assessment to provide full coverage.

Public Safety: With high footfall and fast-paced operations, restaurants face unique fire risks—an assessment ensures all bases are covered.

Peace of Mind: As a business owner, you need confidence that you’ve done everything to protect your staff, customers, and property.

From Risk Assessment to Full Protection—We’ve Got You Covered

Following the risk assessment, you can rely on Arundel Fire, Security and Electrical to supply and install everything needed to meet your fire and safety compliance requirements:

  • Emergency Lighting
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fire Signage
  • Fire Alarm Systems
  • Intruder Alarms & CCTV
  • Ongoing maintenance and testing service

Opening a new restaurant soon? Let’s talk safety.

Contact us today to arrange a risk assessment and discover how we can help you create a secure, compliant, and protected environment so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
Visit www.arundel-group.co.uk or call us directly to schedule your consultation. 01903 716445

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