Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment for a Beauty Salon?
Why Beauty Salons Need to Take Fire Safety Seriously
If you run or manage a beauty salon in the UK, you almost certainly need a fire risk assessment. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005), any non-domestic premises — including shops, offices, and service businesses like salons — must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out by a competent person.
A beauty salon is not a high-risk factory, but it is a workplace and often a public-facing business. That means you have legal duties to protect employees, clients, contractors, and anyone else who may be affected by a fire on your premises.
Who Is Responsible?
Under the RRO 2005, the “responsible person” must ensure a fire risk assessment is completed and kept up to date. In a salon, this is typically:
- The employer, if staff are employed
- The owner or landlord, if the building is owner-occupied
- The person in control of the premises, such as a salon manager or franchise operator
If you employ five or more people, you must also record the significant findings of your fire risk assessment in writing. However, it is good practice for all salons — regardless of size — to keep a written record.
What Does a Salon Fire Risk Assessment Cover?
A proper assessment follows a structured approach, broadly in line with PAS 79 guidance. For a beauty salon, it should consider:
- Sources of ignition — hairdryers, straighteners, curling tongs, UV lamps, electrical equipment, and heating devices
- Sources of fuel — nail varnish, acetone, aerosols, alcohol-based products, towels, paper, and cardboard packaging
- Sources of oxygen — ventilation systems and any oxidising chemicals stored on site
- People at risk — employees, clients (including those with mobility or sensory impairments), and visitors
- Means of escape — exits, escape routes, emergency lighting, and signage
- Fire detection and warning — smoke alarms, heat detectors, and manual call points
- Firefighting equipment — fire extinguishers and blankets, correctly sited and maintained
- Management of fire safety — staff training, evacuation procedures, and record keeping
Common Fire Hazards in Beauty Salons
Salons have a combination of heat, chemicals, and electrical equipment that can increase fire risk if not managed properly. Key hazards include:
- Hot styling tools left on or near flammable materials
- Nail products such as acrylics, removers, and primers, which can be flammable
- Overloaded sockets and damaged cables
- Poor housekeeping — clutter blocking escape routes or storing cardboard near heat sources
- Inadequate ventilation when using chemical products
- Blocked fire exits or locked emergency doors during trading hours
A competent assessor will identify these risks and recommend practical, proportionate control measures.
How Often Should You Review Your Assessment?
There is no fixed legal timescale, but the RRO 2005 requires the assessment to be kept under review. You should review it regularly and whenever there are significant changes, such as:
- A change in layout or use of the premises
- New equipment, products, or processes
- An increase in staff or client numbers
- After a fire, near miss, or enforcement notice
- Changes to the building structure or escape routes
Many salons choose to review their assessment annually as a sensible minimum.
What Happens If You Do Not Have One?
Failing to carry out a fire risk assessment is an offence under the RRO 2005. Fire and enforcement authorities can issue enforcement notices, prohibition notices, or pursue prosecution. In serious cases, this can lead to fines or imprisonment. Beyond the legal consequences, not having an assessment puts people at risk and may affect your insurance cover.
How HawkSwift Can Help
HawkSwift Ltd provides fire risk assessments for beauty salons across the UK. Our assessors are NEBOSH-qualified, and we deliver clear, practical reports within 5 working days. Assessments start from £199 + VAT, with no hidden fees. We focus on real risks and proportionate actions — not box-ticking.