[fire risk assessment](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/7-questions-to-ask-a-fire-risk-assessment-company) for Dentists, Salons and Clinics

Running a dental practice, beauty salon, or private clinic means managing specific fire safety hazards in a relatively low-occupancy environment. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), the owner, manager, or designated responsible person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out.

Low-occupancy premises present different challenges compared to busy retail units. While fewer people inside reduces evacuations-evacuation-peak-trading)s-evacuation-peak-trading)s-evacuation-peak-trading) times, clinics and salons often contain specific hazards—such as oxygen cylinders, aerosols, and treatment chairs—that require careful planning.

Understanding Your Legal Duties

In the UK, fire safety compliance-compliance)-compliance) is governed by the RRO 2005 and supported by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR). The RRO places the legal duty on the responsible person—typically the employer or the person in control of the premises—to:

• Identify fire hazards and people at risk.
• Remove or reduce those hazards where reasonably practicable.
• Implement general fire precautions to protect occupants.
• Maintain fire detection, warning systems, and escape routes.
• Record the significant findings and review them regularly.

For clinics and salons, the MHSWR 1999 requires you to manage health and safety risks systematically. A documented fire risk assessment is the standard method for demonstrating this compliance.

Specific Hazards in Clinical and Salon Settings

Even in low-occupancy premises, certain trades introduce elevated fire risks. A proper assessment must account for the unique materials and equipment used on-site:

• Oxygen and Medical Gases: Dental surgeries and some clinics store oxygen cylinders. These significantly intensify a fire if ignited. Cylinders must be stored securely, kept away from heat sources, and segregated from flammable materials.
• Flammable Liquids and Aerosols: Salons often hold large quantities of hairsprays, nail polish removers, and alcohol-based sanitisers. These should be kept in minimal quantities and stored in fire-resistant cupboards where possible.
• Electrical Equipment: Treatment beds, autoclaves, sterilisers, and styling tools draw significant electrical loads. Fixed wiring and portable appliances require regular inspection to prevent electrical faults, which are a leading cause of workplace fires.
• Mobility Constraints: Clients undergoing treatment may be unable to self-evacuate quickly. Sedation in dental clinics or physical limitations in physiotherapy clinics means your emergency plan must account for assisted evacuation.

PAS 79 and Structuring Your Assessment

The PAS 79 standard provides a recognised framework for conducting fire risk assessments in the UK. While following PAS 79 is not a strict legal requirement, using this methodology ensures your assessment is thorough and structured. A PAS 79-aligned assessment covers:

1. Fire hazard identification: Evaluating ignition sources, fuel sources, and oxygen supplies. 2. People at risk: Considering employees, contractors, and vulnerable clients. 3. Fire protection measures: Checking fire doors, emergency lighting, and alarm systems. 4. fire safety management: Reviewing staff training, evacuation drills, and maintenance schedules.

British Standards for Fire Protection

Your fire risk assessment will highlight whether your physical fire protection measures meet the relevant British Standards. For low-occupancy premises, assessors typically reference:

• BS 5839-1: For fire detection and fire alarm systems. A simple manual call-point system may suffice for a small salon, whereas a clinic might require automatic detection in specific rooms.
• BS 5266-1: For emergency lighting. This ensures escape routes remain illuminated if the main power fails.
• BS 9999: Provides guidance on fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings, offering a flexible approach for varied premises.

Reviewing and Updating Your Assessment

The RRO 2005 requires your fire risk assessment to be kept up to date. You must review it whenever significant changes occur in your premises. For a dental clinic or salon, this includes:

• Moving to a new unit or altering the internal layout.
• Changing the types of treatments offered, particularly if introducing sedation or laser treatments.
• Increasing the storage of hazardous substances.
• Following a near-miss or actual fire incident.

Even without changes, it is good practice to review your assessment annually to ensure your evacuation routes remain clear and your fire doors function correctly.

How HawkSwift Can Help

At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide detailed, PAS 79-aligned fire risk assessments tailored to your specific premises. We help dentists, salon owners, and clinic managers navigate their duties under the RRO 2005 without unnecessary disruption to their business. Our fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT, and we deliver comprehensive reports within 48 hours. To ensure your compliance and protect your staff and clients, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.

*This article is intended as general guidance and does not constitute formal legal advice.*