Fire Risk Assessment for Libraries
Fire risk assessment information for public libraries, community libraries, academic libraries and specialist library premises across the UK.
Fire Risk Assessments for Libraries
Libraries can combine public reading areas, books and archives, offices, meeting rooms, study spaces and community facilities within one premises.
A library fire risk assessment should consider the building, how it is used, the people who use it and the fire precautions already in place. Public visitors may be unfamiliar with the premises, while staff may work in offices, stores, archive areas and other restricted spaces.
GOV.UK guidance includes libraries within its fire safety guidance for places of assembly. Libraries accommodating up to 300 people are included in the small and medium places of assembly guidance, while larger premises where more than 300 people could gather are included in the large places of assembly guidance. ?cite?turn0search3?turn0search5?
FireRiskQuote helps library operators, organisations, landlords and property owners request and compare quotations from fire risk assessors.
Fire Safety in Libraries
The assessment should reflect the size, occupancy, layout, storage and activities of the individual library.
What Can a Library Fire Risk Assessment Consider?
Fire Hazards
- Electrical installations, appliances and IT equipment
- Heating and other ignition sources
- Smoking and deliberate fire-setting risks
- Kitchen or staff refreshment facilities
- Contractor and maintenance work
People at Risk
- Library staff and volunteers
- Members of the public and visitors
- Children and school groups
- Older people and people with disabilities
- People unfamiliar with the premises
Fire Protection
- Fire detection and warning systems
- Firefighting equipment
- Emergency lighting
- Fire doors and compartmentation
- Signs and notices
Management
- Emergency procedures and evacuation plans
- Staff instruction and fire training
- Fire drills and maintenance
- Housekeeping and waste management
- Regular review following significant changes
Libraries & Reading Facilities
FireRiskQuote can accept enquiries for a range of library and reading premises.
Public Libraries
Local authority and community libraries with public reading, lending and service areas.
Academic Libraries
University and college libraries with study areas, offices, archives and extended opening hours.
Community Libraries
Smaller community facilities that may also host meetings, activities and events.
Specialist Libraries & Archives
Premises containing specialist collections, records or archive materials requiring consideration of storage and access.
Request Library Fire Risk Assessment Quotes
FireRiskQuote is designed to simplify the initial quotation process.
Tell us about the library
Provide details about the premises, size, floors, use and timescale.
Receive quotations
Your enquiry can be considered by suitable fire risk assessors available through the platform.
Compare your options
Review the quotations and assessor information before deciding whether to proceed.
Find a Fire Risk Assessor for Your Library
Qualified assessors across the UK can consider libraries, public buildings and other commercial premises.
We help businesses, organisations and property owners find suitable fire risk assessors and compare quotations with no obligation to proceed.
Assessors can inspect the premises and consider the building, its use, occupancy, layout, storage and existing fire safety arrangements.
What to Consider
Relevant Experience
Consider whether the assessor has experience with public buildings, places of assembly, libraries or premises with similar occupancy and complexity.
Competence
Check the assessor's qualifications, experience, professional background and suitability for the scope of the assessment.
Scope of Assessment
Make sure the quotation reflects the size, layout, activities, storage areas and other relevant parts of the premises.
Report & Recommendations
Ask what is included in the assessment and report, including findings, recommendations and any areas requiring further attention.
How Much Does a Library Fire Risk Assessment Cost?
The cost varies according to the premises and scope of work.
A small community library may require a different level of assessment from a large multi-floor public library, university library or specialist archive. Factors can include floor area, occupancy, number of floors, storage, activities, complexity and existing fire precautions.
The simplest way to establish the likely cost is to provide details of the premises and request quotations from assessors.
Fire Safety Guidance for Libraries
GOV.UK includes libraries within its fire safety guidance for places of assembly. The guidance explains the five-step fire risk assessment process and covers hazards, people at risk, fire precautions, emergency planning, training and review. ?cite?turn0search2?turn0search3?
Up to 300 People
Small and medium places of assembly guidance includes libraries accommodating up to 300 people.
More Than 300 People
Large places of assembly guidance includes larger libraries where more than 300 people could gather.
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Library Fire Risk Assessment FAQs
Do libraries need a fire risk assessment?
Yes. The responsible person for relevant non-domestic premises must carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment. Libraries are included within government guidance for places of assembly. ?cite?turn0search0?turn0search3?
What should a library fire risk assessment consider?
It should consider fire hazards, people at risk, escape routes, detection and warning, firefighting equipment, emergency lighting, signs, maintenance, emergency procedures, training and other relevant fire precautions.
Are books and shelving considered?
Yes. Books, paper records, archives, shelving, displays and other combustible materials can form part of the fire risk assessment.
Do large libraries have different guidance?
GOV.UK distinguishes between small and medium places of assembly accommodating up to 300 people and large places of assembly where more than 300 people could gather. ?cite?turn0search3?turn0search5?
How much does a library fire risk assessment cost?
There is no fixed price. Cost depends on the size, occupancy, complexity, activities, storage and scope of the assessment.
Need a fire risk assessment for a library?
Submit your premises details and compare quotations from fire risk assessors available through FireRiskQuote.