Bank Holiday Fire Safety: Is Your Business Ready for Reduced Staffing or Closure? 

A bank holiday can mean a welcome break, but it can also leave commercial premises empty or operating with fewer experienced staff. A simple closing routine helps reduce the chance of a fire starting unnoticed and makes it easier to respond if an alarm activates. 

The August bank holiday is a useful prompt to check that prevention, detection and emergency arrangements remain effective while normal staffing patterns change. 

Plan for the way the premises will actually operate 

Confirm which areas will be open, who will be working and whether contractors, cleaners or delivery teams will attend. Reduced staffing can affect fire warden coverage and the assistance available to anyone who may need help evacuating. If the building is shared, make sure other occupiers and the managing agent understand the arrangements. 

Remove avoidable ignition sources 

Switch off and unplug non-essential equipment where it is safe and appropriate to do so. Check portable appliances, chargers, kitchen equipment, heaters and machinery. Do not interfere with equipment that must remain powered, such as fire alarms, security systems, refrigeration or essential IT. Any repeated tripping, damaged plugs or scorch marks should be investigated rather than ignored. 

Control combustible materials and waste 

Move rubbish, cardboard and packaging away from buildings, ignition sources and escape routes. External bins should be secured and positioned appropriately. Flammable liquids and gases require suitable storage, particularly when premises are unoccupied. Good housekeeping reduces both accidental fire risk and opportunities for deliberate ignition. 

Keep protection systems active 

Never isolate a fire alarm simply because a building will be quiet. Confirm that alarm monitoring, automatic detection and any suppression systems remain operational. Check that extinguishers are in place and access to alarm panels, risers and service areas is not obstructed. 

Confirm the keyholder response 

Review who will receive an out-of-hours alarm and how quickly they can attend. Contact details should be current, with more than one authorised person available where possible. Keyholders need access to the building, relevant information and a clear understanding that they must not enter if fire or smoke is suspected. 

Protect fire and rescue service access 

Gates, barriers and parked vehicles should not prevent emergency access. Make sure hydrants, dry riser inlets and other firefighting facilities remain accessible. If security arrangements change during closure, consider how emergency responders will reach the premises. 

Brief the people who remain 

Staff working through the holiday may be unfamiliar with opening, closing or emergency procedures. Remind them how to raise the alarm, where to assemble and who is responsible for contacting emergency services. Lone-working arrangements should also be reviewed. 

Make the first day back safer 

When the business reopens, check for signs of damage, leaks, electrical issues or unauthorised access before returning to normal operation. Reinstate equipment methodically and confirm that exits and fire protection systems remain available. 

Bank holiday preparation does not need to be complicated. A documented check, clear ownership and reliable alarm response can protect people, property and business continuity while the premises are quiet. 

If you are unsure whether your premises are adequately protected during closure, contact Fire Guard Services on 01582 469000 or sales@fireguardservices.com(opens in new tab).