Supernova Asbestos Surveys

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  • 5 Signs Your Business Needs a Fire Risk Assessment ASAP

    5 Signs Your Business Needs a Fire Risk Assessment ASAP

    Is Your Business Overdue a Fire Risk Assessment? Here Are the Signs You Cannot Ignore

    Fire is one of the most destructive forces any business can face. In a matter of minutes, it can destroy equipment, obliterate records, put lives at serious risk, and bring an entire operation to a permanent halt.

    Yet fire safety is something many business owners only think about after something has already gone wrong — and by then, it is far too late. If you are responsible for a commercial premises in the UK, recognising the signs your business needs a fire risk assessment asap is not just useful knowledge — it could be the difference between a near-miss and a catastrophe.

    Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, the responsible person for any non-domestic premises has a legal duty to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place and kept up to date. So how do you know when yours is overdue? These are the clearest warning signs — and what you should do about each one.

    1. You Cannot Remember When Your Last Assessment Was Done

    This is the most straightforward of all the signs your business needs a fire risk assessment asap. If you have to think hard about when your last assessment took place — or if you are not entirely sure one was ever formally carried out — that alone is cause for immediate action.

    Many businesses commission a fire risk assessment when they first take on a building, then do not revisit it for years. The problem is that premises do not stay static. Staff numbers fluctuate, layouts are altered, new equipment is brought in, and building materials deteriorate over time.

    An assessment that was accurate three years ago may bear very little resemblance to the risks present in your building today. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires that your fire risk assessment is reviewed regularly and updated whenever there is a significant change to your premises, the people who use it, or the risks involved.

    There is no single fixed legal interval, but most fire safety professionals recommend a review at least every 12 months — and more frequently in higher-risk environments such as warehouses, care homes, or premises with large numbers of occupants.

    If your last assessment is sitting in a filing cabinet gathering dust, it is not protecting you. A current, accurate assessment is both your legal obligation and your first practical line of defence.

    2. Your Staff Perform Poorly During Fire Drills

    UK law requires employers to conduct fire drills at appropriate intervals — for most businesses, at least once per year. But there is a significant difference between running a drill and running one that actually tests your emergency preparedness.

    Watch your team carefully during your next drill. Do they know which exit to use? Do they move to the correct assembly point without prompting? Does anyone hesitate, look confused, or — most worryingly — ignore the alarm and carry on working?

    These are not trivial concerns. If your staff cannot respond effectively during a controlled exercise, they are very unlikely to respond well during an actual emergency when smoke is present, visibility is low, and panic sets in.

    Poor drill performance is one of the clearest signs your business needs a fire risk assessment asap, because a thorough assessment will evaluate your emergency procedures and identify exactly where the gaps are. A professional assessor will examine whether your escape routes are clearly signed, whether your assembly points are fit for purpose, whether your fire wardens are properly trained, and whether your staff have received adequate fire safety instruction.

    What Good Fire Drill Performance Looks Like

    • All staff evacuate promptly without waiting to be told twice
    • Everyone knows their designated exit route and uses it
    • Fire wardens account for all personnel at the assembly point
    • No one re-enters the building until given the all-clear
    • The entire evacuation is completed within a reasonable, pre-agreed time

    If your last drill fell short of these markers, a fresh fire risk assessment — followed by updated training — should be your next step.

    3. You Can Spot Hazards Without Even Looking Hard

    Take a slow walk around your premises right now. What do you notice? Cardboard stacked near a heat source? Overloaded extension leads running under desks? Exposed wiring from a recent fit-out? Flammable cleaning products stored next to electrical equipment?

    If hazards are visible at a glance, a systematic professional inspection will almost certainly uncover far more. Fire risk rarely comes from a single dramatic source — it is usually the accumulation of small, easily overlooked issues that create the conditions for a fire to start and spread rapidly.

    Pay particular attention to the following common problem areas:

    • Electrical equipment that appears worn, damaged, or has not been PAT tested within the recommended period
    • Flammable materials — paper, packaging, solvents, cleaning chemicals — stored carelessly or in excessive quantities
    • Heat-generating equipment left running overnight or positioned close to combustible items
    • Areas undergoing renovation, where exposed wiring, temporary power arrangements, and dust can all introduce new ignition risks
    • Blocked or obstructed escape routes, even temporarily, that would slow evacuation in an emergency

    A qualified fire risk assessor will examine your premises methodically and provide clear, prioritised recommendations to reduce the likelihood of fire breaking out — and to limit the damage if one does.

    The more hazards you can identify on your own walkthrough, the more urgently a professional assessment is needed. Visible problems are rarely the whole picture.

    4. Your Fire Safety Equipment Has Not Been Properly Maintained

    Your fire safety equipment — extinguishers, fire doors, emergency lighting, alarm systems, and fire blankets — must be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. This is not a recommendation; it is a legal requirement, and neglecting it puts both people and your business at risk.

    A quick way to gauge your current position is to check the service labels on your fire extinguishers. British Standard BS 5306 recommends that portable fire extinguishers are serviced annually by a competent person. If the dates on yours are well out of range, that tells you something significant about the state of your wider fire safety arrangements.

    Beyond extinguishers, work through this checklist:

    • Fire doors — Are they closing fully and latching correctly? Are any wedged open, damaged, or fitted with inappropriate hardware?
    • Emergency lighting — Is it tested regularly and confirmed to be functioning?
    • Fire alarm system — Has it been serviced within the past 12 months by a competent contractor?
    • Escape routes — Are all routes clear, unobstructed, and properly signed at all times?
    • Fire blankets — Are they accessible, undamaged, and within date?

    A professional fire risk assessment will review all of these as part of a thorough evaluation of your premises. If your equipment has been neglected — even partially — you need an assessment, and you need one promptly.

    Fire Doors: A Frequently Overlooked Risk

    Fire doors are one of the most critical — and most frequently compromised — elements of a building’s passive fire protection. A fire door that is wedged open, poorly fitted, or damaged can allow fire and smoke to spread through a building in minutes, cutting off escape routes and dramatically increasing casualties.

    During a fire risk assessment, a competent assessor will check every fire door in your premises for integrity, correct operation, and appropriate signage. If yours have not been checked recently, this alone justifies commissioning an assessment without delay.

    5. Your Building Is Old or Has Recently Changed

    The age and physical condition of your building are significant factors in your overall fire risk profile. Older buildings — particularly those constructed before modern fire safety standards were introduced — may lack fire-resistant materials, adequate compartmentation between floors and rooms, or purpose-built escape routes that meet current expectations.

    Structural deterioration can also introduce new risks over time: gaps in fire-stopping, compromised fire doors, and degraded materials that are far more combustible than they once were. If your building is showing its age, or if it has not been professionally assessed since major works were carried out, it warrants a fresh, thorough look.

    Equally, if your premises have recently undergone renovation, refurbishment, or a change of use, your existing fire risk assessment may no longer reflect the actual risks present. Changes to layout, occupancy levels, or the materials used during construction can all alter your fire risk profile substantially — sometimes in ways that are not immediately obvious.

    Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, a fire risk assessment must be reviewed following any significant change to a building. If work has been completed and your assessment has not been updated to reflect it, you may already be in breach of your legal duties as the responsible person.

    Change of Use: A Specific Trigger for Reassessment

    One scenario that is particularly easy to overlook is a change of use. If a space that was previously used for storage is now occupied by staff, or if a single-occupancy building has been converted to house multiple tenants, the fire risk profile changes dramatically.

    A new assessment is not optional in these circumstances — it is legally required. Commissioning one promptly protects both your occupants and your legal position.

    6. You Have Had a Near-Miss or a Previous Incident

    If your premises have experienced a fire — even a small one that was quickly extinguished — or a near-miss such as an electrical fault, a small kitchen fire, or a smoke alarm activation that turned out to be a genuine hazard, that is an unambiguous sign your business needs a fire risk assessment asap.

    Near-misses are not lucky escapes to be quietly forgotten. They are warnings that conditions in your building are capable of producing a fire. A professional assessment following any incident will identify the root cause, assess whether similar risks exist elsewhere in the premises, and provide recommendations to prevent recurrence.

    Failing to act after a near-miss — particularly if it results in a subsequent fire — can have serious consequences in terms of both liability and enforcement action from the relevant fire and rescue authority.

    What Happens If You Do Not Have a Valid Fire Risk Assessment?

    The consequences of non-compliance with fire safety legislation are serious. The responsible person for non-domestic premises who fails to maintain a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment can face enforcement notices, prohibition orders, prosecution, and significant financial penalties.

    For businesses with five or more employees, the significant findings of the fire risk assessment must be recorded in writing. This is not bureaucracy for its own sake — it creates an auditable record that demonstrates your commitment to fire safety and your compliance with the law.

    Beyond the legal consequences, the human cost of a preventable fire is immeasurable. No business outcome justifies putting employees, visitors, or members of the public at risk through inadequate fire safety arrangements.

    How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

    There is no single statutory interval written into UK law for routine reviews, but the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order is clear that assessments must be kept up to date. In practice, this means reviewing your assessment:

    1. At least annually as a matter of good practice
    2. Following any significant structural or layout changes to the premises
    3. After any change in the number or nature of occupants
    4. Following a fire, near-miss, or any incident that revealed a gap in your arrangements
    5. When new processes, equipment, or materials are introduced that alter the risk profile
    6. When the responsible person changes

    Higher-risk premises — care homes, warehouses, buildings with complex layouts, or those with vulnerable occupants — should review more frequently than once a year. If you are uncertain what interval is appropriate for your specific premises, a qualified assessor can advise you directly.

    Who Can Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment?

    The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires that the responsible person either carries out the fire risk assessment themselves, if they are competent to do so, or appoints a competent person to do it for them. In practice, for most commercial premises, appointing a qualified professional is the only realistic route to a robust, defensible assessment.

    A competent assessor will have relevant training, experience, and knowledge of fire safety legislation and the specific risks associated with your type of premises. They will produce a written report that identifies hazards, evaluates risks, sets out the control measures already in place, and provides a prioritised action plan.

    DIY assessments carried out by untrained staff rarely meet the standard required by law — and if a fire occurs and an inadequate assessment is scrutinised by investigators or a court, the consequences for the responsible person can be severe.

    Fire Risk Assessments Across the UK: Where We Work

    Supernova provides professional fire risk assessments for commercial premises across the United Kingdom. Whether you are managing a multi-tenanted office block, a retail unit, an industrial facility, or a care home, our qualified assessors will carry out a thorough, site-specific evaluation and provide you with a clear action plan.

    We work extensively across major cities and regions throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. If you are also managing asbestos compliance obligations alongside your fire safety duties, our teams can support both requirements under one roof — removing the need to coordinate multiple contractors.

    For clients in the capital, our asbestos survey London service operates across all London boroughs, covering commercial, industrial, and residential properties of all sizes. In the North West, our asbestos survey Manchester team handles everything from small retail units to large industrial complexes. And across the Midlands, our asbestos survey Birmingham service supports property managers and business owners with both asbestos and fire safety compliance.

    Wherever your premises are located, Supernova can provide the professional support you need to meet your legal obligations and protect the people who use your building.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I know if my business legally requires a fire risk assessment?

    If you are responsible for a non-domestic premises in the UK — including commercial offices, retail units, industrial facilities, warehouses, care homes, and shared residential buildings — the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order places a legal duty on you to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place. This applies regardless of the size of your business or the number of people on site.

    What are the most common signs your business needs a fire risk assessment asap?

    The most common triggers include: not being able to recall when your last assessment was carried out; visible fire hazards on a basic walkthrough; poorly maintained fire safety equipment; staff who perform inadequately during fire drills; recent building works, refurbishment, or a change of use; and any previous fire incident or near-miss on the premises. Any one of these warrants immediate action.

    Can I carry out a fire risk assessment myself?

    The law requires the assessment to be carried out by a competent person. If you have the relevant training, knowledge, and experience to assess the specific risks in your premises, you may do so yourself. However, for most commercial premises, appointing a qualified professional is the appropriate route. An inadequate self-assessment that fails to identify significant risks provides no legal protection and could have serious consequences if a fire occurs.

    How long does a fire risk assessment take?

    The duration depends on the size, complexity, and risk profile of your premises. A straightforward small office may be assessed in a few hours, while a large industrial site or multi-storey building with complex layout and high occupancy may require a full day or more. Your assessor will be able to give you a realistic timeframe once they understand the nature of your premises.

    What happens after a fire risk assessment is completed?

    Your assessor will produce a written report setting out the hazards identified, the risks they present, the control measures already in place, and a prioritised list of recommended actions. For businesses with five or more employees, this written record is a legal requirement. You will then need to implement the recommended actions within appropriate timescales — your assessor will advise on which are urgent and which can be addressed over a longer period. The assessment should then be reviewed at regular intervals or whenever significant changes occur.

    Get Your Fire Risk Assessment Booked Today

    If you have recognised any of the signs your business needs a fire risk assessment asap in this post, do not delay. Every day without a current, accurate assessment is a day your business is exposed to legal risk, financial liability, and — most critically — the risk of harm to the people in your building.

    Supernova’s qualified assessors are available nationwide. Call us today on 020 4586 0680 or visit asbestos-surveys.org.uk to request a quote or find out more about how we can support your fire safety compliance.

  • The Hidden Danger of an Electrical Fire and How to Prevent It

    The Hidden Danger of an Electrical Fire and How to Prevent It

    Electrical Fires: The Silent Hazard Destroying UK Properties Before Anyone Notices

    Electrical fires are among the most destructive and least predictable hazards facing UK homes and commercial properties. The hidden danger of an electrical fire and how to prevent it is something every property owner, landlord, and facilities manager needs to understand — because by the time smoke appears, the fire may already have taken hold inside a wall cavity, behind a socket, or deep within an appliance.

    Understanding how electrical fires start, what warning signs to watch for, and how to reduce your risk is not just sensible — in many properties, it is a legal obligation.

    What Is an Electrical Fire?

    An electrical fire originates from a fault in your electrical system or connected equipment. The most common mechanism is a short circuit — where current travels along an unintended path, generating intense heat in the process.

    When that heat reaches combustible materials nearby — insulation, timber joists, carpet, or soft furnishings — ignition can follow quickly. The problem is that this process often happens in concealed spaces, making early detection extremely difficult.

    Electrical fires account for a significant proportion of accidental fires in England each year, and the consequences range from serious property damage to fatalities.

    How Does an Electrical Fire Start? The Most Common Causes

    There is rarely a single cause. Electrical fires typically result from a combination of ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, and everyday habits that seem harmless but carry real risk.

    Faulty Outlets and Damaged Appliances

    Old or poorly installed electrical outlets are a frequent starting point. Loose wiring connections inside a socket can arc — producing sparks that ignite surrounding materials.

    Damaged appliances are equally problematic. A frayed power cord, a cracked plug casing, or a device that runs unusually hot should never be ignored. Worn cords can transfer heat directly onto carpets, curtains, or wooden floors — all of which are highly combustible.

    Incorrect Light Bulb Wattage

    Using a bulb with a higher wattage than a lamp or light fitting is designed for is a genuine fire risk. The excess heat generated cannot dissipate safely, and over time it degrades the fitting and can ignite nearby materials.

    Always check the maximum wattage marked on a lamp or fitting and never exceed it. Never drape fabric, paper, or any other material over a lampshade — the material will heat up and can ignite, sometimes without warning.

    Misuse of Extension Leads

    Extension leads are designed as a temporary solution, not a permanent fixture. Using them long-term — particularly with multiple high-draw appliances plugged in simultaneously — creates overloading risks that cause cables to overheat.

    If you find yourself relying on extension leads in a room, the practical answer is to have a qualified electrician install additional sockets. This is far cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a fire.

    Substandard or Ageing Wiring

    Properties built several decades ago may have wiring that was never designed to cope with the electrical demand of modern living. Older wiring systems degrade over time, with insulation cracking and connections loosening.

    An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the standard way to assess whether your wiring is safe — and for rented residential properties, these are now a legal requirement at regular intervals. Wiring must always be installed and inspected by a qualified electrician.

    Overloaded Circuits

    Plugging too many devices into a single circuit draws more current than the wiring is rated to handle. This causes cables to heat up, and if the circuit breaker fails to trip in time, a fire can result.

    This is particularly common in kitchens and home offices, where multiple high-wattage devices may be running simultaneously. Spreading the load across multiple circuits — and never stacking adaptor blocks — significantly reduces the risk.

    Warning Signs That an Electrical Fire May Be Starting

    Catching the early signs of an electrical problem can be the difference between a minor repair and a major catastrophe. The hidden danger of an electrical fire lies partly in how subtle these warning signs can be — but they are there if you know what to look for.

    A Burning Smell With No Obvious Source

    A persistent burning smell — particularly one that resembles burning plastic or hot metal — is one of the clearest early indicators of an electrical fault. If you cannot identify the source, switch off the power at the consumer unit and call a qualified electrician immediately.

    If the smell is strong or you see any smoke, evacuate the property and call 999. Never attempt to extinguish an electrical fire with water — the risk of electrocution is severe. Use a CO2 or dry powder extinguisher only if it is safe to do so.

    Discoloured or Charred Sockets and Switches

    Brown or black discolouration around a socket or light switch is a sign that a small electrical arc or spark has already occurred. This is not cosmetic damage — it indicates a fault that is likely to worsen.

    Stop using the outlet immediately and have it inspected by a qualified electrician. Do not assume the problem is confined to that single socket.

    Circuit Breakers Tripping Repeatedly

    A circuit breaker tripping once in a while is normal — it is doing exactly what it is designed to do. But if a breaker trips repeatedly on the same circuit, that is a fault that needs investigating.

    The danger is that a faulty breaker may eventually fail to trip at all, allowing a circuit to overheat unchecked. Never simply reset a breaker and ignore the underlying issue.

    Flickering or Dimming Lights

    Lights that flicker intermittently can indicate a loose connection somewhere in the circuit. Loose connections generate heat and can arc, making them a potential fire source.

    If the flickering is isolated to one fitting, the issue may be local. If it affects multiple lights or rooms, the fault is likely further back in the circuit and requires professional attention.

    Buzzing or Crackling Sounds

    Electrical systems should be essentially silent. Any buzzing, crackling, or humming from outlets, switches, or your consumer unit is abnormal and should be taken seriously.

    These sounds often indicate arcing — one of the primary ignition sources for electrical fires. Treat any unusual electrical noise as a warning sign that demands prompt investigation.

    How to Prevent Electrical Fires: Practical Steps You Can Take Now

    Prevention is far more effective — and far less costly — than dealing with the consequences of a fire. The following measures are practical, achievable, and make a genuine difference to your risk profile.

    • Unplug appliances when not in use — particularly overnight or when leaving the property. Chargers, toasters, and televisions left on standby still carry risk.
    • Never use damaged cables or plugs — replace them immediately. A worn flex is not a minor inconvenience; it is a fire hazard.
    • Do not overload sockets or extension leads — check the total wattage of devices plugged into any single outlet and ensure it does not exceed the rated capacity.
    • Use extension leads as temporary measures only — if you need more sockets permanently, have them installed by a qualified electrician.
    • Keep the earth pin on plugs intact — the earth pin is a safety feature, not an inconvenience. Removing it defeats the earthing protection.
    • Have your electrical installation inspected regularly — an EICR gives you documented assurance that your wiring is safe.
    • Install smoke alarms on every floor — test them monthly and replace batteries annually. Interconnected alarms are significantly more effective than standalone units.
    • Consider arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) — these detect the electrical signature of arcing and cut the circuit before a fire can start. They are increasingly recommended for new installations and rewires.
    • Never ignore warning signs — burning smells, discoloured sockets, or repeatedly tripping breakers are not problems to put off. Act on them promptly.

    Electrical Fire Safety in Older Buildings: An Additional Layer of Risk

    Older properties present a compounded set of challenges when it comes to electrical fire safety. Wiring that has never been updated, consumer units that predate modern safety standards, and electrical installations that have been modified piecemeal over the decades all increase the risk profile considerably.

    There is also the question of building materials. Many properties constructed before the mid-1980s contain asbestos-containing materials — and asbestos is frequently found in close proximity to electrical installations. Pipe lagging, ceiling tiles, partition boards, and floor tiles may all contain asbestos fibres.

    If electrical work disturbs these materials, there is a risk of releasing asbestos fibres into the air — creating a separate but equally serious health hazard alongside the fire risk itself. This is why fire safety and asbestos management should always be considered together in older buildings.

    Our specialists carrying out an asbestos survey London regularly encounter properties where fire risk and asbestos risk coexist — and where addressing only one without the other leaves occupants exposed.

    The same applies across the country. Our teams providing an asbestos survey Manchester and an asbestos survey Birmingham understand that older commercial and residential stock across all major UK cities presents this dual-hazard challenge — and that full compliance requires both risks to be properly assessed and managed.

    Electrical Fire Safety in Commercial and Rented Properties

    For landlords, business owners, and facilities managers, electrical fire safety carries additional legal weight. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order places a duty on the responsible person for non-domestic premises to take reasonable fire precautions — and electrical safety is central to that obligation.

    A professional fire risk assessment will evaluate your electrical systems as part of a broader review of fire hazards across the property. For most commercial premises, this is not optional — it is a legal requirement.

    For rented residential properties, landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, with a copy of the EICR provided to tenants. Failure to comply can result in significant financial penalties.

    A trained assessor will examine not just the obvious hazards but the less visible ones — including the condition of electrical installations, the adequacy of detection and warning systems, the suitability of escape routes, and the presence of any materials that could accelerate fire spread.

    What a Professional Fire Risk Assessment Actually Covers

    Even the most diligent property owner cannot assess every risk with the same rigour as a trained professional. There is a significant difference between a general awareness of hazards and a systematic, documented assessment carried out by someone who knows exactly what to look for.

    Professional fire risk assessments produce a written record of identified hazards and recommended actions. This documentation matters — both for the practical management of your property and for demonstrating that you have met your legal obligations under fire safety legislation.

    A thorough assessment will typically cover:

    • Identification of ignition sources — including electrical faults, heating systems, and human behaviour
    • Assessment of fuel sources — materials that could feed a fire, from furnishings to structural elements
    • Evaluation of fire detection and warning systems — whether alarms are adequate, correctly positioned, and properly maintained
    • Review of escape routes — ensuring exits are accessible, clearly signed, and unobstructed
    • Assessment of fire-fighting equipment — checking that appropriate extinguishers are available, correctly located, and in date
    • Review of fire safety management procedures — including staff training, evacuation plans, and maintenance records

    The outcome is a prioritised action plan that identifies what needs to be addressed immediately, what can be scheduled, and what is already satisfactory. It gives you a clear picture of where you stand — and what you need to do next.

    The Legal Framework You Need to Know

    Fire safety law in the UK is not optional, and electrical fire risk sits squarely within its scope. The key pieces of legislation that apply to most property owners and managers are:

    • The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order — applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It requires the responsible person to carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment, implement appropriate fire precautions, and maintain fire safety measures.
    • The Housing Act — imposes duties on landlords of residential properties to ensure their properties are free from hazards, including fire hazards arising from electrical faults.
    • The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations — require landlords to have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified electrician, and to provide tenants with a copy of the resulting EICR.

    Non-compliance with fire safety legislation can result in enforcement notices, prohibition orders, unlimited fines, and in serious cases, prosecution. The responsible person — whether that is a landlord, employer, or managing agent — carries personal liability.

    Keeping documented records of your fire risk assessment, electrical inspection reports, and any remedial actions taken is essential. These records demonstrate due diligence and provide a defence if your compliance is ever called into question.

    Steps to Take If You Suspect an Electrical Fire Risk Right Now

    If you have read this far and recognised warning signs in your own property, do not wait. Here is what to do:

    1. Stop using any suspect outlet, appliance, or circuit immediately. Do not assume it is fine to carry on while you arrange an inspection.
    2. Switch off at the consumer unit if you have reason to believe there is an active fault — particularly if you can smell burning or hear arcing sounds.
    3. Call a qualified electrician — one who is registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT. Do not use an unqualified tradesperson for electrical work.
    4. Commission an EICR if you do not have a current one. This gives you a full picture of your installation’s condition and identifies any remedial work required.
    5. Book a fire risk assessment if your property requires one under current legislation — or if you simply want professional assurance that your fire safety arrangements are adequate.
    6. In older properties, arrange an asbestos survey before any electrical work begins. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper precautions is a serious health risk and a criminal offence under the Control of Asbestos Regulations.

    Acting now — before a fault becomes a fire — is always the right decision. The cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of recovery.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the most common cause of electrical fires in UK homes?

    The most common causes include faulty or damaged appliances, overloaded extension leads and sockets, ageing or deteriorating wiring, and incorrectly installed electrical outlets. Loose wiring connections that arc — producing sparks inside wall cavities or behind sockets — are particularly dangerous because they are hidden from view and can smoulder for some time before detection.

    How do I know if my wiring is a fire risk?

    The most reliable way to assess your wiring is through an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out by a qualified electrician. Warning signs that suggest wiring may be problematic include frequently tripping circuit breakers, flickering lights, burning smells with no obvious source, and discolouration around sockets or switches. Properties built before the 1980s are particularly likely to have wiring that no longer meets current safety standards.

    Are landlords legally required to carry out electrical safety checks?

    Yes. Landlords of private rented residential properties in England are legally required to have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified electrician. They must provide tenants with a copy of the resulting EICR. For commercial premises, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires the responsible person to assess and manage fire risks — including those arising from electrical faults — as part of a formal fire risk assessment.

    Can an electrical fire start without any visible warning signs?

    Yes — and this is precisely what makes the hidden danger of an electrical fire and how to prevent it such a critical topic. Faults within wall cavities, beneath floorboards, or inside appliances can develop and ignite without any immediately obvious signs. This is why regular professional inspections, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms, and arc fault detection devices (AFDDs) are so important. They provide a layer of protection against hazards you cannot see.

    Why does asbestos matter when carrying out electrical work in older buildings?

    Many older properties contain asbestos-containing materials in locations that are commonly disturbed during electrical work — including ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, partition boards, and floor tiles. Disturbing these materials without proper precautions can release asbestos fibres into the air, creating a serious health risk for occupants and workers. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations, a suitable and sufficient assessment of asbestos risk must be carried out before any work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials. An asbestos survey should always precede electrical refurbishment work in any pre-1985 building.

    Protect Your Property With Supernova Asbestos Surveys

    At Supernova Asbestos Surveys, we work with property owners, landlords, and facilities managers across the UK to identify and manage the risks that matter most — including the intersection of asbestos and fire safety in older buildings.

    With over 50,000 surveys completed nationwide, our team has the experience to assess your property thoroughly and give you the clear, actionable advice you need to stay safe and compliant.

    Whether you need an asbestos survey before electrical work begins, or you want to understand how fire risk and asbestos risk interact in your building, we are here to help.

    Call us today on 020 4586 0680 or visit asbestos-surveys.org.uk to book your survey or find out more about our services.