Fire Safety Glossary: 20 Terms Every Property Manager Should Know
When it comes to managing buildings, understanding fire safety terminology is essential.
Whether you oversee residential blocks, commercial properties, or HMOs, knowing what key fire safety terms mean can help you stay compliant, communicate clearly with contractors, and protect your tenants and assets. Fire safety legislation and systems can seem complex, but they don’t have to be.
To help, we’ve created a quick reference guide covering 20 essential fire safety terms every property manager should know.
Understanding the Role of Fire Safety in Property Management
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, property managers, landlords, and owners are considered the “responsible persons” for fire safety in their buildings. That means you’re legally required to ensure that proper fire precautions are in place, risk assessments are up to date, and safety systems are regularly maintained.
Knowing the language of fire safety helps you understand your legal obligations and communicate effectively with accredited professionals, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks when it comes to compliance.
20 Fire Safety Terms You Should Know
Below are some of the most important fire safety terms you’ll come across as a property manager, explained simply.
1. Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
A structured review of your building to identify fire hazards, assess risk levels, and recommend improvements. Legally required for all non-domestic buildings and communal areas.
2. Responsible Person
The individual legally accountable for fire safety in a building, usually the owner, landlord, or property manager.
3. Means of Escape
The safe route(s) occupants should use to leave a building in the event of a fire, including stairwells, corridors, and exit doors.
4. Emergency Lighting
Lighting that automatically activates during a power failure to illuminate escape routes and exits. Essential for safe evacuation.
5. Fire Alarm System
A system designed to detect smoke, heat, or flames and alert occupants to evacuate. Must be regularly tested and maintained.
6. Fire Compartmentation
The practice of dividing a building into sections using fire-resistant materials to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
7. Fire Doors
Specially designed doors that resist the passage of fire and smoke for a specified time, often 30 or 60 minutes. A legal requirement in most HMOs and multi-occupancy buildings.
8. Fire Extinguishers
Portable devices are used to control or extinguish small fires. Must be appropriate for the type of fire risk and serviced annually.
9. Fire Blankets
Safety devices are used to smother small fires, particularly in kitchens.
10. Fire Stopping
The process of sealing gaps or openings in walls, floors, or ceilings to prevent fire and smoke from spreading through a building’s structure.
11. Compartmentation Survey
An inspection is carried out to check whether a building’s fire barriers (walls, floors, service risers, etc.) are properly installed and maintained.
12. Fire Detection and Alarm Maintenance
Regular testing, servicing, and certification of your fire alarm systems to ensure ongoing compliance and functionality.
13. Evacuation Plan
A documented plan showing how occupants should safely leave a building during a fire, including assembly points and procedures.
14. Emergency Signage
Clearly visible signs that guide people to exits and fire equipment. Must be illuminated and maintained.
15. BAFE Accreditation
The UK’s leading certification for fire safety providers. It ensures a company meets strict standards for quality, competency, and compliance.
16. BS 5839
The British Standard covering the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems.
17. BS 5266
The British Standard for emergency lighting systems sets out design and maintenance requirements.
18. Fire Safety Logbook
A record of fire safety checks, maintenance, and inspections. It’s essential for proving compliance during audits or investigations.
19. Fire Safety Order (2005)
The main piece of legislation governing fire safety in England and Wales places responsibility on the “responsible person.”
20. Competent Person
An individual or company with the training, qualifications, and experience necessary to carry out fire safety work safely and effectively.
Why Accreditation and Expertise Matter
Fire safety terminology is one thing; understanding how to apply it correctly is another. That’s where accredited professionals come in.
By partnering with Fire Stoppers, who are BAFE-accredited for Fire Risk Assessments and all Fire Alarm services, property managers can be confident that these critical aspects of fire safety meet national standards and legal requirements.
Working with accredited experts gives you:
- Peace of mind that your buildings are compliant and protected.
- Reduced risk of fines or enforcement action.
- Confidence that inspections, maintenance, and documentation are handled correctly.
Fire Stoppers: Supporting Property Managers Across the Midlands
Our expertise covers BAFE-certified Fire Risk Assessments, fire alarm design, installation, and maintenance, emergency lighting checks and servicing, fire door inspections and compartmentation surveys, and fire extinguishers and safety equipment.
At Fire Stoppers, we provide property managers, landlords, and managing agents within 30 miles of Nottingham with professional fire safety services designed to keep buildings safe and compliant.
For those managing multiple properties, we offer all-in-one compliance packages, simplifying your fire safety obligations, reducing administrative burden, and ensuring every legal requirement is met efficiently, giving you confidence that your buildings and occupants are fully protected.
Final Thoughts
Fire safety compliance starts with knowledge, and understanding the key terms is the first step.
By familiarising yourself with this fire safety glossary and working with accredited professionals, you can ensure your properties remain safe, compliant, and well-managed.
If you’re a property manager looking for support with fire risk assessments, emergency lighting, or full fire safety compliance packages, contact Fire Stoppers today. Together, we’ll keep your buildings compliant, your tenants protected, and your reputation secure.
