Which activities constitute a practical fire safety audit for a small office?

• A. Interview staff only
• B. Review fire risk assessment, inspect means of escape, check extinguishers and alarms, examine signage, interview staff, compile actions
• C. Check extinguishers and alarms only
• D. Examine signage only

Answer: (B)

Auditing fire safety in a small office should combine documentation, physical checks, and input from people who work there to identify gaps and plan improvements. A practical approach brings together the current fire risk assessment to confirm it’s up to date and appropriate, a walk‑through to verify escape routes are clear and usable, a check of fire protection equipment such as extinguishers and alarms to ensure they are present, accessible, and properly serviced, an examination of signage so exits and assembly points are clearly indicated, and conversations with staff to gauge awareness, training, and evacuation practice. Finally, it should lead to a concrete actions list with owners and deadlines to address any shortfalls. This broad, integrated check is essential because it confirms not just what’s written or installed, but how the system actually works in daily use.

Focusing on just interviews misses the real-time conditions of the premises and the status of equipment; checking only extinguishers and alarms omits escape routes, signage, and staff readiness; examining signage alone ignores equipment and procedures; interviewing staff alone likewise misses the physical reality and documentation.