Gym Fire Safety - Everything You Need To Know

If you're opening a new gym, it can be difficult to know which fire safety regulations you need to follow. This guide is here to help you discover how to protect your premises in the event of fire.

The first step is figuring out where to start. You'll need to form fire safety plans that comply with regulations.

When you are opening a gym, one of the first steps it to conduct a thorough fire safety risk assessment. This will allow you to analyse if you have any immediate fixes that can be made before you open up your gym. Here are the risks that you should check for:

• Identify hazards - note down anything that could start, fuel or oxygenate a fire.
• People at risk - identify how many people would be at risk during a fire and vulnerable people such as those who are elderly or disabled. Ensure that all escape routes from the building are accessible for all, including those who may be in a wheelchair.
• Warning systems - make sure that alarms and smoke detectors are working and can be heard in every area in the building.
• Emergency exits - emergency exits are your main protection against fire. It is essential to make sure that exit doors are working, pathways are clear and that they are clearly marked.
• Fire equipment - things such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and fire blankets should be checked to make sure that they are working, in date and present in easily accessible locations around the building.
• Exit procedures - Make sure that you have a plan in place to ensure that you have control over the evacuation procedure in the care of a fire. Have clear assembly points and know how to clear every room in the case of a fire.
• Training - If you're going to employ staff at your gym, make sure that they are well versed in the exit procedures and trained on what to do if there is a fire.
• Fire doors - Make sure that all your internal fire doors and external ones are in place to stop the spread of fire if needed. You should also inspect your fire door to make sure that it is in good working order.

Following your risk assessment, any hazards that were noted should be made note of and take some additional steps on mitigating the risks associated with fire in a gym.

Maintenance - You should make sure that all fire systems, such as alarms and detection systems are tested weekly. It is also important that you inspect and maintain your fire doors.

Customer Limitations - An important part of managing a gym is being aware of space limitations. You'll need to be aware of how many people are within your gym at all times. This means that if you need to evacuate because of fires you can locate all users and ensure their safety.

Exit restrictions - Be aware of the doors that can be used as a fire exit. Sliding doors, revolving doors or locked doors cannot be fire exits. Employees will also need to make sure that users of the gym are kept away from the fire exits so that the area remains clear if an exit needs to be used.

Training - If you are in charge of the business, you will be responsible for making sure that all employees are effectively trained on what to do in instances of fire. Run fire drills and training sessions to make sure that all knowledge is fresh and everyone is well versed in emergency procedures.

Specialist Facilities - If your gym has a sauna, steam room or a swimming pool there will be a range of different fire safety rules to follow. You should ensure that if you offer these facilities, you are following these regulations.

We have a wide range of fire doors available, and our team are available to offer expert advice if you have any questions about how fire doors should be utilised in your gym.