Laundries face hidden fire safety risks at night

New framework introduced by the Textile Services Association

The Textile Services Association (TSA) has announced the release of a new code of practice on fire safety for commercial laundries in the United Kingdom.

According to the TSA, the framework is intended to support laundry operators by setting out the main fire risks faced by the sector and providing guidance on managing them.

The association explained that laundries operate with a mix of heat, combustible textiles and chemicals, which require specific safety controls.

It added that while the code reflects general safety standards, it also introduces laundry-specific measures.

The TSA confirmed that the document is supported by detailed practice guides already published by the organisation.

Causes of fire incidents in laundries

The TSA reported that most recent fires in laundries have occurred at night due to spontaneous combustion.

It explained that ignition typically results from residual heat in textiles combined with oils or other contaminants.

The association stated that these fires rarely result in personal injury but often cause severe damage to laundry machinery and premises.

It said that incidents have also contributed to higher insurance premiums for operators, which has affected the profitability of businesses across the sector.

The TSA noted that the new code is intended to help reduce the frequency of such incidents.

Code development and contributors

The TSA confirmed that the code was drafted by its health and safety steering group in partnership with fire safety specialists from Worknest.

It said the framework is designed to apply to laundries of all sizes, including both large multi-site operators and small independent businesses.

The association explained that it is also seeking ways to establish the code as a nationally recognised standard, in response to what it described as inconsistent regional practices across the UK.

It added that the objective is to create a shared framework that supports both operational safety and sector stability.

Industry and insurance implications

The TSA indicated that it hopes the adoption of the code will lead to fewer incidents in laundries.

It explained that this reduction could in turn encourage the insurance sector to offer terms that are more competitive for businesses.

The association added that lower premiums would provide financial relief and create a more stable environment for investment and growth.

It noted that the code is being presented as a tool to support both operational improvements and cost management.

Additional resources and support

The TSA reported that the release of the code is accompanied by a series of in-depth support resources.

It confirmed that these include detailed practice documents and webinars available for download through the association’s website.

The TSA explained that these resources are intended to help operators understand how to apply the framework in day-to-day operations.

It added that the guidance is designed to ensure that staff at every level are familiar with their responsibilities.

David Stevens, Chief Executive Officer of the TSA, said: “Commercial laundries are very good at managing fire safety overall.

“There’s been an overwhelmingly positive response to the new code of practice as it will empower laundries to ensure that staff at all levels are aware of their responsibilities and that the standards are being met in a measurable way.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The TSA’s introduction of a fire safety code for laundries is relevant for safety professionals monitoring risk across different industrial environments.

The code demonstrates how industry-led frameworks can provide detailed, sector-specific guidance where risks are unique and require tailored management approaches.

It also highlights the role of collaborative drafting between trade bodies and specialist advisors in establishing practical standards that align with both safety management and insurance considerations.

For professionals outside the laundry sector, the initiative provides an example of how codes of practice can address industry-specific fire hazards while supporting consistent application across regions.

TSA launches fire safety code of practice for UK laundries: Summary

The Textile Services Association (TSA) has published a code of practice on fire safety for laundries.

The association said the framework addresses the main fire risks faced by the sector.

The TSA explained that most recent laundry fires have occurred at night due to spontaneous combustion.

It stated that these fires usually cause damage to equipment and buildings rather than personal injuries.

The TSA noted that rising insurance premiums have become a barrier to profitability.

The code was drafted by the TSA health and safety steering group with fire experts from Worknest.

The association said it is seeking national recognition for the code to address regional variation in safety approaches.

The TSA confirmed that the code applies to both large and small laundry operators.

It reported that guidance documents and webinars have been released alongside the code.

David Stevens, CEO of the TSA, said the response from industry has been positive.