Fire & Life Safety

Fire Extinguishers

Having fire extinguishers in your workplace is a mandatory and essential safety measure. However, the commissioning of fire extinguishers is only the first step. They also need to be serviced to ensure they function properly.

UK regulations indicate that fire extinguishers should be located by fire alarm call points and exits. In the case of a larger number of exits and fire alarm call points than the required number of extinguishers, you can refer to the British standard 5306, which specifies that there should be a fire extinguisher within 30 metres on each floor of your premises.

There are two ways to securely install fire extinguishers. They can be wall mounted, fitted on a wall bracket. Alternatively, they can be fitted on adapted stands on the ground.

We use specialist partners to install our fire extinguishers.

Types of fire extinguishers

1. Water extinguishers
They help fight Class A fires, which are started by materials such as wood, paper or fabric.

2. Foam extinguishers
They work best on type A and B fires. Type B fires involve highly flammable liquids like petrol, diesel and oils.

3. Powder Extinguishers
They are also known as CO2 extinguishers, and work best to help contain type A and B fires. They work by cutting off the air supply, and do not leave residue, unlike water and foam extinguishers. They can safely be used on fires involving electrical equipment.

4. Wet chemical extinguishers
They are recommended to fight class F fires. Those fires are kitchen fires, usually started with cooking oil or other fats. Although they were designed for kitchen fires, they also work well on type A and B fires.

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