Fire Extinguisher Installation and Service
Extinguishers must be installed correctly to ensure that your premises are fully protected, meet specific insurance standards, and comply with regulations.
Fire Extinguisher Installation and Location
Prior to installation, it is crucial to conduct a fire risk assessment by a qualified individual to ascertain the building's fire hazard level and to identify the most suitable location for each unit..
A permanent location that is plainly visible and accessible for immediate use at all times is required for fire extinguishers. To ensure units are not moved or relocated, they should be mounted to a wall, within a floor bracket or placed within a cabinet. If mounted to a wall or extinguisher stand, smaller units (up to 4kg) must have their handles at least 1.5 meters from the floor and larger units must be mounted at least 1 metres from the floor. This is to prevent people tripping over them in the event of a fire and to ensure they are immediately accessible.
In order to prevent individuals from approaching a fire in quest of an extinguisher, all units should be positioned along escape routes. The maximum distance between each fire extinguisher will depend on the hazard level identified during the fire risk assessment.
Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Commercial Premises
Fire extinguishers play a critical role in the overall fire safety strategy of commercial premises. Compliance with legal requirements can vary by location, but several key principles generally apply across the UK.
Risk Assessment
A comprehensive fire risk assessment is the foundational step in determining the type and number of fire extinguishers required. This assessment should consider:
The nature of the business and its operations
The materials present and their combustibility
The potential fire hazards specific to the premises
The occupancy levels and layout of the spaces
Adherence to fire extinguisher requirements is essential for safeguarding commercial premises. Implementing an effective fire safety strategy through proper risk assessment, appropriate equipment selection, and ongoing training will significantly enhance safety for occupants and protect property from fire hazards. Regular review and updates to the fire safety plan ensure compliance with evolving regulations and best practices. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Different types of fire extinguishers are suitable for varying classes of fire. The common classes include:
Class A: Fires involving solid materials (e.g., wood, paper, textiles).
Recommended extinguishers: Water, Foam, Powder
Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids (e.g., petrol, oils).
Recommended extinguishers: Foam, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Powder
Class C: Fires involving gases (e.g., propane, butane).
Recommended extinguishers: Powder
Class D: Fires involving combustible metals.
Recommended extinguishers: Powder
Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats.
Recommended extinguishers: Wet Chemical
Minimum Requirements
The specific number and type of fire extinguishers required in a commercial premises depend on the size and type of the property. However, as a guideline:
Within the workplace: At least one fire extinguisher should be available for every 200 square metres of the floor area.
Travel distance: The travel distance to a fire extinguisher should not exceed 30 metres in any direction.
Accessibility: Extinguishers should be installed in prominent locations that are easily accessible and clearly marked.
Commissioning Service
All new fire extinguishers must undergo an initial on-site inspection by a competent person in order to check they are in good working condition and have not been damaged during delivery. Failure to do so may result in your fire insurance cover being invalidated.
Annual Service
It is a legal requirement for non-domestic premises that fire extinguishers must be inspected annually by a competent person to ensure they meet the standards set out by the British Standards Institution(BSi). Annual serving ensures that all fire extinguishers function properly, there is no corrosion to the unit and there has been no partial or complete discharge. We can provide a replacement BS 5306-3-compliant extinguisher should any extinguishers fail the inspection.
Discharge and Pressure Testing
Fire extinguishers require periodic servicing and discharge testing to ensure functionality and detect internal damage. Water, powder, wet chemical, and foam extinguishers should undergo extended servicing every 5 years, while CO2 extinguishers require it every 10 years.
Conducting these tests not only helps in maintaining safety standards but also extends the lifespan of equipment, reduces the risk of failures, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Regular discharge and pressure testing form a vital part of preventive maintenance strategies in various industries.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you, so drop us a message via the form below or give us a call today!
info@attentivefire.co.uk
02089310468
Unit 4,
297-303 Edgware Road,
NW9 6NB