Fire safety is a top priority for businesses across the UK. Having the right fire extinguisher in place can mean the difference between a small, manageable fire and a devastating incident. Selecting the correct fire extinguisher involves understanding the specific fire risks in your environment, and choosing the right size and location for the extinguisher is just as important.
This guide from the team at Hartson Fire will walk you through key considerations for selecting fire extinguishers in your business.
Fire extinguishers are colour-coded and designed for different types of fires. The types of fires are classified based on the material or source involved:
Class A: Fires involving combustible materials like wood, paper, and textiles.
Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids, such as petrol or oil.
Class C: Fires caused by gases such as butane, propane, or methane.
Class D: Fires involving flammable metals, such as magnesium or titanium (usually found in industrial settings).
Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats, common in commercial kitchens.
Electrical fires: While not an official class, some extinguishers are specially designed for fires involving live electrical equipment.
Knowing the fire risks specific to your business will help you choose the right type of fire extinguisher.
In the UK, fire extinguishers are measured by their weight (for dry powder or CO2 extinguishers) or volume (for water, foam, or wet chemical extinguishers). Here's a breakdown of common sizes and how they should be used:
For small offices, vehicles, or confined spaces, a 1-2 kg (or litre) fire extinguisher is ideal. These extinguishers are lightweight, making them easy to deploy in tight areas where a small fire might break out, such as near electrical equipment or workstations. Typical types for small spaces include CO2 or dry powder extinguishers for electrical fires and general fire risks.
In larger offices, retail spaces, or small workshops, 6-9 kg extinguishers offer a good balance between fire-fighting capacity and ease of handling. These sizes are ideal for areas where the fire risk may involve flammable liquids or electrical fires. Foam extinguishers are effective in areas with a mix of Class A (solid materials) and Class B (flammable liquids) fire risks, while CO2 extinguishers are commonly used in areas with electrical equipment.
In warehouses, manufacturing plants, or larger industrial settings, where the risk of large fires is higher, 9 kg or larger extinguishers are necessary. These extinguishers are designed to tackle bigger fires in more expansive environments and are often used alongside automatic fire suppression systems. Dry powder extinguishers are versatile for tackling Class A, B, and C fires, while wet chemical extinguishers are ideal for commercial kitchens dealing with Class F fires involving cooking oils.
Fire extinguishers in the UK also come with a fire rating, which indicates how effective they are in tackling certain types of fires. This rating system uses a number-letter combination (e.g., 13A, 21B) that refers to the size and type of fire the extinguisher can handle:
Class A (for solids): The number indicates how much solid material (like wood) the extinguisher can put out.
Class B (for liquids): The number represents how many litres of liquid fire the extinguisher can control.
When selecting an extinguisher, ensure that the fire rating matches the potential fire risks in your workplace.
Having the right type and size of extinguisher is crucial, but it won’t be helpful if it’s not easily accessible when needed. Here are key factors to consider when deciding where to place fire extinguishers in your business:
Fire extinguishers should be placed near areas with higher fire risks, such as kitchens, areas with electrical equipment, or places where flammable materials are stored. However, make sure the extinguisher is still easily accessible without being too close to the hazard itself. For example, in a commercial kitchen, a Class F wet chemical extinguisher should be nearby but not directly above a stove or fryer.
Extinguishers should be easily visible and unobstructed at all times. Mount extinguishers on walls at eye level and use signage to highlight their location. In larger businesses or buildings with multiple rooms, ensure that extinguishers are distributed evenly across different areas so that they are never far out of reach.
In the UK, fire safety regulations recommend that employees should never be more than 30 metres away from a fire extinguisher. This ensures that in the event of a fire, staff can quickly access an extinguisher without needing to search for one or cover too much distance.
Different areas within your business may require different types of fire extinguishers:
Offices: Typically require CO2 or foam extinguishers to handle electrical equipment and paper-based fires.
Warehouses: May need larger dry powder extinguishers to cover both flammable liquids and solids.
Commercial kitchens: Should have a wet chemical extinguisher to deal with Class F cooking oil fires.
Place fire extinguishers near exit points, especially in areas with high foot traffic. In case of an emergency, people naturally move towards exits, so having extinguishers nearby allows staff to quickly grab one while safely evacuating.
Having the right extinguishers in the right places is only part of the fire safety equation. Regular maintenance and servicing is essential to ensure that your extinguishers remain in good working order. UK law requires businesses to service fire extinguishers annually, and they should be checked monthly to ensure they are free from obstruction, have sufficient pressure, and are not damaged.
Additionally, staff should receive fire safety training to understand how to use fire extinguishers correctly. The PASS technique—Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep from side to side—is a widely taught method for effectively using an extinguisher.
Choosing the right fire extinguisher for your business involves more than just picking a random model off the shelf. By carefully considering the size, fire classification, fire rating, and strategic placement of extinguishers throughout your business premises, you ensure that your workplace is better prepared in the event of a fire emergency.
Annual servicing and staff training further enhance your fire safety plan, providing peace of mind that if a fire does occur, your business is well-equipped to deal with it.
For more information, contact the team at Hartson Fire on the number below:
