In the UK, fire safety is taken seriously, and fire extinguishers play a critical role in protecting homes, businesses, and public spaces. However, several myths about fire extinguishers persist, leading to potential safety risks. Misunderstandings about their usage, maintenance, and regulations can result in costly mistakes.
The team at Hartson Fire will debunk some of the most common myths surrounding fire extinguishers, giving you the information you need to stay safe and compliant with UK regulations.
Debunked:
Not all fires are the same, and neither are fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are classified based on the types of fires they are designed to tackle:
Using the wrong type of extinguisher can make a fire worse. For example, using a water-based extinguisher on a kitchen oil fire could cause the flames to spread rapidly. Ensure that the correct extinguisher is available for each type of fire risk in your premises.
Debunked:
In the UK, fire extinguisher maintenance is required by law. The British Standard (BS 5306-3) mandates that fire extinguishers be serviced annually by a qualified technician. Regular inspections ensure that extinguishers are fully operational in case of an emergency. Failing to maintain fire extinguishers could not only result in faulty equipment during a fire but also lead to fines or penalties for non-compliance.
Businesses must also perform monthly visual checks to ensure that extinguishers are in the correct location, easily accessible, and undamaged. It's essential to note that some extinguishers, particularly those using CO2, require periodic pressure tests and refills.
Debunked:
Fire extinguishers have a limited lifespan. In the UK, the general recommendation is to replace water, foam, and powder extinguishers after 5 to 15 years, depending on the type, and ensure CO2 extinguishers are pressure tested every 10 years. Even if an extinguisher has never been used, over time the chemicals can degrade or lose effectiveness, and components like hoses or valves can wear out.
Don’t rely on an old fire extinguisher in an emergency—make sure you regularly check expiry dates and replace units as needed to stay compliant with fire safety regulations.
Debunked:
After even a partial use, a fire extinguisher must be recharged or replaced. Once the seal is broken and the contents are discharged, the extinguisher loses pressure, making it ineffective for future use. UK regulations require that all used fire extinguishers be inspected and serviced immediately after use, regardless of how much material was discharged.
For businesses, keeping a record of when and why an extinguisher was used can help with compliance, ensuring that your fire safety plan remains intact.
Debunked:
While having fire extinguishers on-site is essential, it’s not the only requirement for fire safety in the UK. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a duty on business owners and employers to ensure that a suitable fire safety plan is in place. This includes:
Relying solely on fire extinguishers without these other measures could lead to non-compliance with UK law and put lives at risk.
Debunked:
Fire extinguishers must be positioned throughout a building to ensure they are accessible during an emergency. The British Standard (BS 5306-8) specifies how many and what type of extinguishers should be present based on the building's size, layout, and fire risks. Generally, one water-based extinguisher is required for every 200 square metres of floor area, and additional extinguishers may be needed in high-risk areas, such as kitchens or areas with electrical equipment.
For example, a large office may need multiple extinguishers on each floor, placed near exits or fire escape routes, while a restaurant would require specific Class F extinguishers in its kitchen.
Debunked:
While fire extinguishers are designed to be user-friendly, proper training is still necessary. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK recommends that employees receive basic fire extinguisher training, covering when and how to use an extinguisher safely. Without training, individuals may not know how to activate the extinguisher, what type to use, or when it’s safer to evacuate and leave the fire to the professionals.
Training also ensures that employees are familiar with the PASS method:
Proper training can make the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
Debunked:
The size of the extinguisher matters. Smaller extinguishers may be easy to handle, but they contain less firefighting agent and won’t last as long. In the UK, the British Standards recommend specific minimum sizes for fire extinguishers in commercial properties to ensure adequate fire-fighting capacity.
For example, offices should generally have at least one 9-litre water extinguisher or a comparable foam or powder extinguisher. Relying on a smaller unit might not be enough to control a fire before it spreads.
Understanding fire extinguisher myths is essential for staying safe and compliant with UK fire safety regulations. By knowing the correct types of extinguishers, keeping up with regular maintenance and annual servicing, and ensuring that fire extinguishers are part of a broader fire safety strategy, you can help prevent fires and protect lives.
At Hartson Fire, we offer expert advice on selecting, maintaining, and servicing fire extinguishers across the UK. Whether you need a single unit for your home or comprehensive fire safety solutions for your business, we’re here to help.
Contact us today on the number below to learn more about how we can help you stay fire-safe and compliant with UK regulations:
