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Most businesses are fully aware of their responsibilities when it comes to fire safety in the workplace and have the correct number and types of extinguishers according to risk.  But it’s not enough just to have this equipment in place.  Fire extinguishers also need to be stored safely to keep them protected from damage whilst remaining easy to access.

At  Hartson Fire, we sell a complete range of cabinets, boxes and jackets for fire extinguishers which are also available to order online from our website – click here for the full range.   If  you’re not sure which is the best option for your fire equipment in your workplace, then follow this guide which has been developed by our team of experienced engineers:

Correct Location

The starting point is to ensure that all your fire safety equipment is positioned in the right place for ease of accessibility and maximum impact should a fire occur. 

The location and distance requirements for fire extinguishers are based on the size of the area, the type of fire extinguishers, and the locations of potential hazards. 

When carrying out a risk assessment, you should pay particular attention to areas such as IT server rooms or oil fryers in commercial kitchens which are deemed to be high risk areas.

To ensure fire extinguishers are visible and accessible, you should bear in mind the following guidelines:

  • Keep areas in front of extinguishers clean and clear of obstructions
  • Ensure extinguishers are mounted so that they can’t be displaced or easily damaged
  • Install fire safety signs above all portable extinguishers (the height of these signs should be based on workplace conditions and mounted high enough so the sign is not blocked by equipment).

Protecting Fire Extinguishers

In particular workplace environments, fire extinguishers may need to be protected by a cabinet, box or removable cover.  Proper fire extinguisher storage helps ensure that your extinguishers remain in peak operating condition and ready to use in case of fire.

Any extinguishers which are stored outdoors or in any type of damp atmosphere can become corroded and so unsafe to use. 

If extinguishers are placed in public places, which in some instances they will need to be, then they are risk from accidental damage or vandalism.  Some examples include in industrial settings, schools and venues such as hotels, restaurants, pubs and even cinemas.   Even minor tampering or damage can result in fire equipment becoming inoperable. 

Stands and Cabinets

It’s a business owner’s responsibility to take measures to reduce the risk of extinguishers becoming corroded, damaged, vandalised or even stolen.  That’s why fire stands and cabinets are so important when it comes to investment in fire extinguisher equipment to keep your premises safe.  Not only will a stand or cabinet protect equipment from accidental damage, but they can also act as a deterre

Most businesses are fully aware of their responsibilities when it comes to fire safety in the workplace and have the correct number and types of extinguishers according to risk.  But it’s not enough just to have this equipment in place.  Fire extinguishers also need to be stored safely to keep them protected from damage whilst remaining easy to access.

At  Hartson Fire, we sell a complete range of cabinets, boxes and jackets for fire extinguishers which are also available to order online from our website – click here for the full range.   If  you’re not sure which is the best option for your fire equipment in your workplace, then follow this guide which has been developed by our team of experienced engineers:

Contact Hartson Fire

The Hartson Fire range of products includes double and single, lockable cabinets along with stands which are free standing or on wheels.  These essential accessories are strong and tough, designed to keep damage at bay but still allowing easy access in case of a fire.  The free-standing models are ideal for locations where there’s not enough space to fit a bracket to the wall.  We also stock tubular extinguisher stands which offer a modern solution for fire equipment security.

Our cabinets are made from materials that help to protect against the elements and are ideal if equipment needs to be installed outdoors.  It’s important to invest in a lockable cabinet for extra protection with a viewing panel for ease of identification (along with the relevant signage which we can also provide).

You can view all of these products online here or call us on 01792  323773 for a free risk assessment and quote.