The location of a fire extinguisher is critical because in the event of a fire, every second counts. Having a fire extinguisher in the right location can help to quickly contain the fire and minimize the damage caused.
The team at Hartson Fire has come up with main reasons why the location of a fire extinguisher is important.
Importance of the Location of a Fire Extinguisher
- Quick Access: Fire extinguishers should be placed in locations where they can be easily reached in the event of a fire. This means that they should be placed in high-risk areas, such as the kitchen, near flammable chemicals or electrical equipment, or near fireplaces.
- Visibility: A fire extinguisher that is hidden or obscured by other objects is of no use in an emergency. Fire extinguishers should be placed in a location where they are visible and easily identifiable, such as near exits or in well-lit areas.
- Ease of Use: In an emergency, it is important that the fire extinguisher can be easily removed from its mount and used without delay. A fire extinguisher that is too heavy or too difficult to operate can waste valuable time during a fire emergency.
- Secure Mounting: Fire extinguishers should be securely mounted to prevent them from falling or becoming damaged. A fire extinguisher that is not properly secured may not work properly in an emergency, or may even become a hazard itself.
By placing fire extinguishers in the right location, you can help ensure that they are readily accessible and usable in the event of a fire, which can help to minimize the damage caused by the fire.
Locations for Fire Extinguishers in the Home and Workplace
In both the home and workplace, fire extinguishers should be easily accessible in case of an emergency. The following are some of the recommended locations to keep fire extinguishers:
- At Home:
- In the kitchen, near the stove or oven
- In the garage, near any flammable liquids or chemicals
- In the basement, near any electrical equipment or appliances
- Near any fireplaces or wood-burning stoves
- At the Workplace:
- In the kitchen or break room, near any cooking equipment
- In the electrical or mechanical rooms, near any electrical equipment or machinery
- Near any flammable liquids or chemicals
- In the main office area, near an exit and easily accessible by employees
It is important to note that fire extinguishers should be placed in locations where they can be easily seen and reached in the event of a fire. Additionally, as mentioned, it is best practice to ensure that they are mounted securely so that they do not fall or become damaged.
Importantly, it is a legal requirement that fire extinguishers are checked and serviced regularly to make sure that they are in good working condition and have not expired.
More Information
For more information on this topic, the HSE has published a blog entitled ‘Essential Places to Keep a Fire Extinguisher here.
Alternatively, for more advice and guidance, call the team at Hartson Fire on the number below:
