The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets out the regulations governing the use of fire extinguishers in commercial buildings across England and Wales. According to BS 5306, the owner of a commercial premises should install at least two ‘Class A’ fire extinguishers as a minimum on every floor of their building.
But having fire extinguishers in a commercial premises isn’t enough. Users also have to make sure they’re serviced, so that they continue to be in good working order. The last thing people want is a faulty or completely useless fire extinguisher in the middle of an emergency situation.
Fire extinguishers servicing
Fire extinguishers in commercial buildings must be serviced every 12 months
Fire extinguishers in commercial buildings must be serviced every 12 months with what’s known as a “basic service.”
These fire extinguisher checks must be done in accordance with BS 5306-6 part 3, and users should always get their service carried out by a competent fire extinguisher technician, with the correct tools, training, and experience.
If it is found that a fire extinguisher has been damaged or is faulty, then it should be replaced immediately.
Extended fire extinguisher service
Extended servicing is done every 5 years for water, foam, powder, and wet chemical extinguishers. Again, this extended service must be undertaken by a professional.
An extended service covers everything users would check in a basic service, plus some extras. During an extended service, the extinguisher is discharged, analyzing the pattern, distance, and duration of the discharge fire extinguisher to ensure it is within specification.
Next, the extinguisher’s valves and internal linings are checked and replaced if necessary. Lastly, the extinguisher is re-filled and pressurized to specification and checked for leaks.
CO2 fire extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers should be replaced or pressure tested every 10 years. Most recently, it has become more popular to provide a service exchange during this period.
This means the extinguisher is swapped for an in-date extinguisher, which provides a faster service time, and extinguishers can be covered under warranties for a prolonged period.
Fire extinguishers and risk assessments
When users carry out their fire risk assessments, checking that they have adequate working fire extinguishers in the right places will form part of the assessment.
Some of the questions they need to answer may include:
- Are the fire extinguishers visible or indicated by signs?
- Have users taken steps to prevent the misuse of fire extinguishers?
- Are there enough fire extinguishers throughout the premises?
- Are the fire extinguishers provided suitable for the premises?
- Are the right types of fire extinguishers located close to the fire hazards, and can users get to them without exposing themselves to risk?
Fire legislation states that the appointed person accountable for the safety assessment of the building must undertake a fire safety review ‘regularly’ to ensure it is up to date.