They might seem like the most basic of fire safety equipment, yet the rules and regulations around fire extinguishers in businesses are far from simple. But don’t fret – they’re here to help!
When installed and used correctly, fire extinguishers are one of the most effective ways of stopping a fire from spreading. The question is, do they know how many they legally need? Many businesses underestimate the number required, which can lead to all sorts of unnecessary compliance and safety issues.
So let’s get to grips with how many fire extinguishers the business premises needs, which types are on offer, and how Midland Fire Security Services can install and maintain the fire safety system to keep the property safe and secure.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Extinguishers?
So let’s get down to the details. Here are the rules they need to follow, laid out by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and British Standards (BS 5306), which will help you calculate the number of fire extinguishers they need:
- Businesses should have at least one serviced fire extinguisher per 200m² of floor space (or per 2,150 square feet).
- At least two extinguishers per floor are required, unless the floor is under 100m².
- Anyone inside the building should always be within 30m of an extinguisher.
- Automatic fire suppression systems may reduce the number of extinguishers needed.
- Start with a fire risk assessment to determine the precise number of extinguishers required.
Fire risk assessment will address a variety of factors, such as layout, ignition points, fuel sources and business operations, which will impact on the number of extinguishers they need.
Depending on the fire risks present and the size of the premises, the class and capacity of the extinguishers will also be decided on, as well as if more than one extinguisher is needed per area.
Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types
While using a fire extinguisher correctly has the potential to save the business from major damage, using the wrong type can make the situation worse. For example, using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire could cause electrocution.
To start with, they need to understand the UK fire classifications, which break down each type of fire based on the materials at play:
- Class A: Fires involving solid materials like wood, paper and textiles.
- Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, oils and solvents.
- Class C: Fires involving flammable gases like propane and butane.
- Class D: Fires involving combustible metals, including magnesium and lithium.
- Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats, mainly found in kitchens.
- Electrical Fires: Fires caused by electrical equipment, which require specialised extinguishing methods to avoid electrocution.
Fire Extinguisher Placement & Signage
Another key factor that affects the amount of extinguishers they need is the placement of the fire extinguishers. Firstly, extinguishers should be visible and easy to locate. They should be installed close to exits and alarm call points, and always within 30 meters of any fire risk.
It’s also crucial that the extinguishers are properly labelled, so that staff can quickly identify what type of extinguisher they are and how to use them. Providing fire safety training for the staff is also of the utmost importance, so they know how to handle the extinguishers, as well as raise the alarm and lead an evacuation.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance & Servicing
Of course, having the correct fire extinguishers installed is only half the job. Fire extinguisher maintenance is just as important, not to mention a legal requirement. Extinguishers can degrade over time, so without regular servicing, they may fail in an emergency, which puts the staff and property at risk.
The guidelines state the following maintenance intervals for fire extinguishers:
- Monthly visual inspections to check for damage and obvious problems.
- Annual professional servicing to ensure full functionality.
- Extended servicing every 5-10 years, depending on the extinguisher type.
- 20-year overhaul, replacing old extinguishers regardless of their condition.
Have They Thought About P50 Fire Extinguishers?
The P50 is a self-maintained commercial fire extinguisher with a 20-year lifespan and no need for annual professional servicing. Instead, the business will just need to perform simple annual in-house checks, saving them time and money in the long run.
These fire extinguishers are revolutionary in the world of fire safety, as not only are they self-maintained, they’re suitable for multiple fire types too.
This reduces the number of fire extinguishers the business will need as well as keeping the property as safe as possible. Stay ahead of the curve and contact Midland Fire now about installing P50 fire extinguishers at the business.
Who Can Supply and Service Fire Extinguishers?
When looking for a fire extinguisher service provider, always choose a BAFE-certified technician or professional fire safety company, like Midland Fire. They’ll make sure they have the correct number and type of fire extinguishers, located in the correct positions, and they’ll maintain the equipment to the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Hiring a fire safety expert means they can be confident that the business is as safe as it can be, and that they’re sticking to all the correct guidelines to avoid fines and insurance invalidation.
Choose Midland Fire for Fire Extinguisher
Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor specializing in commercial fire extinguishers. They install and maintain fire extinguishers for businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries, and they can supply fire blankets, accessories and signage for a comprehensive service.