Fire Extinguisher Buying Guide
Which fire extinguisher is right for you?
We offer extinguishers that conform to the UK recognised fire classes:
Class A fires involve organic solids such as paper and wood.
Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids. Gasoline, grease and oil fires are included in this class.
Class C fires involve flammable gases.
Class D fires involve flammable metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and lithium.
Class E fires involve electric appliances (electrical is no longer used as a classification on its own because if the power supply is disabled the fire can be treated with a different class extinguisher).
Employers are obliged to adhere to fire safety requirements and provide suitable fire fighting appliances within the workplace. Employees most likely to use the equipment should be appropriately trained and provided with equipment appropriate to the risks, but shouldn't be expected to expose themselves to any danger in the act of fire fighting. The correct siting of such equipment is vital. Please seek the advice of your local authority or professional consultant if unsure.
Workplace Fire Regulations
Since the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force (and was underlined by the Fire Safety Employee Capabilities England Regulations 2010), the onus is on the employer to ensure that the correct fire safety plans are put into place and that they have undertaken a risk assessment. Fire and Rescue Authorities are the principal enforcers of the legislation. The supplementary legislation in the Fire Safety Act 2021 applies to all multi-occupied, residential buildings. A fire risk assessment must be completed for the structure and external walls, including the doors and windows within those walls, and external attachments such as balconies, cladding, and insulation.
Usually, one water-based extinguisher is required for each 200m² of floor space, with a minimum of one extinguisher per floor. However, depending on individual risks such as large amounts of electrical equipment or hazardous chemicals, a greater number or wider range of extinguishers could be necessary. Premises such as kitchens, may also require hose reels and fire blankets.
According to the UK’s fire safety industry, 80% of workplace fires are put out using portable fire extinguishers. Because water-based extinguishers can leave lasting water damage and they are only suitable for fires involving paper and wood, additional types should be considered, such as carbon dioxide and powder extinguishers. (See product use diagram above).
BS 5306-3:2009 recommends that all fire extinguishers are serviced at least once a year by a competent person, i.e. a qualified technician or an employee who has undergone training, and every 5 years they need to be recharged, refilled or replaced. CO2 extinguishers cannot be recharged and therefore must be replaced every 5 years.
Your risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire to start, the people who may be at risk, and the actions to mitigate the risks.
Examples of measures to mitigate risks from fire include:
• Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart.
• Always ensure good housekeeping, e.g. avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn.
• Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, e.g. installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells.
• Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly.
• Always keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed.
• Install emergency lighting in dark escape routes.
• Review and update your risk assessment regularly.
View all our fire safety equipment here.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Please note that legislation and regulation information may not apply to your area and/or may have since been updated. Please check regulations and legislation with your local authority. You should also seek independent advice about any legal matter.
View our full range of products on www.slingsby.com or email our team at sales@slingsby.com for further help.
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