The right type of fire extinguisher for your business?
Fire safety is a critical aspect of running any business. This article asks the question: do you know the right type of fire extinguisher for your business?
Whether you operate a small office, a retail shop, an industrial warehouse, care home or school, ensuring you have the correct fire extinguishers on hand can mean the difference between a minor incident and a devastating fire. In the UK, businesses are legally required to have appropriate fire-fighting equipment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. But do you know which fire extinguisher is right for your business or organisation?
Understanding Fire Classes
Before selecting a fire extinguisher, it is essential to understand the different classes of fire:
- Class A: Fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, textiles, and plastics.
- Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, and oil.
- Class C: Fires involving flammable gases such as propane, butane, and methane.
- Class D: Fires involving combustible metals like magnesium and aluminium.
- Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats, common in commercial kitchens.
- Electrical Fires: While not an official fire class, fires involving electrical equipment require special consideration.
- EV Battery Fires: Fires involving lithium-ion batteries, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs), require specialist extinguishers.
Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses
There are five main types of fire extinguishers used in UK businesses. Each type is designed to tackle specific fire classes.
- Water Extinguishers
- Suitable for Class A fires.
- Not suitable for use on electrical fires or flammable liquids.
- Ideal for offices, retail spaces, and warehouses storing combustible materials.
- Foam Extinguishers
- Effective for Class A and Class B fires.
- Not recommended for electrical fires.
- Commonly used in offices, shops, and garages.
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Extinguishers
- Designed for electrical fires and Class B fires.
- Leaves no residue, making it safe for use around sensitive electronic equipment.
- Essential for offices, server rooms, and workshops with electrical machinery.
- Powder Extinguishers
- Suitable for Class A, B, C, and electrical fires.
- Effective on multiple fire types but can cause visibility and inhalation issues in confined spaces.
- Often found in garages, workshops, and industrial settings.
- Wet Chemical Extinguishers
- Specifically designed for Class F fires (cooking oils and fats).
- Creates a cooling foam barrier to prevent re-ignition.
- A must-have for commercial kitchens, restaurants, and catering businesses.
- Specialist EV Battery Fire Extinguishers
- Designed to tackle fires involving lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and other battery-powered devices.
- Traditional extinguishers such as CO2 and water are ineffective for these fires, as lithium-ion batteries can reignite even after being extinguished.
- Some businesses are investing in Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) extinguishers, which form a cooling barrier to suppress battery fires.
- Essential for car dealerships, EV charging stations, fleet management businesses, and workshops servicing electric vehicles.
Legal Requirements for UK Businesses
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses must conduct a fire risk assessment and ensure they have suitable fire extinguishers. Some key requirements include:
- Having at least two Class A extinguishers per floor in most business premises.
- Ensuring extinguishers are easily accessible and clearly signposted.
- Regular maintenance and servicing, typically once a year by a certified professional.
- Training staff on how to use fire extinguishers effectively.
How to Choose the Right Extinguisher for Your Business
- Assess Your Risks: Identify the types of fire hazards present in your workplace. A restaurant will need wet chemical extinguishers, while an office with computers should have CO2 extinguishers.
- Ensure Adequate Coverage: Check that you have enough extinguishers for your space, positioned according to fire safety regulations.
- Comply with Regulations: Work with a fire safety professional to ensure you meet all legal requirements.
- Train Your Staff: Employees should know how to locate and operate extinguishers in an emergency.
Having the right fire extinguisher is not just a legal necessity—it’s a crucial element of workplace safety. Choosing the correct type ensures you can respond effectively in the event of a fire, protecting your employees, customers, and business assets. If you’re unsure whether your fire safety measures are up to standard, consulting a fire protection specialist can provide peace of mind and keep your business compliant.
Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Take the time to review your fire extinguishers today—before you need them in an emergency.
Feel free to email us or call us on 01582 469000 for a free assessment, training and more.