13/11/2024

Your Guide to Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace

To ensure safety and compliance, commercial premises must have the correct type and number of fully functioning fire extinguishers. But what factors need to be considered to protect your staff and business? As fire safety experts, Sygma’s industry expertise can help guide you through the process. This guide will explore key points to consider when installing Fire Extinguishers in the workplace.

The Different Types of Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace

Since different types of fires present different risks, it is essential to categorise them. This way, the appropriate solution can be associated with each type to prevent making the fire worse. Fires are classified into the following categories, from A to F:

Class A – ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper cloth or plastics.
Class B – flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or paint.
Class C – flammable gases such as propane, butane or methane.
Class D – combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium or aluminium.
Class E – electrical equipment such as computers and televisions.
Class F – cooking oils and fats such as vegetable oil, olive oil or butter.

To effectively treat fires, there are six main types of fire extinguishers; it is essential for your workplace to have the correct extinguisher depending on the type of fire you are most likely to incur. Water extinguishers are most suitable for Class A fires, whereas water mist can be used on any fires rated Class A, B and C. Foam extinguishers are most commonly used for Class A and B fires, though these are going to be phased out by July 2025. CO2 extinguishers should only be used on fires rated B and E, whereas powder extinguishers are versatile, and effective on A, B, C and D. Wet chemical extinguishers are only suitable for Class F fires, or A if needed.

Who is Responsible for the Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace?

There are several scenarios in which you could be responsible for fire safety within a workplace. You need to ensure you are up-to-date with regulations and fire equipment if you are:

• The employer
• The owner
• The landlord
• An occupier
• Anyone with control of the premises, such as the facilities manager, building manager, agent, or risk advisor.

As the responsible person, you will also have several duties to fulfil, such as carrying out a risk assessment, informing staff about the risks you’ve identified, establishing fire safety procedures, putting in place and maintaining appropriate safety measures, and planning for an emergency.

Assessing Fire Risks and Hazards: Choosing the Right Extinguishers for the Workplace

Workplace risks such as flammable materials, electrical equipment and high-temperature cooking determine the correct class of extinguisher required. In many cases, extinguishers are required to tackle several types of fire, which is why foam or dry powder versions are often recommended for workplace fire safety. Location is also a crucial factor as Class F extinguishers are crucial for kitchens, while commercial properties that use flammable liquids would require Class B. To ensure that your premises are fully compliant, we recommend carrying out a fire risk assessment that will highlight the specific extinguisher types you require.

Location and Placement of Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace: Accessibility and Visibility

For extinguishers to follow British Standards (BS 5306), it is highly recommended that they be placed near exit routes and high-risk areas for optimal accessibility. They should ideally be mounted onto walls, typically no higher than 1.5 metres so that they can be accessed easily. It is essential that extinguishers are also in visible locations with clear signage marked for staff and members of the public. Regulations highlight that no one should have to travel more than 30 metres to reach a fire extinguisher, ensuring a prompt response to any potential fire.

If you have a staff kitchen, you must also install a fire extinguisher in there. The extinguisher should not be placed near the source of potential fires but rather close to the kitchen exit. This placement ensures the extinguisher is accessible in case of an emergency and helps guide your staff towards the kitchen’s exit.

Understanding how to use a Fire Extinguisher in the workplace Using the PASS Method

All members of your staff should feel confident using a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency. By using the PASS method and ensuring adequate training, staff members can have effective use of fire extinguishers in the workplace:

Pull: Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher to release the locking mechanism.
Aim: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Targeting the base is critical to extinguishing the fuel source.
Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
Sweep: Sweep the nozzle from side to side, covering the fire until it is extinguished.

Maintaining Workplace Fire Extinguishers: The Importance of Regular Servicing

Routine fire extinguisher checks ensure that extinguishers are fully functioning. It is recommended that extinguishers are checked at least once a month for any signs of damage or tampering, using the following checklist:

• Check the extinguisher placement to ensure it is highly visible at all times.
• Check that brackets and mounts are in good condition.
• Check the extinguisher for leaks, if you notice any problems, contact your service provider.
• Ensure the safety pin is intact, and the tamper seal is unbroken.
• Clean the exterior to remove dust, grime and debris that could hinder performance.

Annual servicing must be completed by a qualified engineer once a year to ensure compliance with British Standards. Sygma ensures that all extinguisher service contracts are accompanied by a detailed record of all inspections, servicing and maintenance to ensure compliance with legal standards.

On top of regular servicing, extinguishers that have not been used for a long period of time must be fully discharged. This ensures that there is no internal damage to the unit and that the extinguisher still functions correctly. Water powder, wet chemical and foam extinguishers should undergo this service every 5 years, while CO2 extinguishers can be serviced every 10 years.

Replacing your Workplace Fire Extinguisher

When it comes to replacing the fire extinguisher in your workplace, regular servicing and maintenance can help you determine when your fire equipment needs to be replaced. Fire extinguishers are designed to last approximately 12 to 15 years, so if yours is older than this, it is time for a replacement. Here are some signs that indicate your fire extinguisher may need to be replaced:

• A cracked, clogged, or ripped nozzle
• A wobbly handle
• A broken or missing pin
• An impaired shell
• A lost inspection tag

If you notice any of these issues, replace your fire extinguisher promptly.

The Legal Requirements for Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace: Number, Type and Signage

Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all commercial premises must have the correct number and type of extinguishers based on the risks present. These rules dictate that at least one water or foam extinguisher should be provided for every 200m² of floor space, with a minimum of two extinguishers per floor.

According to Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, all fire extinguisher signs should be clear and highly visible, indicating the location of each extinguisher.

All staff must be trained in properly using fire extinguishers and other fire safety procedures to keep themselves, the property, and any assets as safe as possible.

Fire Hazards to Look Out For in the Workplace

To prevent the risk of fires in the future, make your team aware of the following hazards:
1. Electrical
Overloaded circuits: Plugging too many devices into one outlet or extension cord can cause overheating and fire in the workplace.

Faulty wiring: Damaged or old wiring, loose connections, or exposed wires can spark a fire. Contact Sygma if your premises require fixed wire testing.

Poorly maintained equipment: Electrical tools and equipment not regularly inspected or maintained can become fire risks, especially in industrial settings.

2. Improper Storage of Flammable Materials
Chemicals: Many industries use flammable chemicals, such as solvents and cleaners, that must be stored correctly in designated areas, away from heat or open flames to reduce the fire risk in the workplace.

Paper and waste: Accumulated waste paper, cardboard, and other materials can fuel a fire if stored near heat sources or in high-traffic areas.

3. Blocked Fire Exits and Escape Routes
Obstructions: Furniture, equipment, or storage blocking fire exits or escape routes can trap your staff inside during an emergency.

Poor signage: Fire exits not marked or not illuminated during power outages can also be dangerous.

4. Improper Use of Equipment
Heating equipment: Space heaters, stoves, or industrial ovens can become fire hazards if left unattended, placed near flammable objects, or used improperly.

Overheating machinery: Machines that generate heat or friction can catch fire if not cooled or maintained properly.

5. Neglecting Fire Safety Equipment
Unmaintained fire alarms or extinguishers: Fire safety systems need regular testing and maintenance. Fire alarms without batteries or extinguishers without a proper charge may not work when needed.

Lack of fire suppression systems: Specialised fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers or chemical suppression systems) should be installed in workplaces such as kitchens or chemical plants.

6. Human Error
Negligence: Leaving cooking appliances, space heaters, or electrical devices on and unattended is a common cause of workplace fires.

Smoking: Even in workplaces where smoking is restricted, improper disposal of cigarette butts can lead to fires.

7. Hot Work
Welding or cutting: Operations that involve open flames, sparks, or extreme heat require strict precautions, such as fire-resistant barriers, proper ventilation, and fire watch personnel.

How Sygma Can Help
As the first line of defence in protecting your business from fire risks, fire extinguishers are a crucial aspect of the fire safety procedures of any workplace. By ensuring compliance with all regulations and giving all staff members the confidence to use extinguishers confidently and effectively, you could drastically reduce the impact of a fire, saving lives, money, and resources. Working with highly trained fire safety experts like Sygma is the first step to total peace of mind.
Our fire extinguisher maintenance packages are designed to suit all budgets. Work with our friendly team to decide which level of service is right for your business. Sygma can offer the following:

• All labour costs for callouts during normal office hours (out-of-hours charged at the prevailing rate)
• Prescribed preventative maintenance visits – the number of annual visits depends on the specific system/equipment
• Free temporary loan equipment (for a maximum period of seven working days) should yours need to be taken off-site for repair
• Prompt response from our professional engineers and customer support team
• Free equipment repairs*
• Free replacement parts

For a fast, free fire extinguisher installation and maintenance quotation, or any other questions regarding fire safety compliance, speak to Sygma today. Our expert team of engineers are on hand to ensure that your commercial property meets all lawful requirements.