Fire safety is a critical consideration for any business and premise, whether it’s an office, restaurant, care home or industrial facility. Having the correct number and type of fire extinguishers can mean the difference between an efficiently managed fire situation or a catastrophic fire disaster. In this blog post, Francis Fire explores the key factors to consider:
- Size and Layout of the Building
- Fire Risk Level
- Location of Fire Extinguishers
- Placement of Fire Extinguishers
Size and Layout of the Building
The size and layout of your premise play a significant role in determining the number and type of fire extinguishers required. Larger buildings with multiple rooms or floors will naturally require more extinguishers strategically placed compared to smaller spaces. And of course, Francis Fire can help you to determine the quantity and type of fire extinguishers you require in-line with British Standards BS5306 Part 8 and your Fire Risk Assessment. Assessing the Square Metreage One common guideline for determining the number of fire extinguishers is to consider the square metreage of the overall building. Typically recommended are Two A-class 13A fire extinguishers, plus special risk(s) fire extinguishers I.e., CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), Wet Chemical Etc., where the individual floor area is 200m2 or below. However, this can vary depending on the specific fire risks present and the individual layout of the building. Multi-Story Buildings For multi-story buildings, it’s essential to have similar themed and positioned fire extinguishers per floor, generally placed near fire exits and close to areas with higher fire risks. This ensures that occupants have easy access to fire extinguishers regardless of where a fire may occur.
Fire Risk Level
The level of fire risk present in your premise is another crucial factor to consider when determining the number and type of fire extinguishers needed. Certain environments, such as industrial facilities or commercial kitchens, will likely have higher fire risks and require additional and specialised fire extinguishers to reflect this. Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment Before determining the number and types of fire extinguishers needed, it’s essential to conduct a thorough and fully documented fire risk assessment (FRA) in-line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2022, and your insurers’ requirements. The core aim is to identify all fire risks in your premise, such as flammable materials, electrical equipment, industrial processes, and industrial machinery, or cooking appliances. A fire risk assessment will provide clear guidance and help you determine the specific types of fire extinguishers required and their optimal placement.
Location of Fire Extinguishers
The location of fire extinguishers within your premise is critical for ensuring quick and easy access in the event of a fire emergency. Proper placement can help minimise response times and prevent the spread of fire from its original position. Location Near Fire Risks Fire extinguishers should be strategically placed near fire risks, such as kitchens, workshops, or storage areas containing flammable materials. Placing fire extinguishers in these locations ensures that they are readily available when needed most, along with using the correct type ensuring rapid control of the fire situation. Along Exit Routes In addition to fire-risk-specific locations, fire extinguishers should also be placed along exit routes and near building exits. This ensures that occupants can access extinguishers to aid escape while evacuating the building, along with providing an additional layer of designated safety during emergencies.
Strategic Placement of Fire Extinguishers
Strategic placement of fire extinguishers involves more than just selecting the right locations; it also requires consideration of accessibility, visibility, and easy operation and overall functionality. Accessibility Fire extinguishers should be mounted at a height that is easily deployable by all premise occupants, including those with mobility limitations. Installing fire extinguishers too high or too low can hinder prompt and easy access during an emergency. Visibility Fire extinguishers should be highly visible and conspicuous within your building and similar in design and general operation. Use of fire extinguisher location signs are essential in ensuring that they are easily spotted during a stressful and emergency situation.
How Many Fire Extinguishers Does My Building Require?
Determining the correct number of fire extinguishers for your business premise involves careful assessment and consideration of factors such as the size and layout of the building, the level of fire risks present, and the overall optimal placement of fire extinguishers. This isn’t a onetime process; continual assessment, typically annually, should be in place and a close working relationship with your fire extinguisher engineer is essential for continual peace of mind and overall fire safety compliance. By assessing these factors and adhering to the latest fire safety guidelines and British Standards, you can ensure your premise is adequately and efficiently equipped to handle an undeveloped fire emergency and protect the safety of your occupants and the structure.
Contact Francis Fire – Your Local Family Run Business Experts…
If you’re in search of a trusted and qualified local fire extinguisher company in Cheshire with excellent 5-star Google ratings, look no further than Francis Fire. We are proud to be BAFE Third Party Accredited and specialise in comprehensive fire extinguisher installations and services throughout Cheshire and its surrounding borders. Additionally, we offer fire extinguisher annual servicing, fire extinguisher repairs, and fire extinguisher service exchange, with the added convenience of out-of-hours services available. Call your local Google 5-star-rated fire extinguisher company here in Cheshire today on 01270 361 209 or use our online contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly. We look forward to assisting you.
Our Previous Clients: Testimonials
“Wayne was quick to respond to our needs, fully explained what was needed and why, and helped us get up to date with our extinguisher requirements. I would definitely recommend his services, and look forward to seeing him next year for our annual review!” “Wayne was excellent, just what you would hope for when trying to make your building fire safe. There was no hard sell just someone who tries their best to deliver an efficient and economical service. Felt very lucky to have found him and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
Further reviews can be found on our testimonials page.