Fire Extinguishers
Suitable fire extinguishers are an important part of workplace fire-safety arrangements, providing appropriate first-response equipment within commercial premises. The right extinguisher provision depends on the premises, potential fire risks, the working environment and applicable requirements.
As part of our wider fire protection services, Pedris can help businesses consider fire extinguisher provision as part of a considered approach to premises fire safety.
Commercial Fire Extinguishers
Appropriate fire extinguisher provision matters across many types of commercial premises, including offices, retail premises, hospitality venues, warehouses, industrial buildings, education and healthcare settings, managed properties and public-sector buildings.
Extinguisher requirements can vary according to the building, the activities taking place within it and the potential fire risks present. Fire extinguishers for businesses should be considered around the individual premises rather than a single generic provision applied everywhere.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Different extinguisher types suit different fire risks. Selection should always reflect the risks present at the specific premises.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Generally suited to Class A materials such as paper, cardboard and wood, where appropriate for the risk.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Generally suited to Class A and some Class B risks, subject to the circumstances and extinguisher specification.
CO₂ Fire Extinguishers
Commonly used for suitable electrical equipment and certain Class B fire risks.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
May suit certain fire risks, though not appropriate for every enclosed environment.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
A specialist option for suitable cooking-oil and fat risks, particularly in commercial kitchens.
Fire Extinguishers for Commercial Premises
Extinguisher provision can vary considerably between different commercial environments. Offices and shops may have different requirements to restaurants, hotels, warehouses, factories or workshops, while schools and healthcare premises can also have their own particular considerations.
Managed commercial buildings often need to account for shared areas and multiple occupants. Different premises can have different fire risks and therefore different equipment requirements. To find out more about how requirements vary across different environments, visit our sectors page.
Fire Extinguisher Installation and Positioning
Appropriate installation and positioning starts with assessing the premises and identifying the relevant fire risks present. From there, equipment can be positioned appropriately, taking account of accessibility, signage and the layout of the building.
Equipment should be suitable for its intended location and the risks identified. Extinguisher provision should take account of applicable requirements and the individual premises, rather than following a single fixed arrangement everywhere.
Fire Extinguisher Servicing and Maintenance
Ongoing servicing and maintenance helps keep fire extinguishers ready for use. This includes checking condition, identifying damage, checking accessibility and equipment status, servicing where required, replacing unsuitable or damaged equipment and maintaining appropriate records where required.
Our dedicated fire alarm testing and maintenance page focuses primarily on fire alarm systems, while extinguisher servicing forms part of the wider security system maintenance Pedris provides.
Fire Extinguishers and Fire Alarm Systems
Fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems form complementary parts of wider fire protection. Fire alarms provide warning and detection, while extinguishers provide first-response firefighting equipment where appropriate for the situation.
Neither should be treated as a substitute for the other, and businesses should consider their wider fire protection arrangements. Life safety and evacuation procedures should always take priority where appropriate.
Fire Safety Equipment for Different Fire Risks
Extinguisher selection needs to reflect the potential fire risks present at a premises. This might include ordinary combustible materials, electrical equipment, commercial kitchens, flammable liquids or other specialist workplace environments.
The correct extinguisher depends on the specific risk and circumstances involved, and businesses should avoid determining their complete fire-safety provision solely from generic online information.
Fire Extinguisher Supply and Replacement
Businesses may require new fire extinguishers when opening new premises, refurbishing a building, changing how an area is used, replacing damaged equipment, replacing outdated or unsuitable equipment, or expanding existing fire-safety arrangements.
Existing equipment should be properly assessed before replacement decisions are made, so that any new provision reflects the current risks and requirements of the premises.
Fire Extinguishers for Different Sectors
Fire-extinguisher requirements can vary across commercial and business premises, retail and hospitality venues, and industrial and logistics sites, each with different activities and layouts to consider.
Education, healthcare, construction, government and public-sector premises, and property-managed buildings can also have their own particular fire risks. Activities, building layout, occupancy and fire risks can differ significantly between sectors. To find out more, visit our sectors page.
Fire Protection Planning
Fire extinguishers are one element of a broader fire-protection arrangement, which can also include fire alarm systems, fire detection, emergency procedures, ongoing maintenance and staff awareness.
Extinguishers alone do not constitute a complete fire-protection strategy, and businesses should consider their appropriate fire-safety arrangements as a whole through our fire protection services.
Benefits of Suitable Fire Extinguisher Provision
Appropriate First-Response Equipment
Provides suitable equipment where appropriate for the identified fire risks.
Supporting Workplace Fire Safety
Supports wider workplace fire-safety arrangements and organised equipment provision.
Complementing Fire Detection
Complements fire alarm and detection systems as part of a wider approach to fire safety.
How to Get Started
1
Discuss Your Premises
We take time to understand your building, activities, existing fire-safety equipment and relevant fire risks.
2
Assess the Requirements
We determine the appropriate extinguisher provision and equipment for the premises and identified risks.
3
Supply, Install and Maintain
We provide suitable equipment, position it appropriately and arrange servicing or maintenance as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fire extinguishers are available?
Common types include water, foam, CO₂, dry powder and wet chemical extinguishers, each generally suited to different types of fire risk.
Which fire extinguisher is suitable for an office?
This depends on the specific fire risks present in the office, including any electrical equipment and general combustible materials. An assessment of the premises helps determine suitable provision.
What type of extinguisher is used for electrical equipment?
CO₂ extinguishers are commonly used around suitable electrical equipment, though the correct choice depends on the specific risk and circumstances.
What extinguishers are suitable for commercial kitchens?
Wet chemical extinguishers are a specialist option for cooking-oil and fat risks often found in commercial kitchens.
Do businesses need fire extinguishers?
Most commercial premises benefit from appropriate fire extinguisher provision as part of their wider fire-safety arrangements, though specific requirements depend on the premises.
How often should fire extinguishers be checked or serviced?
Regular checks and servicing help keep extinguishers ready for use. The appropriate frequency depends on the equipment and applicable guidance for the premises.
Can existing fire extinguishers be replaced or upgraded?
Yes, existing equipment can be assessed and replaced where it is damaged, outdated or no longer suitable for the current risks at the premises.
Where should fire extinguishers be positioned?
Extinguishers should be positioned so they are accessible and appropriate for the risks in that area, taking account of the building's layout and applicable requirements.
Discuss Your Fire Extinguisher Requirements
If you would like to discuss your premises, fire risks and existing fire-safety equipment, our team is happy to help. Get in touch to talk through your building and how fire extinguisher provision might fit alongside your wider fire alarm systems and fire protection arrangements.