Fire Extinguisher Placement: Are You Storing Them Correctly?

Fire extinguishers are a crucial part of any fire safety plan, providing a first line of defence against small fires before they escalate into major emergencies. However, having fire extinguishers on-site isn’t enough—they must be correctly placed and easily accessible to be effective. In the UK, there are specific guidelines and regulations that dictate where fire extinguishers should be located to ensure compliance and maximise safety.

In this blog, we’ll explore the UK regulations for fire extinguisher placement, best practices for different environments, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you manage a business, rental property, or public space, this guide will help you ensure your extinguishers are stored correctly and ready when needed.

 

Why Proper Fire Extinguisher Placement Matters

Incorrectly placed fire extinguishers can lead to delayed responses during a fire, increasing the risk of injury, property damage, or even loss of life. Quick access to an extinguisher can mean the difference between a minor incident and a full-scale emergency.

Key reasons why correct placement is critical:

1. Accessibility in Emergencies:
   Extinguishers must be placed where they can be quickly accessed without obstruction during a fire.
2. Compliance with Legal Requirements:
   The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 outlines fire safety obligations in the UK. Failure to comply with fire extinguisher placement guidelines can result in fines or legal penalties.
3. Minimising Damage and Risk:
   Properly placed extinguishers allow small fires to be dealt with before they spread, reducing property damage and potential injuries.

 

UK Fire Extinguisher Placement Regulations

Fire extinguisher placement in the UK is guided by standards set in BS 5306-8:2012, which covers the selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers. Here are the key points to ensure compliance:

1. Position Extinguishers Along Escape Routes

Extinguishers should be placed along designated escape routes and near exit doors, ensuring people can access them while evacuating.

• Why? This placement allows individuals to attempt to tackle small fires while ensuring a clear path to safety if evacuation is needed.
• Tip: Extinguishers should be placed near but not obstructing exit points.

 

2. Ensure Visibility and Accessibility

Fire extinguishers must be clearly visible and easily accessible at all times.

• Mounting Height:
  Extinguishers should be mounted on walls at a height where the handle is between 1 metre (for heavier extinguishers) and 1.5 metres (for lighter extinguishers) from the floor.
• Avoid Obstructions:
  Do not place extinguishers behind doors, in cupboards, or in any location where they might be blocked by furniture or equipment.
• Use Signage:
  Install fire extinguisher signs above the units to ensure they are visible from a distance, even in crowded areas or during emergencies.

 

3. Provide the Right Type of Extinguisher for Each Fire Risk

Different areas of a building may have different fire risks, and extinguishers should be placed accordingly. The five main types of fire extinguishers address specific classes of fires:

• Water Extinguishers (Class A Fires):
  For fires involving solid combustibles like paper, wood, and textiles. Ideal for offices and retail spaces.
• Foam Extinguishers (Class A & B Fires):
  For flammable liquids like petrol or paint, as well as solids. Common in garages and workshops.
• CO2 Extinguishers (Class B & Electrical Fires):
  For electrical fires and flammable liquids. Essential for server rooms, kitchens, and offices with electronic equipment.
• Dry Powder Extinguishers (Class A, B, C Fires):
  Versatile for solids, liquids, and gases but not recommended for enclosed spaces due to inhalation risks.
• Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Class F Fires):
  For kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.

Placement Tip:
Ensure that the extinguisher type matches the fire risks of the specific area and that staff are trained to identify and use the correct one.

 

4. Follow the 30-Metre Rule

The 30-metre rule is a standard guideline ensuring that no one in a building should have to travel more than 30 metres to reach a fire extinguisher.

• Small Premises: In smaller buildings, extinguishers should be placed near exits and key hazard areas (like kitchens or workshops).
• Large Buildings: For larger premises, ensure extinguishers are distributed evenly throughout the space to maintain compliance with the 30-metre rule.

 

5. Group Extinguishers for Multi-Risk Areas

In areas where multiple fire risks exist (e.g., an office kitchen with electrical appliances and cooking equipment), it’s common practice to group extinguishers together. For example:

• A CO2 extinguisher for electrical fires.
• A Foam extinguisher for flammable liquids.
• A Wet Chemical extinguisher for cooking oils.

 

Fire Extinguisher Placement for Specific Environments

1. Offices and Commercial Buildings

• Near Exits and Corridors: Place extinguishers along escape routes and near exits without blocking them.
• Electrical Equipment Areas: Use CO2 extinguishers near server rooms, printers, and other electronic devices.
• Kitchens and Break Rooms: Install wet chemical extinguishers near cooking equipment, but never directly above heat sources.

 

2. Industrial and Warehouse Settings

• Near Flammable Material Storage: Place foam or dry powder extinguishers near areas with flammable liquids or chemicals.
• High-Risk Machinery: Ensure extinguishers are readily available near heavy machinery that poses fire risks.

 

3. Retail and Public Spaces

• Accessible to the Public: Ensure extinguishers are mounted at a visible height but not easily tampered with in public areas.
• Near High-Risk Areas: Position extinguishers near cash registers, storerooms, and entrances without obstructing walkways.

 

4. Residential Properties and HMOs

• Landlord Requirements: In Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), landlords must provide fire extinguishers in communal areas.
• Kitchens: Place fire blankets and wet chemical extinguishers within easy reach but away from direct heat sources.

 

Common Fire Extinguisher Placement Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even well-intentioned fire safety plans can go awry if extinguishers are not placed correctly. Here are some common mistakes:

1. Hiding Extinguishers Behind Doors or Furniture

Mistake: Placing extinguishers where they are hidden from view, such as behind doors or inside cupboards.
Solution: Always mount extinguishers in visible locations with appropriate signage.

 

2. Placing Extinguishers Too High or Too Low

Mistake: Mounting extinguishers too high makes them difficult to access in an emergency.
Solution: Follow the recommended mounting height—between 1 and 1.5 metres from the floor.

 

3. Using the Wrong Type of Extinguisher for the Area

Mistake: Placing a water extinguisher in an area with electrical equipment or flammable liquids.
Solution: Match the extinguisher type to the fire risks present in each specific area.

 

4. Failing to Maintain Clear Access

Mistake: Allowing furniture, stock, or equipment to block access to extinguishers.
Solution: Regularly inspect extinguisher locations to ensure they remain unobstructed.

 

Maintaining Compliance: Regular Inspections and Servicing

Proper placement is just one part of fire extinguisher management. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure extinguishers are functional and compliant with regulations.

1. Monthly Visual Checks

• Ensure extinguishers are in the correct location, visible, and free from damage.
• Check that the pressure gauge (if applicable) is in the green zone.

2. Annual Professional Servicing

• Hire a qualified fire safety technician to service extinguishers annually, as required under BS 5306-3 standards.
• The technician will check for wear, pressure issues, and ensure extinguishers meet legal standards.

3. Replace or Refill After Use

• Even if only partially discharged, extinguishers must be refilled or replaced immediately after use.

 

 Is Your Fire Extinguisher Placement Compliant?

Proper fire extinguisher placement isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a vital component of your overall fire safety strategy. By following UK regulations and best practices, you can ensure that extinguishers are both accessible and effective when it matters most.

At Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy we offer expert advice on fire protection and prevention. Whether you’re unsure about the placement of your extinguishers or need a full fire risk assessment, our experts are here to help.