Overview

Having the right type of fully functioning fire extinguisher, in the right place at the right time is imperative in safeguarding your business, your premises and your staff and helps to ensure that you comply with your regulatory obligations.

Fire extinguishers are hugely valuable in the early stages of a fire. When available and used effectively in the hands of a trained member of staff, will often prevent fire spreading and causing more significant damage and loss to your business.

How can we help?

We can provide regular servicing and maintenance. British Standards typically recommend servicing intervals of 12 months. If you have a large number of extinguishers or special requirements, servicing can be spread over the year to meet your needs and help you manage your costs. We will during a service visit ensure:

• Your extinguishers are sufficient and suitable for the type of fire hazard and fire loading
• They are positioned in the correct locations
• They are safely secured in terms of brackets, stands, covers and are in cabinets if required
• They are fully serviced and maintained ensuring the correct operation in the event of a fire
• They have the correct signage in compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and the Safety Signs and Signals Regulation
• You are kept up to date with any changes to British Standards and best practice ensuring your business, premises and staff remain fully protected and compliant
• You are provided with a certificate of inspection each time one of our qualified engineers maintains your portable firefighting equipment

Circumstances when you should consider asking for the expertise we offer:

• For new buildings, we can advise on extinguisher provision as part of the overall intended fire protection scheme. We can also advise on and provide temporary cover pending the building being occupied
• During the construction of new buildings or the demolition of old buildings - we can ensure you are properly protected
• If you change the layout or use of the whole or even a small part of your premises. We will reassess your overall firefighting provision and ensure that you receive the correct advice with regard to increasing, decreasing or changing levels, types or position of extinguishers needed.
• In the event that you have had a fire. At this point extinguishers will need to replaced, refilled, inspected
• If you haven’t had your extinguishers serviced for over 12 months or need your firefighting provision reviewed
• If you would like an alternative quotation or a second opinion

Technical information

We have listed below the classifications of portable fire extinguishers and the type of extinguisher which falls into each classification:

Class Type	Extinguisher Use
Class A	SOLIDS such as paper, wood and textiles
Class B	FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS such as paraffin, petrol, oil
Class C	FLAMMABLE GASES such as propane, butane, methane
Class D	METALS such as aluminium, magnesium, titanium
Class E	Fires involving ELECTRICAL equipment
Class F	Cooking OIL used in deep fat fryers

Example Image	Extinguisher	Used in cases of
	Water Fire Extinguisher	Class A fires
	Foam Fire Extinguisher	Class A & B fires
	Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher	Class A, B & C fires *
	CO2 Fire Extinguisher	Class B & Electrical
	Wet Chemical	Class F
	Specialist Metals Fire Extinguisher	Class D
	Fire Blanket	Multiple uses including kitchen fires such as chip pans and to wrap a clothing fire on a person

* The gas supply must be isolated first prior to extinguishing a Class C fire. British Standards recommend extreme care with respect to the placement and operation of dry powder extinguishers in confined areas.