When it comes to fire safety…
…in small businesses and office environments, fire extinguishers are not only a legal requirement, but a vital first line of defence in the event of a fire. However, simply having them on-site isn’t enough: knowing exactly where to install fire extinguishers can make all the difference in ensuring a fast and effective response. Our guide outlines the best practices for fire extinguisher placement, helping businesses and offices stay compliant and safe.
Follow the Findings of Your Fire Risk Assessment
The starting point for determining where your fire extinguishers should be installed is a fire risk assessment. This legally-required process identifies potential fire hazards, assesses the risk to people, and recommends control measures such as the type, and placement, of fire extinguishers. A qualified assessor will consider factors such as the layout of your premises, the nature of your work, and the materials used or stored on-site.
General Placement Guidelines
In general, fire extinguishers should be:
- Visible and accessible – Install your fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations where they are clearly visible and not obstructed. Avoid hiding them behind doors, furniture, or inside cupboards.
- Located along escape routes – Fire extinguishers should be conspicuously placed along escape routes and near exits, allowing staff and visitors to tackle a fire if safe to do so, or to grab an extinguisher whilst evacuating.
- Mounted at the correct height – Extinguishers should be attached to a stand, or wall-mounted with the handle typically about 1 metre from the floor. This ensures they are within reach, but not at risk of being knocked over or damaged.
High-Risk Areas
Certain parts of your premises may present a higher fire risk. In these areas, it’s crucial to have appropriate fire extinguishers nearby:
- Kitchens and staff rooms – These should have a fire extinguisher suitable for oil and electrical fires, such as a CO₂ or wet chemical extinguisher.
- Electrical equipment areas – Offices with servers, computers, or photocopiers should have CO₂ extinguishers nearby – ideally within 10 metres of the fire risk – as these leave no residue and are safe for electrical fires.
- Workshops, storage rooms, or areas with flammable materials – These areas may require foam, powder, or water extinguishers, depending on the materials present.
Distance Between Extinguishers
The spacing of extinguishers is also important. For example, British Standard BS 5306 states that extinguishers should be placed so that no one has to travel more than 30 metres to reach one. For higher-risk areas, this distance may be reduced to 10–20 metres depending on the specific hazard.
Clear Signage and Training
Every fire extinguisher should have clear signage indicating its type and use. Employees should also receive basic training on how to operate extinguishers and understand which type is appropriate for which fire.
Proper placement of fire extinguishers is essential to ensuring the safety of your staff and premises. By following the guidance from your fire risk assessment and adhering to best practices, your business can be better prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a fire. Regular reviews and maintenance of your fire safety equipment are also crucial for ongoing compliance and protection.
When it comes to fire safety in small businesses and office environments, fire extinguishers are not only a legal requirement, but a vital first line of defence in the event of a fire. However, simply having them on-site isn’t enough: knowing exactly where to install fire extinguishers can make all the difference in ensuring a fast and effective response. Our guide outlines the best practices for fire extinguisher placement, helping businesses and offices stay compliant and safe.
Follow the Findings of Your Fire Risk Assessment
The starting point for determining where your fire extinguishers should be installed is a fire risk assessment. This legally-required process identifies potential fire hazards, assesses the risk to people, and recommends control measures such as the type, and placement, of fire extinguishers. A qualified assessor will consider factors such as the layout of your premises, the nature of your work, and the materials used or stored on-site.
General Placement Guidelines
In general, fire extinguishers should be:
- Visible and accessible – Install your fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations where they are clearly visible and not obstructed. Avoid hiding them behind doors, furniture, or inside cupboards.
- Located along escape routes – Fire extinguishers should be conspicuously placed along escape routes and near exits, allowing staff and visitors to tackle a fire if safe to do so, or to grab an extinguisher whilst evacuating.
- Mounted at the correct height – Extinguishers should be attached to a stand, or wall-mounted with the handle typically about 1 metre from the floor. This ensures they are within reach, but not at risk of being knocked over or damaged.
High-Risk Areas
Certain parts of your premises may present a higher fire risk. In these areas, it’s crucial to have appropriate fire extinguishers nearby:
- Kitchens and staff rooms – These should have a fire extinguisher suitable for oil and electrical fires, such as a CO₂ or wet chemical extinguisher.
- Electrical equipment areas – Offices with servers, computers, or photocopiers should have CO₂ extinguishers nearby – ideally within 10 metres of the fire risk – as these leave no residue and are safe for electrical fires.
- Workshops, storage rooms, or areas with flammable materials – These areas may require foam, powder, or water extinguishers, depending on the materials present.
Distance Between Extinguishers
The spacing of extinguishers is also important. For example, British Standard BS 5306 states that extinguishers should be placed so that no one has to travel more than 30 metres to reach one. For higher-risk areas, this distance may be reduced to 10–20 metres depending on the specific hazard.
Clear Signage and Training
Every fire extinguisher should have clear signage indicating its type and use. Employees should also receive basic training on how to operate extinguishers and understand which type is appropriate for which fire.
Proper placement of fire extinguishers is essential to ensuring the safety of your staff and premises. By following the guidance from your fire risk assessment and adhering to best practices, your business can be better prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a fire. Regular reviews and maintenance of your fire safety equipment are also crucial for ongoing compliance and protection.