Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Located in Commercial Buildings?

You’ve got a good idea of the types of fire extinguisher your business needs, and how many you should install. But what about their placement? This blog piece will help you understand the guidance around extinguisher locations and accessibility, and explain why guesswork isn’t good enough.

Fire extinguishers are a simple and effective means of stopping a fire spreading, and while most business owners know more or less which types they need, often we find that they overlook their positioning. The problem is this: the correct type of extinguisher won’t be a lot of help if staff can’t find it quickly or access it safely. Which means that poor placement could result in slower response times and leave certain areas without the proper protection.

The only way to ensure that you have the correct fire extinguishers installed in the correct places is to call in the professionals. An experienced fire safety specialist like Midland Fire will carry out a thorough assessment to advise you on exactly where extinguishers should be placed to keep your staff and property safe at all times.

Read on to find out more about how our engineers decide on the positioning of fire extinguishers in commercial buildings.

Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Located?

In a commercial building, as a general rule, fire extinguishers should be located along normal escape routes and near exits, so that people don’t need to go anywhere dangerous in order to try and tackle a fire. They should also be clearly visible and easily accessible, rather than hidden behind furniture or equipment, for example.

In brief, they should be quick to spot and easy to get to. We position fire extinguishers:

• Near exits and escape routes: Extinguishers should be located where they can be reached as people move around the building, particularly close to exit doors and along corridors.
• Near fire alarm call points: This means that a user can raise the alarm at the same time as reaching for an extinguisher, making fire response easier.
• In areas with a higher fire risk: Extinguishers should be available near potential sources of fire, such as kitchens, workshops, plant rooms and areas containing electrical equipment. They should be positioned safely away from the immediate hazard where possible.
• On each floor: Larger commercial premises will generally need extinguishers distributed throughout the building, rather than relying on one location.
• In clearly visible positions: Extinguishers should be easy to identify, with the appropriate signage in place. They should never be hidden or obscured from view for aesthetic reasons.
• Where they are easy to access: The area around an extinguisher should be clear and not blocked by doors, boxes, machinery or other items.
• At a suitable height: Extinguishers should be mounted or placed so they’re secure but can still be picked up easily by the people who may need to use them.

Common Fire Extinguisher Mistakes

When it comes to fire extinguishers, we often come across the following mistakes, many of which are related to their positioning. Hiring a professional fire alarm company means you’ll avoid all this, keeping your property and staff safe and your business compliant.

• Placing extinguishers too far from relevant risks.
• Hiding extinguishers behind furniture, stock or displays.
• Failing to provide clear signage.
• Placing extinguishers where they could block escape routes.
• Using the wrong extinguisher type for the area.
• Not updating extinguisher placement after layout or use changes.
• Leaving extinguishers on the floor where they may be moved or damaged.
• Failing to inspect or service extinguishers regularly.
• Assuming one extinguisher type is suitable for every area.

Who Can Install My Fire Extinguishers?

The exact number, type and positioning of extinguishers will depend on the size and layout of your premises, the activities taking place there and the fire risks identified in your fire risk assessment. A competent fire safety professional can help ensure your extinguisher provision is suitable for your building.

When looking for a provider, always choose a BAFE-certified technician or professional fire safety company. They’ll make sure your equipment is maintained to the highest standards of safety and compliance, as well as checking that it fits its stand properly and is situated in the right place. A fire safety expert will also be able to advise you on the efficiency of how you’ve grouped all your extinguishers for optimal protection of your property.

We can do all the above and more at Midland Fire.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Fire Extinguisher Installation & Maintenance?

Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited electrical contractor specialising in fire alarms, security and life safety systems since 1999. We provide and maintain fire extinguishers for businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries. Our clients stick with us thanks to our experienced team of fully qualified fire alarm engineers and the reliable support we offer at every stage.

We offer everything from your initial fire risk assessment to fire extinguisher installation as well as a full fire extinguisher service plan. Our friendly engineers are on hand to advise you and offer expert guidance on how to fully protect your business from the risk of fire.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the legal requirement for fire extinguishers in the UK?

Businesses need at least one extinguisher per 200m² and at least two per floor, subject to a fire risk assessment. That number could increase based on the size and layout of your premises, the types of fire risks you’re dealing with, the nature of your business, as well as other factors.

Where should fire extinguishers be located in a commercial building?

Fire extinguishers should be positioned where they are visible, accessible and close to relevant fire risks, often near exits, escape routes, fire alarm points and specific hazard areas. A competent fire safety provider can assess your premises, identify the relevant fire risks and recommend locations as well as suitable extinguisher types, signage and servicing requirements.

Should fire extinguishers be placed near exits?

Yes, fire extinguishers are commonly placed near exits so they can be accessed without moving further into danger and while maintaining a clear route to safety.

Can fire extinguishers be kept in cupboards?

Fire extinguishers should not be hidden or difficult to access. If cabinets or cupboards are used, they should be clearly marked and suitable for the environment.

Do fire extinguishers need signs?

Fire extinguisher signs help people quickly identify the location and type of extinguisher. They are especially useful in larger buildings, busy commercial premises or areas where extinguishers may not be immediately obvious.

How often should fire extinguisher placement be reviewed?

Placement should be reviewed during fire risk assessments, after changes to building layout or use, and as part of regular fire safety checks and servicing.