Fire Extinguishers and Safety Signage
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Fighting & Extinguishers:
All premises should be provided with a means for fighting fires that can be easily and safely used by the occupants. In deciding the appropriate type and quantity of such equipment, consideration should be given to the size of the building and the nature of the materials likely to be found there.
It must be remembered that extinguishers are provided primarily for use by suitably trained persons to tackle a fire in its early stages. New fire extinguishers must conform to British Standard EN3.
Positioning Fire Extinguishers:
Whenever possible portable fire fighting equipment should be grouped to form a fire point. The fire point should be clearly indicated so that it can be readily identified. In premises that are uniform in layout extinguishers should, whenever possible, be located at the same point on each floor.
If for any reason extinguishers are placed in positions hidden from direct view their position should be indicated by suitable signs, as described in BS 5499: Parts 1 and 3.
No person should have to travel more than 30 metres from the site of a fire to reach a fire extinguisher.
Number of Portable Fire Fighting Appliances Required:
The basic provision of extinguishers within a building should be one extinguisher, of at least 13A rating, for every 200m2 of floor area, or part thereof, with at least two per floor. However, for those buildings where an upper floor area is less than 100m2, one single 13A rated extinguisher may be acceptable on each floor. Should the premises contain risks from flammable liquids, then B rated extinguishers should also be provided.
Location of Portable Fire Equipment:
Extinguishers should be sited in conspicuous positions where they are visible to anyone using an escape route.
- They should be mounted on brackets fixed to the wall or on a purpose-built extinguisher stand.
- They should be mounted with the handle no more than 1m from the floor. (Circumstances may dictate variations from this recommendation).
- Smaller and more easily handled extinguishers may be mounted with the handle about 1.5m from the floor level.
- With special risks, extinguishers should be grouped conveniently where any user will not be placed in danger whilst attempting to use them.
- Other suitable positions include near exits to rooms or storeys, corridors or lobbies, stairways and landings.
- Extinguishers should not be sited behind doors or inaccessible positions such as deep recesses or in cupboards.
- It is also necessary to consider their exposure to extremes of heat or cold, and accidental damage during the normal day-to-day use of the premises.
- Where theft and vandalism is a problem, they may be located in secure areas, but always under the supervision of trained staff. They may also be fitted with an alarm.
How Can BLAZETECH Help?
We can carry out a survey of your premises to ensure:
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The correct number and appropriate rating of extinguishers are provided
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The correct extinguisher is provided for the risk in a specific area
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They are sited and secured correctly
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The correct signage has been provided (If required)
Understanding Fire Extinguisher Markings And Choosing The Right Ones For Your Business
Prompt use of a fire extinguisher can prevent a small fire becoming a big problem, and hence keep both your staff and your premises safer. A small fire may be nothing more than an inconvenience, whereas a major fire could bring your business to its knees. Also, adequate provision of fire extinguishers in the workplace is a requirement of your insurance and a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Choosing the right fire extinguisher could be a matter of life and death, and choosing the best for the job depends on your understanding of fire extinguisher markings.
So which fire extinguisher is most appropriate?
The table below indicates which fire extinguisher is suitable for your needs.
Each fire extinguishers should be clearly marked with:
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The British Standards Institute or BSI standard of BS EN3
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BS (BSI) Kitemark, indicating BAFE (British Approval for Fire Equipment) approval
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CE stamp
The combination of these marks ensures that your business fire extinguisher complies with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and is also BAFE (British Approval for Fire Equipment) approved.
All fire extinguishers should be professionally supplied and installed, and also regularly maintained to ensure they will work first time, every time in an emergency.
The British Standards Code Of Practice states that Fire Extinguishers should be serviced and maintained at least annually.
All servicing is carried out by trained engineers to meet the current British Standards. We provide you with a certificate after each service and update the relevant sections of your fire log book to ensure that your business is fully covered and compliant.
Rather than you having to remember the annual visit, we log your service date on to our system and visit you annually to ensure that the appropriate servicing is upheld.
FREE sign survey with every extinguisher service visit!
Click here to contact us or call 07979786823
Fire Signs & Notices
The Health & Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 came into force on April 1 1996 and relate to the use of fire safety signage in the workplace. The regulations apply to all places and activities where people are employed and require employers to provide specific safety signage whenever there is a risk that has not been avoided or controlled by other means.
The Fire Safety Signage Regulations state that:
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Employers must use safety signs wherever there is a risk to health & Safety which cannot be controlled by other means
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Safety signs must be of a specicfied type
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All signs must contain a pictogram; text only signs are no longer acceptable
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Signs must be properly maintained and adequately lit
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Employers must ensure that signs are understood by employees
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Emergency escape routes and exit doors that are not in common use should be clearly indicated as appropriate by suitable signs.
How can we help?
We can carry out a survey of your premises to:
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Ensure the correct signage has been provided
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Provide a quotation for new or replacement Fire Signs & Notices
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Discuss options to resolve any specific problem unique to your premises
FREE sign survey with every extinguisher service visit!
Click here to contact us or call 01353 727073
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