How Many Fire Extinguishers Are Required in a Business Premises?

Every business is obligated to ensure that staff and visitors are in a safe environment, which includes implementing appropriate fire safety measures and suppression systems. In most cases, this entails the installation of fire extinguishers. However, determining the exact number of fire extinguishers required in a business premises involves several considerations. This guide explores the factors to be taken into account.

While the straightforward answer might be “as many as required,” further clarification is necessary.

We will examine the key factors that influence the necessary fire suppression systems, as well as the emergency procedures that should be put in place to address the possibility of a fire breaking out on the premises.

The Importance of a Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment is the most critical document in determining fire safety requirements, including the number of fire extinguishers needed. According to UK government guidelines on “Fire Safety in the Workplace,” a fire risk assessment must be conducted by a competent person, meaning an individual with the appropriate training and qualifications, such as BAFE accreditation.

The fire risk assessment will outline the specific number of fire extinguishers required for your business, and it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with these guidelines.

Additionally, the British Safety Fire Extinguisher Regulations BS 5306-8 2012 provide guidelines for businesses, recommending at least two Class A fire extinguishers on every floor of a building, unless the premises are particularly small. Commonly, 3, 6, or 9-litre water extinguishers are used.

While this guideline serves as a general rule, it should not be seen as absolute. For instance, if a floor in your business is particularly large, two fire extinguishers may be insufficient.

Do I Need Fire Extinguishers?

In addition to asking “how many fire extinguishers are necessary for my office?” or other commercial buildings, you may also need to consider whether fire extinguishers are the most appropriate system for your premises. The answer may not be straightforward.

Other fire safety measures, such as a fire sprinkler system, may be more suitable in certain scenarios. Fire sprinklers can be linked to fire alarms, enabling automatic deployment when needed, preventing the fire from spreading and potentially extinguishing it entirely.

While fire extinguishers are simpler to install and more cost-effective, they may be preferable in many situations. For example, if your business is a small shop with limited floor space and manageable fire risks, a small number of fire extinguishers may be sufficient.

Maintaining Fire Extinguishers

Your legal obligations extend beyond the installation of fire extinguishers; ongoing maintenance is crucial. Merely installing the system is not enough; regular checks and servicing are required to ensure their continued effectiveness.

Fire extinguisher servicing by a qualified professional should be conducted at least annually, and more frequently depending on the level of risk and safety standards.

The maintenance schedule should be included in your fire risk assessment, underlining the importance of this document. In addition to professional servicing, regular visual inspections should be performed to check for visible damage, ensure that anti-tamper seals remain intact, and confirm that pressure levels are within the acceptable range. Fire extinguishers should also be clearly visible and appropriately labeled so that individuals can easily locate and use them if needed.

Professional Fire Systems Advice

Many business owners lack the specialized knowledge necessary to ensure their premises meet fire safety regulations. For this reason, many choose to engage professionals who can conduct thorough risk assessments and ensure fire systems are installed and maintained according to the regulations.

Oltec FM offers expert services in creating a planned preventative maintenance schedule for your fire safety systems, providing peace of mind with regular, scheduled checks.

For more information regarding our fire safety services, please contact us today.