Selecting the correct fire extinguisher is essential to protect your business and ensure safety during a fire. While fire extinguishers are critical for handling small fires before they escalate, choosing the right type depends on the specific fire risks present in your workplace. This guide will help you assess these risks, recommend suitable extinguishers for various work environments, and provide budgeting tips to help you make cost-effective decisions without compromising safety.
Assessing Fire Risks in Your Business
Before choosing the appropriate fire extinguisher, it’s important to understand the specific fire hazards in your business. Each workplace presents different risks, and fire extinguishers are designed to handle various types of fires. Below, we’ll discuss how to evaluate these risks in different business settings.
Identifying Fire Hazards in the Workplace
The type of business you operate will dictate the fire risks you face. These risks can stem from electrical equipment, flammable materials, or everyday office supplies, and having the right fire extinguisher on hand is essential.
- Offices: Common fire risks in office environments usually involve paper, furniture, and electrical equipment. In these cases, Water & CO2 fire extinguishers are recommended.
- Retail Spaces: Retail environments can have similar risks to offices, but if your store handles flammable or hazardous materials, you may need a specific extinguisher for liquid fires, such as foam extinguishers.
- Industrial Settings: Factories, workshops, and warehouses may have higher risks of fires caused by metals or flammable liquids. Specialised extinguishers are often necessary for these environments, including those designed for flammable substances or specific industrial materials.
- Commercial Kitchens: The best Fire Extinguisher to have available in a commercial kitchen is a wet chemical, this is crucial as using the wrong extinguisher could make matters worse.
Tip: Perform a detailed fire risk assessment of your premises to identify high-risk areas and ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher available where needed.
Recommended Fire Extinguishers for Different Work Environments
After identifying the fire risks in your business, it’s time to choose the appropriate fire extinguisher for each area. Below is a breakdown of recommended fire extinguishers for different workplace settings.
Fire Extinguishers for Offices
Recommended Type: Co2 & Water Fire Extinguishers
- Best For: Electrical fires and fires involving electrical equipment, such as computers, servers, and other office electronics.
- Why: CO2 extinguishers work by suffocating the fire, displacing oxygen without leaving residue. This makes them ideal for protecting electronic equipment, as they won’t cause damage like foam or powder extinguishers might.
- Size & Accessibility: Typically available in 2kg or 5kg sizes, CO2 extinguishers should be placed near areas with electrical equipment like server rooms or near workstations.
Tip: Train staff on using CO2 extinguishers correctly, as the nozzle gets extremely cold during use and can be dangerous if handled improperly.
Water Mist Fire Extinguisher
- Best For: General office fires involving paper, fabrics, and soft furnishings, as well as electrical fires up to 1,000 volts.
- Why: Water mist extinguishers release ultra-fine mist, which cools the fire and reduces oxygen levels without causing water damage. They are versatile, eco-friendly, and safe to use around electrical devices.
- Size & Accessibility: Available in 6 or 9-litre sizes, water extinguishers can be installed in central office areas for general use.
Tip: These extinguishers are effective across a range of fire types, so they offer a safe, versatile option for office environments with mixed fire risks.
Fire Extinguishers for Retail Spaces
One Recommended Type: Foam Fire Extinguisher
- Why: Retail spaces may contain flammable products or materials, making foam extinguishers a good choice as they are effective for fires involving liquids.
- Size & Accessibility: A 6kg extinguisher is suitable for most retail environments. Install them near exits and in areas with higher fire risks, such as stockrooms or where flammable products are stored.
Tip: Ensure staff are trained to use fire extinguishers quickly and effectively in case a fire breaks out in customer areas
Fire Extinguishers for Industrial Settings
Recommended Type: Several Extinguishers for Flammable Materials
- Why: Industrial environments often face fire risks from flammable liquids or certain industrial materials. Extinguishers specifically designed for handling these types of fires are critical for safety.
- Size & Accessibility: Larger extinguishers, such as 9kg or more, are often required in industrial settings. Place them strategically near high-risk zones like machinery or chemical storage areas.
Tip: In high-risk environments, regular fire drills are essential so that all employees know where extinguishers are located and how to use them effectively.
Maintaining Fire Extinguishers on a Budget
Maintaining your fire extinguishers is critical for ensuring they function properly when needed. Regular inspections and servicing can prevent costly replacements or repairs.
- Tip 1: Perform Monthly Inspections
Check your extinguishers monthly for visible damage, ensure the pressure gauge is correct, and make sure they are easily accessible. Addressing issues early can help avoid expensive replacements later. - Tip 2: Schedule Annual Servicing
Professional servicing is often required annually for businesses. Partner with a reputable fire safety company to keep your extinguishers in good working order. Many companies offer maintenance contracts or discounts for bulk servicing. - Conclusion
Choosing the right fire extinguisher is a key part of protecting your business and ensuring workplace safety. By evaluating your specific fire risks, selecting the correct extinguisher types, and maintaining a budget-conscious approach, you can safeguard your business without overspending. From offices and retail spaces to industrial environments, each type of workplace requires tailored fire safety solutions to effectively manage potential hazards.
Written by Matt Kemp from Help and Safety at Work, a member of The Local View Peterborough.
