Fire extinguishers are one of the first lines of defence against small fires in UK workplaces, helping to protect people, property and business continuity. However, simply having extinguishers on site is not enough.
They must be suitable for the risks present, correctly positioned and properly maintained. UK fire safety legislation requires businesses to provide and maintain appropriate fire-fighting equipment.
This guide explains the main fire extinguisher types, legal duties and maintenance requirements.
Types of fire extinguishers
Different extinguishers tackle different classes of fire, so using the correct type is essential. Colour coding helps with quick identification.
Water fire extinguishers have a red label and are suitable for Class A fires involving combustible materials such as wood, paper, cardboard and textiles. Never use them on electrical equipment or flammable liquid fires.
A water mist extinguisher uses a fine mist of deionised water rather than a solid jet. Suitable for many Class A fires and, if certified can also be used on live electrical equipment. It also reduces water damage.
Foam extinguishers have a cream label and are designed primarily for Class A fires and Class B fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol or paint. It creates a blanket over burning liquids to help prevent reignition.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers carry a black label and have been designed for electrical fires and fires involving electrical equipment. They leave no residue but provide little cooling, so are unsuitable for deep-seated Class A fires.
Fire extinguishers with a blue label are dry powder extinguishers which are suitable for Class A, B and C fires, including flammable gases. They leave significant residue, making them better suited to outdoor or industrial environments.
A wet chemical extinguisher has a yellow label and is specifically designed for Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. They cool burning oil while helping prevent reignition.
Legal requirements
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibility for fire safety on the designated Responsible Person, such as an employer, business owner, managing agent or anyone with control of the premises. A fire risk assessment identifies fire hazards, people at risk and the type and number of extinguishers required.
Businesses must provide suitable extinguishers based on the risks within their premises rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Extinguishers should be clearly visible, accessible and positioned near escape routes. Blocked or poorly located extinguishers may not be available when needed most.
Maintenance and compliance
Installing extinguishers is only part of compliance; they must also be properly maintained. Fire extinguishers should receive professional servicing at least once every year by a competent technician. Servicing ensures extinguishers remain safe and compliant with relevant British Standards.
Businesses should also carry out regular visual checks between annual services, ensuring extinguishers remain in the correct location, show no signs of damage and have intact pressure gauges, safety pins and tamper seals. Access should always remain unobstructed.
Servicing records and inspection documentation demonstrate compliance during audits or following an incident, while helping identify when extinguishers require replacement or extended servicing.
Common compliance issues include missed servicing, incorrect extinguisher types, blocked access, missing inspection records and damaged or discharged extinguishers that are not replaced promptly.
Contact Us
Choosing the correct extinguisher, understanding legal responsibilities and maintaining equipment properly are all part of an effective fire safety strategy. Review your current provision to ensure it remains suitable for your premises and fire risks, or contact Actifire for professional advice, extinguisher servicing or compliance checks.
