Fire safety is a fundamental responsibility for all businesses in the UK. Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), all non-domestic premises in England and Wales must have appropriate fire-fighting equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, to manage fire risks effectively.
This legislation requires employers, business owners, and other responsible persons (RPs) to conduct fire risk assessments, record findings, and act on them to maintain a safe environment. The key is to assess risks specific to your workplace, implement suitable measures, and regularly review fire safety arrangements.
For official guidance on workplace fire safety responsibilities, visit GOV.UK’s fire safety regulations.
The responsibility for fire safety in the workplace typically falls to the designated responsible person (RP), which could be:
If you are an employer or business owner, you must ensure everyone on-site is aware of who the RP is. The RP must also be trained and informed on fire safety regulations, including fire extinguisher requirements.
For more details on fire safety roles and responsibilities, see the GOV.UK guidance.
Fires are classified into six categories based on the materials involved. The correct extinguisher type must be used to avoid worsening the fire or causing additional hazards.
For a workplace-specific assessment, consult the HSE’s fire safety guidance.
| Fire Class | Fire Type | Recommended Extinguishers |
|---|---|---|
| A | Flammable carbon-based materials (wood, paper, textiles) | Water, foam, dry powder, wet chemical |
| B | Flammable liquids (petrol, diesel, paint) | Foam, CO₂, dry powder |
| C | Flammable gases (butane, propane) | Dry powder |
| D | Flammable metals (magnesium, lithium) | Specialist dry powder |
| Electrical | Electrical equipment fires | CO₂, water mist, some foam extinguishers |
| F | Cooking fats and oils | Wet chemical, water mist |
There is no single rule for the number of extinguishers required, as it depends on the size and fire risks of your premises. However, common guidance suggests:
For further guidance, refer to the fire risk assessment checklist.
Commissioning
A competent person must inspect and approve fire extinguishers upon installation. This is usually a fire protection professional certified under BAFE or an equivalent third-party accreditation.
Monthly Inspections
The RP should visually check extinguishers every month, ensuring they are:
Annual Servicing
A qualified engineer must perform a full inspection at least once a year. Records of all servicing and maintenance should be kept up to date.
More information on fire safety equipment requirements is available on the GOV.UK website.
A fire risk assessment is essential for ensuring compliance with fire safety laws. This process helps identify hazards, assess risks, and implement suitable fire prevention measures.
Fire Risk Assessment Checklist
The official five-step checklist provides further guidance on what to include in developing your workplace fire risk assessment.
The BS 5306-3 standard offers best practice guidance on installing, servicing, and maintaining fire extinguishers.
Who Should Follow BS 5306-3?
This standard is relevant to:
Why Use BS 5306-3?
It provides recommendations on:
Following BS 5306-3 helps ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and reduces the risk of fire-related damage or legal liability.
Having the right fire extinguishers and fire safety equipment is a legal requirement. At SafetyBuyer, we help businesses find the right solutions with a friendly, professional service that prioritises reliability, value, and ease of ordering.
Browse our fire safety solutions here.
By understanding fire safety regulations, conducting site-specific risk assessments, and keeping fire safety measures under review, businesses can ensure a safer workplace and remain legally compliant.
If you need straightforward, dependable service and quality fire safety products, get in touch with us today. Call us on 0800 043 0161 or email sales@safetybuyer.com
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