Fire Extinguisher Regulations
1. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO)
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Applies to: All non-domestic premises in England and Wales (businesses, public buildings, communal areas of flats, etc.).
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Requirement: A Responsible Person must carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures—including fire extinguishers.
2. British Standard BS 5306-8:2012
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Covers: Selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers.
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Key points:
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At least 2 Class A extinguishers per floor (typically water or foam).
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No person should have to travel more than 30 metres to reach an extinguisher.
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Specific types of extinguishers required for different fire risks (e.g., CO₂ for electrical fires).
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3. Maintenance and Servicing – BS 5306-3:2017
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Annual servicing by a competent person is mandatory.
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Monthly checks by the responsible person are also recommended to:
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Ensure extinguishers are in place, visible, and not tampered with.
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Check pressure gauge and signs of damage.
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4. Colour Coding
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As per UK standards:
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Red – Water
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Cream – Foam
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Blue – Dry Powder
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Black – CO₂
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Yellow – Wet Chemical
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5. Mounting and Signage
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Extinguishers must be either wall-mounted or on a stand.
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ID signs indicating type and use should be displayed above the extinguisher.
6. Training
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Staff should receive basic fire extinguisher training, especially those with designated fire safety duties.
Are You Compliant?
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✅ FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST (UK)
🔍 1. Fire Risk Assessment
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Completed and up-to-date fire risk assessment (as per RRFSO 2005)
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Identified fire hazards and suitable extinguisher types for each
🧯 2. Type & Number of Extinguishers
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Minimum of 2 Class A rated extinguishers per floor
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Proper extinguisher types for specific risks:
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Water (Red) – for paper, wood, textiles
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Foam (Cream) – for flammable liquids
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CO₂ (Black) – for electrical equipment
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Dry Powder (Blue) – for mixed risks
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Wet Chemical (Yellow) – for cooking oil fires
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Extinguishers conform to BS EN 3 standard
📏 3. Positioning & Access
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No one needs to travel more than 30 metres to reach an extinguisher
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Extinguishers are wall-mounted or on stands
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Easily accessible and not obstructed
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Positioned near exits, high-risk areas, and fire alarm call points
🪧 4. Signage
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Fire extinguisher ID signs above each unit
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Clear instructions on usage and type
🧰 5. Inspection & Maintenance
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Monthly checks by Responsible Person (recorded)
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Annual service by a competent engineer (certified)
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Extended service (discharge test) every 5 years (except CO₂: every 10 years)
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All checks recorded in fire logbook
🧑🏫 6. Training
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Staff trained in basic extinguisher use
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Fire marshals or responsible persons receive enhanced training
📜 7. Documentation
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Fire logbook includes:
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Inspection records
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Servicing records
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Training records
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Fire risk assessment
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Fire evacuation plan
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