Fire Extinguisher Types and Where They Go in UK Workplaces

Choosing the right fire extinguishers for your commercial premises is a fundamental part of UK fire safety compliance. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), the designated Responsible Person must ensure that appropriate firefighting equipment is provided, properly maintained, and suitably located.

However, simply buying a batch of red extinguishers and mounting them to the nearest wall is not enough. Different fire hazards require specific extinguishing mediums. Using the wrong type can be ineffective, dangerous, and could exacerbate the fire. Here is a practical guide to fire extinguisher types and where they go.

Understanding the Main Fire Extinguisher Types

Extinguishers in the UK are categorised by the type of fire they are designed to tackle. Using the British Standard classification system, fires are grouped from Class A to Class F. To deal with these effectively, you need the right tools.

• Water Extinguishers (Red): The most common type, suitable for Class A fires involving solid combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles. They work by cooling the burning material.
• Foam Extinguishers (Cream label): Also effective on Class A fires, but primarily used for Class B fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and paints. The foam forms a smothering blanket over the liquid.
• CO2 Extinguishers (Black label): The standard choice for electrical fires and Class B liquid fires. They displace oxygen and smother the flames without leaving a residue, making them ideal for offices and server rooms.
• Dry Powder Extinguishers (Blue label): Highly versatile, tackling Class A, B, and C fires (flammable gases). They are often recommended for workshops, boiler rooms, and vehicles. However, standard powder can obscure vision and damage machinery indoors.
• Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Yellow label): Specifically designed for Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. They are essential for commercial kitchens, as they cool the fire and create a soap-like layer to prevent re-ignition.

General Placement Principles

The placement of fire extinguishers is just as critical as choosing the correct type. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance stating that firefighting equipment must be easily accessible and simple to use.

As a general rule, extinguishers should be located near the room exit of the area where the specific fire risk exists. This ensures that a person discovering a fire can safely grab the extinguisher without having to walk towards the hazard. They should be mounted on dedicated stands or securely fixed to the wall at a height that allows easy handling.

Furthermore, all extinguishers must be clearly visible. If they are placed in a recess or cupboards, appropriate fire safety signage must be displayed to guide occupants. Never place extinguishers behind doors, under desks, or in cluttered storage areas.

Where Different Extinguishers Should Go

Mapping out your premises requires a logical assessment of the specific hazards in each area.

Offices and Reception Areas: Standard office environments generally require a combination of water or foam extinguishers for general solid materials, paired with a CO2 extinguisher to tackle electrical equipment like computers, printers, and photocopiers. These should be stationed near the main exits and alongside electrical clusters.

Commercial Kitchens: Any premises with a commercial kitchen or deep fat fryer must have a wet chemical extinguisher positioned near the exit of the cooking area. A fire blanket should also be highly accessible. Standard water or foam extinguishers must never be used on burning cooking oil, as this can cause a dangerous steam explosion.

Server Rooms and Electrical Plant Rooms: CO2 extinguishers are the only suitable choice for high-voltage electrical rooms and data centres. They should be placed clearly by the door so that personnel can safely retrieve them before approaching the equipment.

Workshops and Warehouses: For areas storing flammable liquids or gases, dry powder extinguishers are highly recommended. In large warehouses, ensure that extinguishers are distributed at regular intervals along main exit routes so that no employee has to travel more than a few metres to reach one.

Maintenance and Compliance

Providing the correct equipment is an ongoing duty under the RRO 2005. Fire extinguishers require an annual service by a competent person to ensure they remain in safe, working order. In addition to annual servicing, a responsible employee should carry out a basic visual inspection every month. This check simply ensures that the extinguishers are in their correct location, unobstructed, fully pressurised (checking the gauge), and that the tamper seals remain intact.

The Role of the Fire Risk Assessment

Determining exactly which extinguishers you need and where they should go is a core outcome of your workplace fire risk assessment. The assessment must evaluate the specific combustible materials and ignition sources present in your building to dictate the precise provision of firefighting equipment.

If you are unsure whether your current setup meets the requirements of UK law, HawkSwift Ltd can help. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide thorough, practical evaluations of your premises, delivering detailed reports within 48 hours. With fire risk assessments starting from just £199 + VAT, we make compliance straightforward. To ensure your workplace is fully protected, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.