Portable extinguishers are the first line of defence against a small fire, but only if they suit the risk. A water extinguisher on an electrical fire, or a CO2 extinguisher in a commercial kitchen, can make things worse. We select extinguishers to BS 5306-8 based on what could burn in each area.
Every extinguisher needs a basic service each year by a competent person, and an extended service or overhaul at intervals set by its type: usually every five years for water, foam and powder, and a ten-year overhaul for CO2. Each unit is tagged and logged so your fire risk assessor can see its history.
What is included
- Site survey and extinguisher selection to BS 5306-8
- Supply and wall mounting with ID signs
- Annual basic service to BS 5306-3
- Five-year extended services and discharge tests
- CO2 overhaul and replacement
- Fire blankets for kitchens
- Asset register and service labels
Who it is for
- Offices and shops
- Restaurants and kitchens
- Workshops and warehouses
- Communal areas where the FRA requires them
- Schools
- Care homes
The rules in each UK nation
England
In England, fire safety in non-domestic premises and the common parts of blocks of flats is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Higher-risk residential buildings are also covered by the Building Safety Act 2022, which is overseen by the Building Safety Regulator.
Wales
In Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to non-domestic premises and the common parts of residential buildings, as amended for Wales by the Fire Safety Act 2021. The Welsh Government is reforming building safety separately from England, so duties for taller residential buildings in Wales follow Welsh legislation and guidance rather than the English higher-risk building regime.
Scotland
In Scotland, fire safety in non-domestic premises is governed by the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, and enforced by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Scotland has its own building standards system and its own approach to cladding risk.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, fire safety in non-domestic premises and the common areas of houses in multiple occupation is governed by the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, and enforced by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.