Fire safety is a paramount concern for every business in the UK. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, often abbreviated as the RRO, is the principal legislation that governs fire safety within non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This in-depth guide aims to elucidate the key aspects of the RRO as it pertains to fire extinguishers, providing a comprehensive overview of the legislation, the responsibilities it places on businesses, and the practical steps businesses can take to ensure compliance.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Fire Extinguisher Regulations in the UK
• Determining the Number of Fire Extinguishers Required
• Types of Fire Extinguishers Needed in Commercial Buildings
• Location of Fire Extinguishers
• Installation and Identification of Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Extinguisher Commissioning
• Servicing of Fire Extinguishers
• Evidence of Fire Extinguisher Servicing
• Replacing Fire Extinguishers
• Refilling Vs. Replacing Fire Extinguishers
• Where to Buy Fire Extinguishers
• Conclusion

Understanding the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The RRO is a sweeping reform that consolidated over 70 pieces of fire safety legislation into a single order. It applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, with a few minor exceptions. The goal of the RRO is to simplify fire safety regulations and place a clear responsibility on businesses to assess and manage fire risks.

According to the RRO, businesses are required to carry out regular fire safety risk assessments, implement and maintain a fire management plan, and ensure that appropriate firefighting equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, is provided where there’s a fire risk.

Fire Extinguisher Regulations in the UK

Fire extinguisher regulations form a crucial part of the RRO. The legislation does not prescribe a specific number of fire extinguishers required for every business, as the requirements can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the premises, the nature of the business, and the potential fire hazards present.

However, the British Standard 5306 provides guidelines on the types of fire extinguishers to use, their location, and the frequency of servicing and maintenance. This standard is often used as a reference point for businesses looking to ensure compliance with fire extinguisher regulations.

Determining the Number of Fire Extinguishers Required

The number of fire extinguishers required in a business premises is dictated by the floor area and the potential fire risks present. As a general rule, there should be at least two Class-A fire extinguishers on each floor of a building. Class-A fire extinguishers are suitable for fires involving solid combustible materials such as wood, paper, and textiles.

The most common types of Class-A fire extinguishers found in commercial buildings are 3-litre or 6-litre foam extinguishers and 9-litre water extinguishers. To calculate how many Class-A extinguishers are needed, divide the total floor area by 200 and round up the result. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline, and a detailed fire risk assessment may indicate the need for additional fire extinguishers.

Types of Fire Extinguishers Needed in Commercial Buildings

Aside from Class-A fire extinguishers, businesses may also require other types of fire extinguishers depending on the nature of the potential fire risks. For instance, premises with electrical equipment should have at least a 2-kilogramme CO2 fire extinguisher, with a 5-kilogramme model required if there is 415V-rated equipment.

Other types of fire extinguishers that may be required include dry powder extinguishers for gas risks, typically found in boiler rooms, and wet chemical extinguishers for premises with deep-fat fryers, such as commercial kitchens.

Location of Fire Extinguishers

When it comes to the placement of fire extinguishers, the RRO and British Standard 5306 provide some guidance. Fire extinguishers should be located near fire alarm call points and exits. If there are multiple call points or exits, additional fire extinguishers may be needed.

A key guideline to follow is the 30-metre rule, which stipulates that a person should never be more than 30 metres away from a fire extinguisher in a commercial building. This rule ensures that firefighting equipment is easily accessible in the event of a fire.

‘Specialist’ fire extinguishers, such as dry powder or wet chemical extinguishers, should be placed within easy reach of the specific fire hazard they are designed to combat.

Installation and Identification of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguisher regulations stipulate that all fire extinguishers should be securely mounted on a wall or a designated stand. This prevents people from moving them around and ensures they are always at their designated location.

In addition to proper installation, fire extinguishers should be clearly signposted with fire extinguisher identification signs. These signs help to identify the type of extinguisher and provide guidance on its use, enabling individuals to act quickly and correctly in an emergency.

Fire Extinguisher Commissioning

Commissioning is a process whereby a fire extinguisher is inspected and approved for use. According to the RRO, all fire extinguishers must be commissioned, regardless of their size or type. This process ensures that the extinguishers are fit for use and compliant with existing legislation.

During the commissioning process, an engineer checks several aspects of the fire extinguisher, including whether it’s properly assembled, whether any damage is present, and whether it’s of the correct pressure or weight.

Servicing of Fire Extinguishers

Regular servicing of fire extinguishers is crucial in ensuring their functionality and compliance with regulations. The RRO mandates that fire extinguishers must be serviced at least once a year by a certified fire extinguisher engineer with BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) qualifications.

During a service, the engineer will check the condition of each fire extinguisher, review its expiry dates, inspect the pin and hose for any signs of tampering, and ensure the instructions and labelling are clear and visible. They will also verify the correct pressure and weight of the extinguisher.

Evidence of Fire Extinguisher Servicing

To demonstrate compliance with fire extinguisher regulations, businesses need to provide evidence of servicing. This evidence typically includes a service label on the extinguisher indicating when it was last serviced and when the next service is due. The label should also note the outcome of the last inspection and service.

In addition, an anti-tamper tag should be in place to prevent accidental dislodging of the pin, and the O-Ring (which ensures an airtight seal) should have been replaced. Finally, businesses should have an in-date service certificate from the BAFE-qualified engineer or organisation that serviced the extinguishers.

Replacing Fire Extinguishers

The British Standard BS5306 recommends that water, foam, and powder fire extinguishers should undergo a discharge test at least once every five years, while CO2 extinguishers should be tested every ten years. These tests determine whether the extinguishers need to be refilled or replaced.

It’s also important to note that if an extinguisher is discharged, damaged, or deemed unsafe to use, it should be replaced immediately to ensure the continued safety of the premises.

Refilling Vs. Replacing Fire Extinguishers

While it was once common practice to refill fire extinguishers, current legislation and environmental considerations favour replacement over refilling. Discharging the contents of fire extinguishers into public drains can be harmful to the environment, and as such, it’s generally recommended to replace extinguishers rather than refill them.

Where to Buy Fire Extinguishers

Businesses can purchase fire extinguishers from local fire protection companies or reputable online sellers. When purchasing extinguishers, it’s essential to ensure they come with all the necessary fixings and identification signs, and that they are clearly labelled to indicate the type of extinguisher they contain.

Please Note – If you purchase extinguishers online, it’s essential to have them commissioned to BS 5306 standards. Commissioning involves correctly installing the extinguisher in its designated location. Therefore, buying online may not always be the best option, as you will need to hire a professional to commission and certify them.

Conclusion

Complying with fire extinguisher regulations is not only a legal requirement for businesses in the UK, but it’s also a crucial step in ensuring the safety of employees and visitors. By understanding these regulations and implementing the necessary measures, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and provide a safe environment for all.

For further assistance with fire extinguisher regulations and other aspects of fire safety, businesses are encouraged to consult with accredited fire safety professionals who can provide expert advice and guidance.

Remember, fire safety is not just a legal obligation—it’s a commitment to safeguarding lives and property.