Safety First: How Maintaining Electrical Devices and Accessible Fire Extinguishers Can Save Lives
Workplace safety is a top priority for every business, and one of the most critical aspects of fire prevention is ensuring that electrical devices are well-maintained and fire extinguishers remain accessible at all times. Faulty electrical equipment is a leading cause of workplace fires, while fire extinguishers provide the first line of defence in an emergency.
At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, we help businesses stay compliant with UK fire safety regulations, offering fire extinguisher servicing, inspections, and professional advice. In this guide, we will explain how regular maintenance of electrical devices and keeping fire extinguishers accessible can save lives and protect your workplace from disaster.
The Importance of Maintaining Electrical Devices in the Workplace
Electrical devices are essential in modern workplaces, from computers and printers in offices to industrial machinery and kitchen appliances in commercial settings. However, when electrical equipment is poorly maintained or damaged, it increases the risk of fire and electrical hazards.
Common Electrical Fire Risks
⚡ Faulty Wiring & Loose Connections – Exposed wires or loose electrical connections can cause short circuits and sparks, leading to a fire.
⚡ Overloaded Plug Sockets – Plugging too many devices into one outlet overheats electrical circuits, increasing the risk of ignition.
⚡ Damaged Power Cables – Frayed or crushed cables can overheat and cause an electrical fire.
⚡ Overheating Equipment – Electrical appliances left on for long periods can overheat, leading to combustion.
⚡ Lack of Regular Inspections – Without routine PAT testing and maintenance, small electrical issues can escalate into major fire hazards.
Tip: Regular electrical safety checks can prevent these risks and keep your workplace safe.
How to Maintain Electrical Devices for Fire Safety
To prevent electrical fires, businesses should implement strict safety measures and ensure routine maintenance.
1. Conduct Regular PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)
✔ All portable electrical equipment should be regularly PAT tested by a qualified professional.
✔ Ensure visible checks for damaged plugs, loose wires, or burn marks on all electrical devices.
✔ Label tested appliances with a pass or fail certification to track maintenance.
Tip: Schedule PAT testing annually for office equipment and every 3–6 months for high-use appliances in industrial settings.
2. Avoid Overloading Sockets & Extension Leads
✔ Do not plug multiple high-wattage appliances into one socket.
✔ Use surge-protected extension leads to prevent electrical overload.
✔ Ensure appliances do not exceed the maximum power capacity of the extension lead.
Tip: Daisy-chaining extension leads (plugging one into another) is a fire hazard—always use a properly installed power supply.
3. Switch Off & Unplug Unused Equipment
✔ Turn off and unplug all non-essential devices at the end of the day.
✔ Ensure heat-producing appliances (kettles, coffee machines, heaters) are never left running unattended.
✔ Implement a shutdown procedure for all electrical equipment in the workplace.
Tip: Computers and printers may remain on standby overnight, drawing power. Ensure all electronics are properly shut down before leaving the premises.
4. Keep Electrical Devices Away from Flammable Materials
✔ Do not store paper, cardboard, or combustible liquids near electrical devices.
✔ Keep computer towers, industrial machines, and kitchen appliances well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
✔ Regularly clean electrical devices to remove dust buildup, which can be a fire risk.
Tip: Install heat-resistant mats under appliances such as microwaves and printers for extra protection.
The Role of Fire Extinguishers in Workplace Safety
Even with the best fire prevention measures, accidents can still happen. That’s why having accessible, well-maintained fire extinguishers is crucial.
Why Every Workplace Needs Fire Extinguishers
Rapid Fire Suppression – Fire extinguishers provide immediate control of small fires, preventing them from spreading.
Employee Safety – In an emergency, a fire extinguisher can protect staff from injury before evacuation.
Compliance with UK Regulations – Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses must have the correct fire extinguishers in place.
Tip: Conduct fire extinguisher training so that employees know how to use them safely in an emergency.
Keeping Fire Extinguishers Accessible & Ready for Use
Even if you have fire extinguishers installed, they won’t be effective if they are:
Blocked by furniture or equipment
Not in designated fire safety zones
Out of date or poorly maintained
Follow these best practices to ensure your fire extinguishers are accessible and operational at all times.
1. Position Fire Extinguishers in Key Areas
✔ Install fire extinguishers near electrical equipment, kitchens, and high-risk areas.
✔ Ensure extinguishers are mounted on walls at an easily reachable height.
✔ Display clear signage so that employees can locate them quickly in an emergency.
Tip: UK law states that fire extinguishers must be no more than 30 metres away from any point in the building.
2. Conduct Regular Fire Extinguisher Inspections
✔ Check that fire extinguishers are fully charged and in good condition.
✔ Ensure the safety pin is in place and the pressure gauge is in the correct range.
✔ Replace out-of-date or damaged fire extinguishers immediately.
Tip: Fire extinguishers must be professionally serviced annually to comply with BS 5306 fire safety regulations.
3. Train Staff on Fire Extinguisher Use
✔ Employees should know which extinguisher to use for different fire types.
✔ Practice the PASS technique:
Pull the pin
Aim at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep from side to side
Tip: Regular fire drills and hands-on training sessions ensure employees feel confident using extinguishers in an emergency.
Protect Your Workplace with Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, we help businesses stay safe and compliant with professional fire safety solutions, including:
✅ Fire Extinguisher Supply & Installation – We provide BS EN3-certified fire extinguishers suitable for all workplace environments.
✅ Annual Fire Extinguisher Servicing – Ensure your extinguishers remain fully operational and legally compliant.
✅ Fire Risk Assessments – Identify and mitigate potential hazards to enhance workplace fire safety.
✅ Employee Fire Safety Training – Educate your team on fire prevention, emergency response, and extinguisher use.
Book Your Fire Extinguisher Servicing Today!
Ensuring electrical devices are maintained and fire extinguishers are accessible can save lives and protect your business. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a fire extinguisher service and fire risk assessment today!
Stay safe, stay prepared, and prioritise fire safety in your workplace today.