Quick Answer: Are Fire Extinguishers a Legal Requirement?<\/h2>\n
Fire extinguishers are not specified by law in a simple fixed quantity for every premises. However, under UK fire safety law, the responsible person must provide appropriate fire-fighting equipment where there is a risk of fire. In most non-domestic premises, this means suitable portable fire extinguishers are required unless the fire risk assessment justifies another approach.<\/p>\n
The type, number and location of extinguishers should be based on the fire risk assessment and supported by recognised guidance such as BS 5306-8 for selection and positioning and BS 5306-3 for commissioning and maintenance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Current Fire Extinguisher Legislation in the UK<\/h2>\n
In England and Wales, the main legal duties come from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005<\/a>. Article 13 requires appropriate fire-fighting equipment to be provided where necessary, and Article 17 requires fire safety equipment to be subject to a suitable system of maintenance.<\/p>\n The law places duties on the responsible person. This may be an employer, business owner, landlord, freeholder, managing agent, occupier or anyone with control of the premises.<\/p>\n The responsible person must ensure that fire safety arrangements are suitable for the building, the work carried out, the people present and the risks identified by the fire risk assessment.<\/p>\n For portable extinguishers, the responsible person should make sure that:<\/p>\n There is no universal legal number. The number of fire extinguishers needed depends on the size, layout, fire risks, occupancy, building use and escape arrangements.<\/p>\n As guidance, BS 5306-8:2023<\/a> is the current code of practice for selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers. It is commonly used when deciding extinguisher type, rating, location and travel distance.<\/p>\n General commercial premises often need extinguishers for Class A risks, with additional specialist extinguishers where specific hazards are present, such as electrical equipment, deep-fat fryers, flammable liquids or external gas risks.<\/p>\n If you need help deciding how many extinguishers are needed or whether your current provision is suitable, see our fire extinguisher survey guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Extinguisher types should match the fire risks present. Common examples include:<\/p>\n Dry powder extinguishers are generally not suitable for many enclosed occupied spaces because they can reduce visibility and create inhalation concerns. The correct selection should be based on the fire risk assessment rather than a generic list.<\/p>\n Fire extinguishers should usually be easy to see, easy to reach and located where people can access them without moving towards unnecessary risk.<\/p>\n Positioning normally considers:<\/p>\n British Standards guidance is commonly used to support travel distance and positioning decisions. Occupants should not normally have to travel an excessive distance to reach a suitable extinguisher, and specialist extinguishers should be close enough to the hazard they are intended to protect.<\/p>\n Extinguishers should be installed on suitable brackets or stands, with clear identification signage and appropriate visibility. New or relocated extinguishers should be commissioned by a competent person before they are relied on as compliant equipment.<\/p>\n Commissioning checks that the extinguisher is assembled, charged or pressurised, undamaged, correctly labelled, suitable for the location and ready for use. It also creates a starting point for future servicing records.<\/p>\n Where extinguishers are provided, they must be maintained. The recognised benchmark for servicing portable extinguishers is BS 5306-3:2017<\/a>, the current code of practice for commissioning and maintenance.<\/p>\n In practice, most extinguishers need annual servicing by a competent technician, supported by routine visual checks by the responsible person or nominated staff. Some extinguishers also require extended servicing, overhaul, replacement or disposal at longer intervals or when condition requires it.<\/p>\nWhat Does the Responsible Person Need To Do?<\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Fire](\"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Different-Fire-Extinguishers.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow Many Fire Extinguishers Are Required?<\/h2>\n
Which Types of Fire Extinguishers Are Needed?<\/h2>\n
\n
Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Located?<\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Fire](\"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Row-of-Fire-Extinguishers.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFire Extinguisher Installation and Commissioning<\/h2>\n
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Servicing<\/h2>\n
![\"Fire](\"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Fire-Extinguisher.jpg\")
<\/p>\n