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Fire extinguishers should be appropriate for the risks, suitably located and in the right numbers to provide the required levels of cover. FastR Solutions experienced consultants can ensure you choose the right extinguishers, they are placed in the right positions and provide the right levels of cover you need.
Our services include: -
Did you know the primary function of a fire extinguisher is to help people to safely evacuate a building?
Their secondary function is first aid fire safety, putting out a small fire before it can take hold. They can only be used as a 'Fire Fighting Appliance' if the person using it has been Properly Trained.
There are 4 common types of fire extinguishers used in most properties. these are: -
The most common of fire extinguishers it is used on paper, wood, natural fabrics etc; any carboniferous material. Has Red identification strip if not a standard red extinguisher.
Water based fire extinguishers are not safe to use on electrical equipment; some versions may be tested for accidental use on electrical's.
Increasingly popular being able to use it like water extinguishers and for use on flammable liquid fires. Has a Cream Identification Strip.
Foam based fire extinguishers are not safe to use on electrical equipment; some versions may be tested for accidental use on electrical's.
Probably the second most common type of fire extinguisher it main use is for electrical fires but can also be used on flammable liquids. Has a Black identification Strip.
Co2 is a gas that removes the oxygen from a fire so should not be used in enclosed spaces. It is also very cold and may cause burns if directed at the skin.
Increasingly common and can be used on all types of fires but often installed incorrectly. Has a Blue identification Strip.
Current British Standards state these should not be placed/used in enclosed spaces; once activated visibility is greatly compromised.
The responsible person or the person in charge of fire safety for the premises should also be completing weekly inspections. Inspections should include: -
Weekly checks should be recorded in the Fire Safety Log Book for the property.
All fire extinguishers should be commissioned by a qualified technician before installation. Failure to commission a fire extinguisher correctly may result in the appliance not working correctly when most needed
In most cases fire extinguishers will need a basic annual service by a qualified technician. Inspections will include: -
Most extinguishers, except Co2, require an extended service every 5 years.
Co2 Extinguishers will need a 'Stretch Test' every 10 years. This cannot be done without specialist equipment; as sush these are usually replaced
Fire extinguishers need servicing or replacement? We can provide provide you with recommendations of what you need.
However, as a quick guide extinguishers should be located: -
Understanding where fire extinguishers should be placed requires a certain amount of expertise. Our fire extinguisher audit service will provide you with recommendations of what you need and where they should be located.
As a quick guide there should be a minimum of two per floor and these should be within a defined distance of where they may be used.
Section 8 of British Standard BS5306-8 Fire Extinguishing Installations and Equipment on Premises details the minimum number of class A fire extinguishers as –
A 500 Sqm floor will work out as 0.065 x 500 =an A rating of 32.5 meaning a three fire extinguishers may be required based on an extinguisher having a 13A rating.
Understanding what fire extinguishers you need requires a certain amount of expertise. Our fire extinguisher audit service will provide you with recommendations of what you need and where they should be located.
Whether for a block of flats, commercial or industrial premises there are four different Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) types that can be carried out. They differ in the extent to which the building is inspected. It is important that the type of fire risk assessment be appropriate to the premises and the amount known in respect of the structural protection. The responsible person must be clear on what they need to know, why and how it is going to be achieved.
Check our Frequently asked questions page to find out if you are the responsible person.
An inappropriate type assessment will have a negative impact on your wallet and / or the property. The more in depth an assessment is the more it is going to cost; and in some instances the costs could be considerable.
A property can also suffer if the risk assessment type is in appropriate. Invasive inspections may result in damage, that if not dealt with quickly, could potentially impact the passive safety measures installed or result in unsightly repairs.
Our fire risk assessors are highly qualified and able to fulfil your fire risk assessment requirements with the minimum of disruption. On the more invasive assessments we will arrange all the other trades required so you only have to deal with one company.
Outlined below are guidelines to the four different types of fire risk assessments available, to help you define exactly the type of fire risk assessment you need.
High quality copper finished extinguishers. Available in:
Water
Foam
Powder
Co2
Gold finish extinguishers for that little bit extra bling. Available in:
Water
Foam
Powder
Co2
Polished Stainless Steel for that classic look. Available in:
Water
Foam
Powder
Co2
Full range of standard red extinguishers. Available in:
Water
Foam
Powder
Co2
A Type 4 fire risk assessment has the same scope of work as a Type 3 fire risk assessment, except that there is a degree of destructive inspection, in both the common parts and the flats, carried out on a sampling basis.
This is the most comprehensive fire risk assessment type, but will only be appropriate in exceptional circumstances – such as when the history of works carried out is unknown and there is reason to suspect serious risk to residents.
A Type 4 Assessment is a major undertaking requiring time and resources to complete. Several trades as well as the fire risk assessor will need to work together. Properties built before the year 2000 will also need a specialist asbestos assessor to be present or on call as these materials may be hidden within the structure.
A building contractor will also be required; both to help gain access to the structure of the property and to make necessary repairs. Although most good fire risk assessment companies will use an endoscope in order to minimise the damage.
Need a Type 4 Assessment? – Contact us to find out how we can help
A Type 3 fire risk assessment covers what is involved in a Type 1 fire risk assessment and is non-destructive. Going beyond the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 but not the scope of the Housing Act.
Assessments of this type consider the arrangements for means of escape and fire detection (i.e. smoke alarms) within at least a sample of the flats. Within the flats, the inspection is non-destructive, but the fire resistance of doors to rooms is considered.
Type 3 Fire Risk Assessment may be appropriate for rented flats if there is reason to suspect serious risk to residents in the event of a fire in their flats. (This might be, for example, because of the age of the block or reason for suspicion of widespread, unauthorised material alterations).
Type 3 fire risk assessments are not usually possible in the case of long leasehold flats, unless there is something seriously wrong, as there is normally limited rights of access for freeholders and managing agents.
Need a Type 3 Assessment? – Contact us to find out how we can help
Type 2 fire risk assessments are similar to those of a Type 1 fire risk assessment, except that there is a degree of destructive inspection, carried out on a sampling basis to check the separating construction of the property.
This fire risk assessment type is usually a one-off exercise, which is carried out only if there is good reason to suspect serious structural deficiencies that could lead to spread of fire beyond the point of fire origin.
A Type 2 Fire Risk Assessment is a serious undertaking requiring time and resources to complete. Several trades as well as the fire risk assessor may be needed to work together. Properties built before the year 2000 will also need a specialist asbestos assessor to be present as these materials may be hidden within the structure.
A building contractor will also be required; both to help gain access to the structure of the property and to make necessary repairs. Although most good fire risk assessment companies will use an endoscope in order to minimise the damage.
Need a Type 2 Assessment? – Contact us to find out how we can help
The most common fire risk assessment type; which is a non-destructive inspection of the communal and managed areas of a residential property.
Although it does not include demised areas it does consider the construction of the property, apartment doors and the separation between apartments. Service risers, roof areas and above false ceilings, where installed, could be accessed during the inspection.
Unless it is suspected that there are serious deficiencies in structural fire protection for example inadequate compartmentalisation, or poor fire stopping – a Type 1 Fire Risk Assessment would normally be sufficient for most buildings and apartment blocks.
Need a Type 1 Assessment? – Contact us to find out how we can help
We are always happy to answer any queries you may have about our Fire Risk Assessment or Health & Safety services
Fast R Solutions Limited,
Unit 69,
Hartlebury Trading Estate,
Hartlebury,
Worcestershire,
DY10 4JB
