Where should I install a fire extinguisher?

Fire spreads fast, moving through a building in as little as thirty seconds. This means there may not be much time to stop a small fire becoming a big one. Having a fire extinguisher in the appropriate place is essential to prevent a fire from spreading.

Proximity to the threat

Some parts of your premises are going to be at higher risk of a fire. This may be somewhere with cooking equipment, lots of electrical equipment, or where flammable materials are stored or used. For more on potential workplace fire hazards, see here. Fire extinguishers need to be installed near any hazards, but not too near. You do not want them so close that someone has to put themselves in danger to access the equipment. But you do not want to have to travel more than thirty metres to find a fire extinguisher. In the case of fires involving flammable liquids, cooking fats, and oils, the distance should be no more than ten metres.

If you are unsure where a fire extinguisher should be placed in relation to a risk, some fire extinguisher providers will be happy to provide advice, such as
https://www.lsfiresolutions.co.uk/fire-extinguishers/ecoextinguishers/p50.

Visibility and accessibility

Fire extinguishers need to be clearly visible, not hidden behind cabinets or disguised to fit into the décor. You also need to be certain that your employees can easily move them if necessary. This means considering the weight. P50 fire extinguishers are lightweight extinguishers and so are a good option to make them easy for all to use.

When choosing a fire extinguisher, you also need to consider what type of fire it may be facing. In limited space with room for just one extinguisher nearby, make sure it is one that can extinguish different sorts of fires. Again, P50 fire extinguishers are a good option, as they are designed for fire types A, B, C, F and electrical.

To prevent damage to fire extinguishers or stop them being inadvertently moved, consider getting a mount. This will keep them in the appropriate place, ready for use if required.