How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Need?

Understanding fire safety within your business premises is crucial—not only for legal compliance but also to ensure the safety of your employees and customers. A common question many business owners and managers ask is: how many fire extinguishers do you need? This article will explore the requirements according to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), best practices for placement, maintenance, and when specialist advice is necessary.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements Under the RRO

When working out how many fire extinguishers do you need for your company, the RRO provides clear guidelines. The order states that a minimum of two water fire extinguishers must be available on each floor of a building unless the premises are exceptionally small, in which case one may sometimes be acceptable.

Water extinguishers are effective on common fire types involving paper, wood, and fabric but are not suitable for electrical fires. Since electrical fires are prevalent in offices due to the presence of a variety of electrical equipment, CO2 extinguishers are also commonly required. If your workplace has electrical equipment, having at least a 2kg CO2 extinguisher is mandatory. For environments containing high-voltage equipment, the minimum size increases to a 5kg CO2 extinguisher to ensure adequate firefighting capability.

How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Need Based on Area and Risk?

The number of extinguishers your business needs depends on two key factors: the size of the area and the risk level associated with your business activities. As a general rule of thumb:

• Divide the floor area in square metres by 200, and round up the result to determine the number of 9-litre water extinguishers required.

For example, a 500 sqm area would require at least three 9-litre water extinguishers (500 ÷ 200 = 2.5, rounded up to 3).

If your premises have a sprinkling or fire suppression system installed, the number of extinguishers needed may be reduced, but this must be confirmed by a fire safety specialist.

Where to Put Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace

Proper placement of fire extinguishers is just as important as knowing how many fire extinguishers do you need. They must be visible and easily accessible to ensure quick use in an emergency.

• Water and CO2 fire extinguishers should be placed next to exits and fire alarm call points to allow for rapid evacuation and immediate response.
• In low-risk workplaces, an extinguisher should never be more than 30 metres away from any employee, with extinguisher points no more than 60 metres apart.
• Specialist extinguishers must be positioned within easy reach of the specific fire hazard. For example:
  • CO2 extinguishers should be located in server rooms or plant rooms where electrical equipment is concentrated.
• Extinguishers must be securely fixed to walls with appropriate brackets or placed on rigid floor stands to prevent movement.
• If extinguishers are not obvious or out of direct line of sight, signage must be used to indicate their location, type, and instructions for use.

Servicing and Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers

An essential but sometimes overlooked aspect of fire extinguisher management is servicing and maintenance. It is a legal requirement to maintain a permanent record of all fire extinguisher inspections, servicing, and maintenance.

• The responsible person (RP) should carry out visual checks every month to ensure extinguishers are intact, unobstructed, and show no signs of damage.
• Annual servicing by a competent fire safety professional is also mandatory. This involves verifying that extinguishers are in date, fully charged, in good working order, and accompanied by appropriate signage.
• Fire extinguishers typically require replacement or a complete overhaul every five years.
• CO2 extinguishers can last up to ten years unless they are damaged or discharged.
• No fire extinguisher should be kept in use beyond twenty years, even if it appears to be functional.

Specialist Advice from RV Fire Systems Fire Safety

If you find yourself unsure about how many fire extinguishers do you need or where exactly to position them, contacting a fire safety specialist is the best course of action.

RV Fire Systems, a recognised fire safety provider, offers expert advice tailored to your specific premises. Whether you are located in Clitheroe, Manchester, Blackburn, Blackpool, or Preston, help is at hand:

• Clitheroe Fire Extinguishers Specialist:- 01200 439333
• Manchester Fire Extinguishers Specialist:- 0161 8260480
• Blackburn Fire Extinguishers Specialist:- 01254 367611
• Blackpool Fire Extinguishers Specialist:- 01253 804199
• Preston Fire Extinguishers Specialist:- 01772 970411

Their fire safety experts can assess your premises, risks, and fire suppression systems to recommend the optimal number and type of extinguishers.

Knowing how many fire extinguishers do you need is not simply about meeting legal requirements, but about ensuring the safety of everyone in your building. The RRO provides minimum recommendations, such as two water extinguishers per floor and CO2 extinguishers for electrical fire risks, but the precise number will depend on your floor area and risk factors.

Remember to place extinguishers strategically by exits and alarm points, maintain clear signage, and carry out regular inspections and professional servicing to keep your fire safety measures effective.

For tailored advice and professional service, do not hesitate to reach out to your local RV Fire Systems fire safety specialists. Investing in the right fire extinguishers and their maintenance can make all the difference when it matters most.