Are you worried that your shop might not have the right fire safety equipment? Uncertain about which extinguishers you need to protect your business and meet legal requirements? You're not alone. Recent fire incidents in UK small businesses highlight the critical importance of proper fire protection. In January 2025, a Manchester retail shop suffered £70,000 in damages from an electrical fire that spread rapidly due to inadequate fire-fighting equipment, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Similarly, a February 2025 report from the London Fire Brigade revealed that 43% of small business fires investigated showed non-compliance with fire extinguisher regulations.
Understanding the different fire classifications is essential for selecting the right extinguishers:
● Class A: Fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, and textiles.
● Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and solvents.
● Class C: Fires involving flammable gases like propane, butane, and natural gas.
● Class D: Fires involving metals such as aluminium, magnesium, and titanium.
● Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats, commonly found in kitchens.
● Electrical Fires: Fires involving live electrical equipment (not officially classified but requires specific extinguishers). ).
Water Extinguishers (Labeled "A")
Designed specifically for Class A fires involving solid materials like paper, wood, and textiles. These extinguishers work by cooling the burning material and are ideal for office environments with paper storage. Never use water extinguishers on electrical fires, flammable liquid fires, or cooking oil fires, as this can spread the fire or cause electrical shock.
Foam Extinguishers (Labeled "AB")
Effective for both Class A and Class B fires. The foam creates a blanket over flammable liquids, preventing flammable vapours from reaching the air and stopping re-ignition. Foam extinguishers are suitable for warehouse environments, workshops with flammable liquids, and general retail spaces. They should not be used on electrical equipment unless specifically designed and rated for such use.
CO2 Extinguishers (Labeled "B" and "Electrical")
Specifically designed for Class B fires and electrical equipment fires. Carbon dioxide displaces oxygen, which starves the fire of one of its essential elements. These extinguishers leave no residue, making them ideal for areas with computers, electrical equipment, and precision machinery. They're commonly placed in server rooms, near electrical switchboards, and in office environments with multiple electrical devices.
Powder Extinguishers (Labeled "ABC" or "ABCE")
Versatile extinguishers suitable for Class A, B, and C fires. They work by interrupting the chemical reaction within the fire through the powder coating the burning material. While effective on multiple fire types, powder extinguishers create significant residue that can damage sensitive equipment and be difficult to clean. These are often found in multi-purpose areas, workshops, and as vehicle extinguishers.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Labeled "F" or "AF")
Specifically designed for Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. These extinguishers create a chemical reaction that converts hot fat into soap (saponification), sealing the surface and preventing re-ignition. Essential for commercial kitchens, cafes, restaurants, and any business with deep fat fryers or cooking facilities using oils.
Retail Shops and Boutiques Primary risks include electrical equipment, display lighting, paper packaging materials, and textiles. Class A fires (solids) and electrical fires are most common. Recommended extinguishers include water or foam for general areas and CO2 extinguishers near electrical equipment like tills and display lighting. For a complete fire risk assessment for your retail business, contact PHS Compliance.
Office Environments Main hazards include computers, printers, electrical equipment, and paper storage. Predominant risks are electrical fires and Class A fires. Provide CO2 extinguishers near computer clusters and electrical installations, with water or foam extinguishers in areas with significant paper storage. Businesses should also be aware of the dangers of messy wiring and electrical systems which can increase fire risks.
Cafés and Restaurants Major risks include cooking equipment, hot oils, electrical appliances, and sometimes flammable cleaning products. Fires can be Class A, electrical, and Class F (cooking oils). Essential equipment includes wet chemical extinguishers for kitchen areas with cooking oils, CO2 for electrical appliances, and fire blankets near cooking stations. Foam extinguishers are recommended for dining areas. Our fire alarm testing services can also help protect your food service business from fire hazards.
Hair and Beauty Salons Specific hazards include electrical styling equipment, chemicals, aerosols, and sometimes flammable products. Predominant risks are electrical fires and Class B fires. Provide CO2 extinguishers for electrical equipment areas and foam extinguishers for general coverage, with possible powder extinguishers if significant flammable products are stored. Regular electrical safety inspections are also essential in salon environments.
Workshops and Garages Key risks include flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and sometimes welding or hot work. Fire types include Class A, B, C, and electrical. Recommend powder extinguishers for general workshop areas, CO2 near electrical equipment, and possibly specialist extinguishers depending on specific activities. For workshops, it's also important to understand common fire hazards on work sites to prevent incidents.
A fire extinguisher certificate is official documentation confirming that your extinguishers have been professionally inspected and found to be in proper working order. This certificate provides evidence of compliance with fire safety regulations and may be requested during inspections or by insurance companies. Learn more about our fire extinguisher testing services to ensure your business remains compliant.
Legal Documentation Requirements
UK businesses must maintain a fire safety logbook that includes extinguisher certificates, service records, and inspection reports. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires these records to be accessible for inspection by fire authorities. For guidance on creating compliant documentation, PHS Compliance can advise on best practices for your specific business type.
Who Can Issue Certificates
Fire extinguisher certificates must be issued by a "competent person" as defined by British Standard BS 5306-3. This typically means a qualified technician from a professional fire safety company with appropriate training and industry-recognised qualifications. The technician should have specific training in fire extinguisher maintenance and understand current regulations.
How Long Certificates Remain Valid
Basic service certificates are valid for one year, while extended service certificates typically remain valid for five years. For detailed information, see our guide on fire extinguisher servicing and testing.
Monthly Visual Inspections
UK regulations require monthly visual inspections by a designated staff member, documented in your fire safety logbook. These confirm extinguishers are accessible, undamaged, and pressure gauges show correct readings.
Five-Year Discharge Testing
BS 5306-3 requires extended service testing every five years, involving complete discharge, refill, and comprehensive component checks. CO2 extinguishers require additional specialised testing due to their high-pressure nature.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintain records of all extinguisher inspections, tests, and maintenance in your fire safety logbook for at least five years. Documentation should include monthly visual inspections, annual service certificates, and five-year discharge certificates.
ID Signs and Location Markers
Fire extinguisher signs must comply with the Health and Safety Regulations 1996, with each extinguisher requiring identification signage. Location markers should be positioned at 2-2.5 metres height using standard symbols that comply with BS EN ISO 7010.PHS
Staff Training Obligations
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires all staff to receive fire safety training, including instruction on extinguisher use. This should be part of your broader fire safety plan for commercial businesses.
Fire Action Notices
Fire action notices must be prominently displayed throughout your premises, particularly near fire alarm call points and exits. For businesses with fire alarm systems, understanding common fire alarm faults can help maintain your overall fire safety system.
Ensuring your business has the right fire extinguishers, proper certification, and compliant testing procedures is a significant responsibility. Professional fire safety services can provide peace of mind and ensure full compliance with UK regulations.
PHS Compliance offers comprehensive fire safety solutions tailored specifically for small businesses. Our services include:
● Professional fire risk assessments
● Expert guidance on extinguisher selection and placement
● Certified fire extinguisher testing and maintenance
● Documentation and certification management
● Staff training programmes
● Full compliance audits
With over 50 years of experience supporting UK businesses with their compliance needs, our team of accredited fire safety professionals can help you protect your business, staff, and customers while meeting all regulatory requirements.
Contact PHS Compliance today for a no-obligation fire safety assessment or to schedule your fire extinguisher testing and certification.
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