FAQs

– A fire risk assessment should be reviewed annually or if there is a significant change to a building

– A fire risk assessment should be carried out annually

– A UK fire risk assessment lasts for one year unless stated differently on the assessment by the fire risk assessor

– The UK Government Fire Safety in the Workplace website states you’re responsible for fire safety in business or other non-domestic premises if you’re:

• an employer
• the owner
• the landlord
• an occupier
• anyone else with control of the premises, for example a facilities manager, building manager, managing agent or risk assessor

– Powder extinguishers can be used on electrical fires but co2 are better suited

– A water fire extinguisher is for Class A fires, including all dry material such as wood, paper, cardboard etc…

– A foam fire extinguisher is used for Class A and B fires, such as flammable liquids like petrol and diesel

– A C02 fire extinguisher is mainly used for electrical equipment but can also be used on Class B fires

– A powder fire extinguisher is used for Class A, B and C fires, includes gels and electrical equipment. It is safe on most fires but can cause more damage in a small office than a fire. Best for large, high-risk spaces

– Water/foam/powder – pull out the safety pin, remove the hose from the holder, holding the extinguisher upright squeeze the lever aiming at the base of the fire
– Co2 – pull out the safety pin, swivel horn to aim at the fire, holding the extinguisher upright squeeze the lever. Don’t hold the horn as these can get very cold

– There is no legal requirement for anyone to use a fire extinguisher if they don’t feel safe, they are mainly there to help with safe evacuation. However, people who are trained to use a fire extinguisher can do so if it’s safe

– Different types of fire extinguishers have different servicing lengths. Water, Foam, Powder and C02 fire extinguishers all need a basic service yearly. Water, Foam and Powder fire extinguishers need an extended service every five years and a C02 fire extinguisher needs an overhaul every 10 years

– You should be careful when using a powder or C02 fire extinguisher in a small space as it could do more damage than the initial fire would have

– The number of fire extinguishers required for a business depends on the size of the building but usually three is a minimum to be compliant with British Standards

– A fire extinguisher should be installed by a fire extinguisher service technician

– Emergency lighting should be tested annually

– Emergency lights should stay on either one or three hours, depending on the evacuation procedure. Three hours is the most common length of time

– In a commercial environment, the fire alarm should be tested weekly by the responsible person, or someone instructed by the responsible person. Each week a different call point should be used
– The system should be serviced every six months by a qualified technician