Do Businesses Legally Need Fire Extinguishers in the UK?

Fire safety matters to every workplace in the United Kingdom. Many owners ask whether a fire extinguisher is a legal requirement or simply good practice. The law expects every business to plan for fire and to put the right measures in place. Fire extinguishers sit at the centre of that plan, because they give people a fast way to stop a small fire before it grows. This article explains the legal position in clear terms and offers steps any business can follow.

The aim is to show what the rules say, what your duties are, and how to choose and look after the right fire extinguishers. It also sets out what can happen if you ignore the rules. The guidance uses plain language so that owners, managers and staff can act with confidence.

Legal Requirements for Fire Extinguishers in the UK

UK fire law sits mainly in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which covers almost all non-domestic buildings and the outside areas that support them. The Order places a duty on a responsible person, often the employer or owner, to keep people safe from fire. This involves carrying out a risk assessment, identifying hazards, reducing them where possible, and putting suitable measures in place for those that remain. In practice, most workplaces will need fire extinguishers, clear signs and a training and maintenance plan. The responsible person must also ensure staff know how and when to use an extinguisher, and when to leave the area and raise the alarm instead.

How many fire extinguishers do you need

The law does not fix a number, but British Standard guidance gives rules of thumb. Most sites should have at least two Class A capable extinguishers on each floor, unless the floor area is very small. Spacing should allow someone to reach an extinguisher within about 30 metres for Class A risks. Larger sites or those with special hazards will need more units or different types placed at key points such as plant rooms, workshops and kitchens.

Choosing the right types for your risks

Fires are grouped by class. Class A covers wood, paper and textiles. Class B covers flammable liquids like petrol or paint. Class C covers flammable gases. Electrical fires are not a separate class, but special care is needed. Class F covers cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens. Water or water additive extinguishers deal with Class A. Foam can cover Class A and Class B. CO2 works on energised electrical equipment. Dry powder can handle many classes, but it reduces visibility and makes clean-up harder. Wet chemical is the choice for Class F. Picking the wrong fire extinguisher can spread a fire, so match each area to the correct type.

Installation, signs and access

Mount extinguishers on walls or stands so they are easy to see. Install them near exits and at points of higher risk, and keep them clear of stock or furniture. Use standard signs so people can spot a unit from a distance and know its type. Labels must face forward and pressure gauges should be visible. Keep escape routes clear at all times.

Inspection, servicing and records

Keep fire extinguishers in good order. Staff should perform a brief visual check each month to confirm that seals are intact, gauges are in the green, and there is no damage. A competent engineer should carry out a basic service every year and an extended service at the period set by the standard. Keep a logbook and service labels as evidence for audits or visits by the fire and rescue service. If an extinguisher is used, it must be refilled or replaced at once.

Responsibilities of Business Owners and Employers

Owners and employers act as the responsible person in most workplaces. They must complete and review the fire risk assessment, provide suitable fire extinguishers, and make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. They should appoint trained fire wardens to help with checks, drills and evacuations. Clear roles mean faster action when seconds matter.

Training is vital. Staff should learn the PASS method, which means pull the pin, aim at the base, squeeze the handle and sweep from side to side. They must also learn to judge whether a fire is small and safe to tackle, to stand with an exit behind them, and to stop at once if the fire grows or smoke builds. Not every fire should be fought. A good drill plan teaches people when to evacuate, how to help visitors, and where to assemble for a roll call.

Maintenance is a shared task. The employer must arrange professional servicing, keep proof of work, and replace damaged or out-of-date units. Day to day, staff can help by reporting faults, keeping access clear and not moving units without approval. When a layout changes, the risk assessment should be updated and extinguisher positions reviewed. New equipment like servers, battery stores or catering equipment can change the best choice of extinguisher and the number needed on each floor.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The costs of ignoring fire law are high. Inspectors may issue an action plan, an enforcement notice or a prohibition notice that restricts the use of part or all of the site. In serious cases, the responsible person can face large fines or a court case. These penalties sit beside the moral duty to protect life. A missing or failed fire extinguisher can let a small flame become a major blaze within minutes.

There are business risks too. Insurers expect you to follow the law and your own risk assessment. If you do not, a claim may be reduced or refused. Lost stock, equipment and data can close a company for weeks. Customers may choose to go elsewhere if they doubt your standards. The damage to trust can last far longer than the blaze itself.

How to Equip Your Business with the Right Fire Extinguishers

The best results come from a simple plan. Start with a careful look at your building and the work carried out inside it. Match risks to the correct fire extinguisher types. Place the units where people can reach them quickly. Train your team and test the plan with regular drills. Keep records so you can show compliance at any time.

Carry out a clear and current risk assessment

Walk through each area and list the tasks that take place there. Note the fuels present, such as paper, packaging, solvents, paints, gases, cooking oils or electrical equipment. Think about who is at risk, including visitors and people with reduced mobility. Mark exits, stairs, lifts, and any locked doors. Decide how many fire extinguishers are needed to cover the travel distance and the likely size of any fire. In small offices, water or foam units may be enough. In workshops, a mix of foam, CO2 and dry powder may be better. In kitchens, wet chemical is essential. Update the document after any change and review it at least once a year.

Select, site and label the right fire extinguishers

Choose quality units with clear labels and simple instructions. Check the rating code, such as 13A or 55B, which shows how effective the unit is on test fires. Higher numbers mean more power but also more weight, so aim for a balance that staff can handle. Mount units so the handle is easy to reach. Place them on escape routes and near doors so a person can approach from a safe side. Use signs placed above the unit so they can be seen over furniture or stock.

Train, maintain and review

Arrange induction training for new starters and refresher sessions each year. Practical sessions with a live trainer build confidence, but even a short class helps staff remember key steps. Keep a brief guide in your fire policy. Book annual services with a competent company and diary the date. Carry out quick monthly checks and record them. After any fire or false alarm, hold a short review to capture lessons and improve the plan.