Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fire extinguishers?
Yes, by law, employers must provide their staff with adequate means of tackling a fire in the workplace.
Do I need to get my fire extinguishers serviced?
Yes, there is also a legal obligation in Scotland for a competent person to annually service the fire extinguishers to BS 5306 Pt 3 2009. Workplaces must also carry out checks, at least monthly, to ensure all fire extinguishers are maintained in working order and in good repair between services.
How many fire extinguishers will I need? This will depend on the size and amount of risk associated with your premise. Contact the Fire Scotland engineer for advice.
Where should these Fire Extinguishers be located?
As in British standards 5306-8; 2012 usually at the top and bottom of the stairs, entrances, fire exits and and storey exits, at Manual Call Points and adjacent to the fire risk. Phone for 0131 663 3804 for advice.
Do I require a specific type of fire extinguisher?
This will again will depend on the type of risk associated with your premises. See buy Fire Extinguishers.
Water – The Water extinguisher is still one of the most useful and cost-effective ways to put out free-burning materials such as paper, wood and fabrics.
Foam – Spray foam extinguishers provide a fast, powerful means of tackling flammable liquids. The foam forms a seal over the surface to prevent re-ignition. Ideal for multi-risk usage and safe to use in close proximity to electrical equipment.
Dry Powder – Dry Powder is a highly versatile medium for tackling most types of fires. Extremely effective on electrical hazards, flammable liquids and gases, which makes this ideal for vehicle fires.
Carbon Dioxide - For electrical fires or flammable liquids CO2 is ideal. Harmless to electrical equipment and so is ideal for offices and workshops. Both these extinguishers have non-conductive, anti-static horns.
Specialist Powder – These extinguishers are highly effective against metal fires such as lithium, sodium, magnesium and aluminium when in the form of powder or swarf. Their unique lance applicator is designed to allow the powder to fall gently over the fire to prevent burning material from spreading.
What qualifications are required to carry out Fire Extinguisher Servicing?
Servicing should be carried out by a competent person with sufficient training, experience, knowledge and other qualities to enable them to undertake the task. Fire Scotland's engineers are FETA trained which is endorsed by the British Standard Institute.
How often should our Fire Extinguishers be serviced?
It is recommended that all fire extinguishers are serviced at least annually although monthly inspections should also be carried out by the fire warden to check the extinguisher’s tamper proof seal is intact and that the internal pressure is at an acceptable level.
How much will servicing cost?
There is a minimum call out charge is £19.00 for the site visit and this includes your Fire Scotland 'Certificate of Service'
Your Fixed Price Fire Extinguisher Service is £5.50 per appliance; so if you had 10 fire extinguishers your cost would be £55.00 plus the site visit cost of £19.00=Total bill of £74.00.