Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of running a business, yet it’s often overlooked until an emergency strikes. A fire can devastate a workplace in minutes, putting employees, customers, and assets at serious risk. The good news? With the right fire safety equipment in place, you can minimise damage, protect lives, and stay compliant with fire safety regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential fire safety tools every business needs, how they work, and why regular maintenance is just as important as having them in the first place.
Fire Extinguishers: Your First Line Of Defence
Fire extinguishers are a must-have in every business, but did you know there are different types for different fire hazards? Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse, so it’s crucial to have the right ones in the right places.
The Five Main Types Of Fire Extinguishers:
- Water (Red Label) - Best for fires involving paper, wood, and textiles
- Foam (Cream Label) - Good for flammable liquids like petrol and oil
- CO₂ (Black Label) - Ideal for electrical fires
- Dry Powder (Blue Label) - A versatile option that works on most fire types, including gas fires.
- Wet Chemical (Yellow Label) - Specifically designed for kitchen fires involving cooking oils
Where To Place Fire Extinguishers In A Workplace:
- Offices: CO₂ extinguishers for electrical equipment.
- Kitchens: Wet chemical extinguishers for grease fires.
- Warehouses: Dry powder extinguishers for flammable materials.
- Reception Areas And Hallways: Foam or water extinguishers for general use.
Regular Maintenance Matters!
Fire extinguishers need to be serviced annually by a professional and checked monthly to ensure they’re in good working order. A damaged or expired extinguisher is useless in an emergency!
Fire Alarms: The Early Warning System
Fire alarms are the lifeline of fire safety - they provide an early warning so people can evacuate before the fire spreads. Every business is legally required to have a fire detection system, but not all fire alarms are the same.
Types Of Fire Alarm Systems:
- Conventional Fire Alarms - Divide a building into zones to pinpoint where a fire is detected.
- Addressable Fire Alarms - More advanced, pinpointing the exact location of the fire.
- Wireless Fire Alarms - Flexible and easy to install in older buildings or places where wiring is a challenge.
Fire Alarm Maintenance Checklist:
- Weekly Testing: Press the alarm button to ensure it works.
- Quarterly Servicing: A fire safety professional should check wiring and sensors.
- Annual Inspection: A full system review should be carried out.
Remember, a fire alarm only works if people respond to it - ensure your team knows the evacuation plan!
Emergency Lighting: Illuminating The Way To Safety
Imagine a fire breaking out and the power going out. Would your staff know where to go in the dark? That’s where emergency lighting comes in - it guides people to exits during power failures or thick smoke conditions.
Where Emergency Lighting Is Needed:
- Hallways and stairwells
- Fire exits and doorways
- High-risk areas (kitchens, manufacturing zones)
- Large open-plan offices or warehouses
Testing & Maintenance:
- Monthly: Quick flick test to check functionality.
- Annually: A full discharge test to ensure lights stay on for at least 3 hours.
A well-lit escape route could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Fire Doors: Keeping Flames Contained
Fire doors slow down the spread of fire and smoke, giving people more time to evacuate safely. They are a legal requirement in most commercial buildings.
What Makes A Fire Door Effective?
- Must self-close and latch properly.
- Should have an intumescent strip (which expands in heat to block smoke).
- Cannot be propped open - this is a common fire safety violation!
Regular checks ensure fire doors aren’t damaged or blocked, and their seals remain intact.
Sprinkler Systems: Automatic Fire Suppression
A sprinkler system can stop a fire before it spreads, reducing damage and saving lives. They’re often required in large buildings, warehouses, and high-risk workplaces.
The Types Of Sprinkler Systems:
- Wet Pipe Systems – Always filled with water, ready to activate.
- Dry Pipe Systems – Used in areas where pipes might freeze, filled with pressurised air.
- Deluge Systems – Used in high-risk zones like chemical plants, releasing a flood of water when triggered.
Maintenance:
Sprinklers should be inspected annually and tested to ensure water pressure and flow rates are correct.
Fire Blankets: A Must-Have For Kitchens & Small Fires
Fire blankets are crucial in kitchens or places where small fires can ignite. They’re designed to smother flames by cutting off the oxygen supply.
How To Use A Fire Blanket:
- Pull the blanket from its case.
- Hold it in front of you like a shield.
- Gently place it over the fire or wrap it around a person if clothing is on fire.
These are particularly useful for grease fires, where using water could make things worse.
A Safe Workplace Starts With The Right Tools
Fire safety isn’t just about having equipment - it’s about keeping it in working order and training your team on how to use it effectively.
The Key Takeaways:
- Fire extinguishers need the right type for the right fire.
- Fire alarms should be tested weekly to ensure they work.
- Emergency lighting is essential for safe evacuation.
- Fire doors must remain closed and functional.
- Sprinkler systems prevent fires from spreading.
- Fire blankets are perfect for small, fast-spreading fires.
Regular maintenance, staff training, and compliance with fire safety laws will not only protect your business but could also save lives. If you’re unsure whether your fire safety setup is up to scratch, consider getting a professional fire risk assessment - better safe than sorry!
