Most non-domestic premises in England and Wales need fire extinguishers. But the real questions are: what type, how many, and where should they be positioned?
Do you currently have fire extinguishers?
Let's check if you have the right setup.
When are fire extinguishers required?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 doesn't explicitly say "you must have fire extinguishers." Instead, it requires the responsible person to provide "appropriate fire-fighting equipment."
Your fire risk assessment determines what's appropriate. In practice, this means fire extinguishers for almost all non-domestic premises.
You definitely need fire extinguishers if:
Sleeping accommodation:
- Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs
- Care homes and nursing homes
- Student accommodation
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
- Hostels and shelters
Public buildings:
- Shops and retail premises
- Restaurants, pubs, and cafes
- Entertainment venues (cinemas, theatres, clubs)
- Places of worship
- Community centres and halls
Workplaces:
- Offices (even small ones)
- Factories and warehouses
- Workshops and garages
- Schools and colleges
- Hospitals and clinics
Commercial kitchens:
- Any premises with cooking equipment (especially deep fat fryers)
- Staff kitchens in offices
High-risk premises:
- Anywhere with flammable materials
- Premises with significant electrical equipment
- Storage facilities
- Industrial processes
If your premises falls under the Fire Safety Order 2005 (most non-domestic buildings do), you almost certainly need fire extinguishers. The question is not "if" but "what type and how many."
Exemptions and exceptions
Very few premises are genuinely exempt:
You may not need extinguishers if:
- Your premises is extremely low-risk with minimal combustible materials
- You have a comprehensive automatic suppression system (sprinklers) AND a fire engineer has confirmed extinguishers aren't necessary
- Your fire risk assessment specifically justifies their absence
- The fire authority has inspected and agreed they're not required
Even if not strictly legally required, insurance companies often mandate fire extinguishers. Check your policy terms. The absence of extinguishers could invalidate your cover.
What your fire risk assessment should say
Your fire risk assessment must consider:
- Fire risks present — What could catch fire? What ignition sources exist?
- People at risk — Who uses the premises? Could they fight a small fire safely?
- Other fire precautions — Do you have detection, alarms, sprinklers?
- Appropriate equipment — What type of extinguishers would be effective against your fire risks?
- Placement and accessibility — Where should extinguishers be positioned for maximum effectiveness?
The assessment should conclude with specific recommendations: "Provide X number of foam extinguishers in locations A, B, C, plus Y CO2 extinguishers near electrical equipment..."
Legal requirements under the Fire Safety Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Article 13(1)(a) requires:
"Where necessary... the responsible person must ensure that the premises are... equipped with appropriate fire-fighting equipment."
What "appropriate" means:
Type: Suitable for the classes of fire likely to occur Quantity: Enough to cover the premises adequately Location: Positioned where they're needed and accessible Maintenance: Properly serviced and in working order Training: Staff know where they are and how to use them
Your duties as responsible person:
- Provide suitable fire extinguishers based on your fire risk assessment
- Maintain them through annual servicing and monthly checks
- Train staff on their location and use
- Record maintenance, testing, and training activities
- Review adequacy when circumstances change
Failure to comply can result in:
- Enforcement notices requiring immediate action
- Prohibition notices preventing use of premises
- Prosecution with unlimited fines
- Imprisonment for up to 2 years for serious breaches
Restaurant fined after kitchen fire
A small chip pan fire in a restaurant kitchen spread because staff attempted to use a water extinguisher on burning oil, causing the fire to explode across the kitchen.
- ✗No wet chemical extinguisher (Class F) present in kitchen
- ✗Only water and foam extinguishers available
- ✗Staff had not been trained on which extinguisher to use
- ✗Fire risk assessment had not identified cooking oil fire risk
- ✗No fire blanket available as backup
Kitchen destroyed, restaurant closed for 3 months. Owner prosecuted for fire safety breaches and fined £12,000 plus costs. Insurance claim disputed due to inappropriate equipment.
Having the wrong type of extinguisher can be worse than having none. Commercial kitchens must have wet chemical extinguishers specifically designed for Class F fires. Staff training is essential.
How many extinguishers do I need?
The number depends on several factors:
Floor area coverage
BS 5306-3:2017 provides guidance based on floor area and risk level:
Minimum fire rating per floor:
For Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles):
- Low risk premises (offices, schools): Minimum 13A rating per 200m² floor area
- Normal risk premises (retail, hotels): Minimum 21A rating per 200m² floor area
- High risk premises (workshops, storage): Minimum 34A rating per 200m² floor area
What this means in practice:
Small office (100m²):
- Minimum: 1 × 6-litre water or foam extinguisher (13A rating)
- Plus: 1 × 2kg CO2 near electrical equipment
Medium retail shop (300m²):
- Minimum: 2 × 6-litre foam extinguishers (21A rating each)
- Plus: 1 × 5kg CO2 near tills/office
- Consider: 1 × fire blanket if staff kitchen
Large warehouse (1000m², normal combustibles):
- Minimum: 5 × 9-litre foam or water extinguishers (21A rating)
- Plus: Multiple CO2 extinguishers throughout
- Consider: Wheeled extinguishers for coverage
Fire Ratings Explained
13A Rating
- •Standard small extinguisher
- •Typically 6-litre water or foam
- •Suitable for low-risk areas
- •Covers up to 200m² (low risk)
- •Common in small offices
21A Rating
- •Larger or more effective extinguisher
- •Typically 9-litre water/foam or 6L with additives
- •Required for normal/high risk
- •Covers up to 200m² (normal risk)
- •Common in retail and hotels
Bottom line: The A rating indicates how effective the extinguisher is against Class A fires. Higher numbers mean more fire-fighting capacity. Your fire risk assessment determines what rating you need.
Travel distance
Extinguishers must be within reasonable reach:
Maximum travel distance to nearest extinguisher:
- Low risk: 30 metres
- Normal risk: 25 metres
- High risk: 15 metres
This means walking distance, not straight-line. Consider corridors, doorways, and actual routes people would take.
Practical example:
- L-shaped office 40m × 15m (600m²)
- If normal risk, need 3 × 21A extinguishers minimum
- BUT maximum 25m travel distance means you might need 4-5 positioned strategically
- Plus CO2 near IT equipment/server rooms
Specific fire risks
Additional extinguishers needed for:
Electrical equipment:
- CO2 extinguishers near server rooms, electrical cupboards, large IT installations
- One per floor minimum, more if significant electrical risk
Commercial kitchens:
- Wet chemical (Class F) extinguisher essential for cooking oils
- Position within 5 metres of cooking equipment
- Fire blanket as backup (NOT a substitute for wet chemical)
Vehicles and machinery:
- Consider powder extinguishers for garages, workshops
- Vehicle-mounted extinguishers for company vehicles
Flammable liquids:
- Foam or powder extinguishers near storage areas
- Appropriate signage about fire risks
Specialist risks:
- Metal working: Specialist Class D powder extinguishers
- Laboratories: Assessment of specific chemical risks
Your fire risk assessment should identify all these factors and specify exactly what extinguishers you need, where they should go, and what rating they should have. Generic advice is a starting point — your premises needs individual assessment.
Types of extinguishers needed for different fire classes
You need extinguishers that match the fire risks in your premises.
Understanding fire classes
Class A — Ordinary combustibles:
- Wood, paper, cardboard, textiles, most plastics
- Present in virtually all premises
- Use: Water, foam, or powder extinguishers
Class B — Flammable liquids:
- Petrol, diesel, oil, paint, solvents (not cooking oil)
- Common in workshops, garages, industrial premises
- Use: Foam, CO2, or powder extinguishers
Class C — Flammable gases:
- Propane, butane, LPG, natural gas
- Less common, usually from gas equipment or storage
- Use: Powder extinguishers (turn off gas supply if safe)
Class D — Flammable metals:
- Magnesium, titanium, lithium
- Rare, only specialist industrial settings
- Use: Specialist powder extinguishers only
Class F — Cooking oils and fats:
- Deep fat fryers, cooking equipment with significant oil/fat
- Commercial kitchens, fish & chip shops
- Use: Wet chemical extinguishers ONLY (water causes explosion)
Electrical fires:
- Computer equipment, electrical panels, machinery
- Present in almost all premises
- Use: CO2 extinguishers (non-conductive)
Which Extinguisher for Your Premises?
| Premises Type | Primary | Secondary | Optional | Typical Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Office | Water or Foam (Class A) | CO2 (electrical equipment) | Fire blanket (staff kitchen) | 2-3 water/foam, 1-2 CO2 per floor |
| Retail Shop | Foam (Class A + B) | CO2 (tills, electrics) | Water (if minimal liquid risk) | 3-5 foam, 1-2 CO2 per floor |
| Commercial Kitchen | Wet Chemical (Class F) - ESSENTIAL | Foam or CO2 (surrounding areas) | Fire blanket | 1-2 wet chemical, 1 foam/CO2, 1 blanket |
| Workshop/Garage | Foam (Class A + B) | Powder (Class B + C) | CO2 (electrical) | 3-4 foam, 1-2 powder/CO2 |
| Warehouse | Water or Foam (Class A) | CO2 (forklifts, electrics) | Larger wheeled units | Based on floor area |
| Hotel/B&B | Water or Foam (corridors, rooms) | CO2 (reception, electrics) | Wet chemical (if kitchen) | 4-6 water/foam, 2 CO2 per floor |
Match your premises type to the extinguishers you need.
Most common setup for typical premises:
General areas:
- Water or foam extinguishers (covers Class A, foam also covers Class B)
- 6-litre or 9-litre size depending on risk and floor area
Near electrical equipment:
- CO2 extinguishers (2kg or 5kg size)
- Server rooms, electrical cupboards, near computer equipment
Kitchens with cooking:
- Wet chemical extinguisher if any deep frying or significant oil use
- Fire blanket as additional precaution
Don't just buy "a mix of extinguishers." Your choice should be deliberate and based on your fire risk assessment. The wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse or cause injury.
Where to position fire extinguishers
Having the right extinguishers is useless if they're in the wrong place.
General positioning principles:
1. Near fire exits and escape routes
- People should grab an extinguisher on their way OUT, not go deeper into danger
- Position by final exit doors
- At the entrance to stairwells in multi-storey buildings
2. Near fire risks
- CO2 extinguishers close to electrical equipment
- Wet chemical within 5 metres of cooking equipment
- Foam near areas with flammable liquids
3. Visible and accessible
- Mount on wall brackets or stands (not left on floor)
- Clear signage above (white pictogram on red background)
- Never hidden behind doors, furniture, or storage
- Label facing outward so type is instantly recognisable
4. Consistent height
- Carrying handle typically 1 metre from floor
- May need lower positioning for accessibility in some areas
- All at similar height throughout building (easier to locate)
5. Protected from damage
- Not where they'll be knocked by vehicles, trolleys, or doors
- Protected from weather if outdoors
- Away from heat sources
6. Travel distance requirements
- As discussed earlier: 15-30m maximum depending on risk
- Measure walking distance, not straight-line
Signage requirements
Every extinguisher must have:
- Location sign: Mounted on wall above extinguisher (red sign with white pictogram)
- Clear instructions: On the extinguisher itself showing what fires it's suitable for
- Service label: Showing when it was last serviced
In large buildings:
- Fire safety plans showing extinguisher locations
- Floor plans at key points
- Directional signs if extinguishers not directly visible
Take photos of your extinguisher locations and create a simple floor plan. This helps with training new staff, insurance documentation, and fire service inspections. Update it whenever you add or move extinguishers.
Common positioning mistakes:
Too close together in one area:
- Leaving other areas uncovered
- Failing the travel distance test
Hidden from view:
- Behind doors that are usually open
- In cupboards or storage areas
- Under desks or counters
Wrong type near wrong risk:
- Water extinguisher by cooking equipment
- No CO2 near server room
- Wet chemical extinguisher nowhere near kitchen
Blocking access:
- Behind stock, equipment, or furniture
- In areas that get congested
- Obstructed by regular activities
Too high or too low:
- Out of reach for shorter users
- At floor level (trip hazard, hard to see)
- Inconsistent heights (harder to locate quickly)
Maintenance requirements
Fire extinguishers are only useful if they work when needed. Regular maintenance is a legal requirement.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Schedule
Check extinguisher present, undamaged, pressure gauge in green zone, pin intact
Full inspection and service by competent technician per BS 5306-3
Discharge, internal inspection, refill, and pressure testing
Replace or refill after any use, even partial. Replace if damaged
Annual servicing (basic service)
Legal requirement: Fire Safety Order 2005 requires maintenance of fire-fighting equipment
Standard: BS 5306-3:2017
Who can do it: Competent person — typically a certified fire safety equipment company (look for BAFE, FIA, or NSI accreditation)
What's involved:
- Visual inspection for damage, corrosion, or leakage
- Check pressure gauge shows correct pressure
- Verify hose and nozzle are clear
- Confirm operating instructions are legible
- Check pin and tamper seal intact
- Test discharge mechanism
- Confirm within service life
- Apply dated service label
Cost: Typically £10-30 per extinguisher (service contracts often reduce unit cost)
Certificate: Service company should provide certificate listing all extinguishers serviced, any defects, and next service due
Extended service (5-year inspection)
What's involved:
- Full discharge and refill
- Internal inspection of cylinder
- Hydrostatic pressure testing (where required)
- Replace worn components
- Re-commission and seal
- New service label
Cost: More expensive (£30-60 per extinguisher) as requires refilling
Monthly in-house checks
Your responsibilities between annual services:
Check each extinguisher monthly for:
- Present in designated location
- Access not blocked
- Pressure gauge in green zone (if fitted)
- No obvious damage (dents, corrosion, leakage)
- Pin and tamper seal intact
- Signage still visible and correct
Record keeping:
- Keep a log of monthly checks (date, checker name, any issues)
- Note any defects and action taken
- File with your fire safety documentation
If an extinguisher is used — even partially discharged — it must be professionally refilled or replaced immediately. A half-empty extinguisher may not work effectively in an emergency. Remove it and arrange service or replacement the same day.
What to do if extinguisher fails inspection:
Minor issues (missing sign, low pressure, minor damage):
- Arrange repair/service within days
- Mark extinguisher as out of service
- Consider temporary replacement if coverage is inadequate
Major issues (severe damage, completely discharged, expired):
- Remove from service immediately
- Arrange replacement
- Do not attempt DIY repairs or refills
Training requirements for staff
Having extinguishers is pointless if nobody knows how to use them.
Legal requirement
Fire Safety Order 2005 Article 21 requires:
"The responsible person must ensure that his employees are provided with adequate safety training."
This includes instruction on fire-fighting equipment.
What training should cover:
Basic fire safety training (ALL staff):
- Location of fire extinguishers throughout premises
- Different types and their colour coding
- Which extinguisher for which type of fire
- When to fight a fire vs when to evacuate immediately
- How to raise the alarm
- Evacuation procedures and assembly points
Practical extinguisher training (recommended for key staff):
- Hands-on use with training extinguisher or simulator
- The PASS technique:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep from side to side
- Assessing if fire is safe to tackle
- Maintaining escape route while fighting fire
- When to stop and evacuate
Who needs training:
Everyone should receive:
- Fire safety induction on starting employment
- Annual refresher training
- Update training after any changes to premises or procedures
Designated staff should receive:
- Practical extinguisher training (fire wardens, supervisors, facilities managers)
- Refresher practical training every 1-2 years
Kitchen staff should receive:
- Specific training on wet chemical extinguishers and fire blankets
- Understanding why water/other extinguishers are dangerous on oil fires
- Annual practical refreshers (high-risk area)
When to Use an Extinguisher vs Evacuate
Fight the Fire IF
- •Fire is small (confined to one item/area)
- •You have the correct type of extinguisher
- •You've raised the alarm first
- •You have a clear escape route behind you
- •You've been trained and feel confident
- •No people at immediate risk
Evacuate Immediately IF
Recommended- •Fire is large or spreading rapidly
- •You're not sure which extinguisher to use
- •Smoke is thick or visibility poor
- •Your escape route could be cut off
- •You feel uncertain or unsafe
- •People need help evacuating
Bottom line: Personal safety always comes first. Fire extinguishers are for tackling SMALL fires in their early stages. There's no shame in evacuating — it's often the right decision. Emphasize this in training to prevent staff taking unnecessary risks.
Training methods:
Theory training:
- Classroom or online modules
- Explanation of fire classes and extinguisher types
- Show-and-tell with actual extinguishers
- Videos demonstrating use
Practical training:
- Live fire training with instructor (most realistic)
- CO2 training extinguishers (safe, reusable)
- Virtual reality fire simulators (increasingly available)
Cost:
- Basic fire safety training: £30-80 per person online, £200-500 for on-site group session
- Practical extinguisher training: £500-1,500 for on-site session (typically covers 10-20 people)
Providers:
- Local fire safety training companies
- Some fire services offer business training
- Health & safety consultancies
- Specialist fire training providers with mobile facilities
Record keeping:
Keep records of all fire safety training:
- Who was trained
- When they were trained
- What topics were covered
- Who provided the training
- When refresher training is due
Fire inspectors and insurance auditors will ask to see these records.
Never instruct staff to take heroic risks fighting fires. Make clear: the priority is always safe evacuation of people. Fire extinguishers are a tool for SMALL fires only. When in doubt, get out.
Exemptions and alternatives
Very few premises are genuinely exempt from needing fire extinguishers.
Small, low-risk premises
May potentially not require extinguishers if:
- Extremely small area (single small room)
- Very low fire load (minimal combustible materials)
- Immediate and easy evacuation
- Single occupant who is always alert
- Fire risk assessment specifically justifies absence
Example: Small outdoor kiosk with metal construction, minimal stock, single occupant with immediate exit
Reality: Even here, a small extinguisher is sensible and inexpensive. Explaining why you don't have one is harder than just having one.
Automatic suppression systems
Premises with sprinklers:
- Sprinklers control and suppress fire spread
- However, they don't eliminate the need for extinguishers
- Small fires can be tackled before sprinklers activate
- Localized fires may be extinguished without water damage
Specialist suppression systems:
- Kitchen suppression systems (for commercial cooking)
- Server room gas suppression
- These supplement, not replace, portable extinguishers
Alternative fire-fighting equipment
Fire blankets:
- Useful supplement, especially in kitchens
- NOT a substitute for wet chemical extinguishers in commercial kitchens
- Good for small fires, clothing fires, wrap-and-escape technique
- Cheap (£10-30) and require no servicing
Fire hoses (hydrant reels):
- Found in some larger buildings
- Not a replacement for extinguishers
- Require training to use effectively
- Can deliver large volumes of water
- Still need extinguishers as primary response
Don't try to find creative reasons not to have extinguishers. They're relatively inexpensive (£20-100 per unit), universally understood, expected by enforcers and insurers, and could save lives and property. The cost of explaining why you don't have them exceeds the cost of just providing them.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Size of workforce doesn't determine the need — fire risk does. Even a small office has computers, paperwork, and electrical equipment. A fire can start and spread quickly. At minimum, have 1 × water or foam extinguisher and 1 × CO2 extinguisher. They're inexpensive, and your insurance likely requires them.
Not recommended. Different fires need different extinguishers. At minimum, most premises need both Class A coverage (water/foam for combustibles) and electrical fire coverage (CO2). Using water on electrical fires risks electrocution. Having the wrong type can make fires worse.
Purchase costs: £20-40 for small water/CO2, £40-80 for larger foam, £50-100 for wet chemical. Annual servicing: £10-30 per extinguisher. For a typical small office (3 extinguishers), expect £150-250 initial purchase, then £50-100 per year for servicing. Compare this to potential fire damage or prosecution costs.
Extinguishers don't have fixed expiry dates, but have a service life typically of 10-20 years depending on type. They must be serviced annually. An extinguisher should be replaced if it fails inspection, is damaged, or the service engineer recommends replacement. The annual service confirms it's still safe and effective.
You can purchase extinguishers from various suppliers, but ensure they meet BS EN 3 standards (should be marked on the extinguisher). Installation is straightforward — mount on wall brackets at correct height with appropriate signage. However, getting professional advice on type, number, and positioning is recommended. Many companies offer supply-and-install packages.
If your fire risk assessment identifies the need (which it almost certainly will), not providing extinguishers breaches the Fire Safety Order 2005. Consequences include: enforcement notices requiring immediate compliance, prohibition notices preventing use of premises, prosecution with unlimited fines, potential imprisonment for serious breaches, and insurance claims may be denied.
Not necessarily. Positioning is based on travel distance (typically max 25m in normal risk premises) and proximity to specific risks. Multiple rooms can be covered by extinguishers in corridors/communal areas, unless specific rooms have high fire risks (kitchens, server rooms, storage areas with flammables).
They should be inspected by a competent person immediately. If they've missed multiple services, they may be unreliable and could need replacing. Pressure may have dropped, seals deteriorated, or internal components degraded. Don't rely on unserviced extinguishers. Get them professionally inspected or replace them.
Single-family rental properties don't usually require fire extinguishers under fire safety law (though battery smoke alarms are mandatory). However, HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) and blocks of flats need extinguishers in common areas. Check with your local authority's HMO licensing team for specific requirements.
Yes, if it's a rechargeable type (most modern extinguishers are). Contact your fire extinguisher service company immediately. They'll inspect, refill, and re-commission it. Never attempt to refill it yourself. In some cases (small or old extinguishers), replacement may be more cost-effective than refilling.
Next steps
Now you understand the requirements, here's what to do:
1. Review your fire risk assessment
- Does it specify what extinguishers you need?
- If not, update it to include fire-fighting equipment requirements
2. Audit your current provision
- Do you have the right types for your fire risks?
- Are there enough based on floor area and travel distance?
- Are they positioned correctly?
- Have they been serviced in the last year?
3. Fill any gaps
- Purchase additional or replacement extinguishers as needed
- Arrange installation with appropriate signage
- Book annual servicing contract
4. Train your staff
- Ensure everyone knows where extinguishers are
- Explain which type for which fire
- Emphasize personal safety and when to evacuate
- Arrange practical training for key staff
5. Establish maintenance routine
- Monthly visual checks (record in logbook)
- Annual professional servicing
- Immediate replacement after any use
Related articles:
- Fire Extinguisher Types: Complete Guide — Detailed explanation of all extinguisher types and fire classes
- What is a Fire Risk Assessment? — Understand the assessment that determines your needs
- Fire Alarm Systems Explained — Another essential part of fire safety
Not sure what fire extinguishers you need or where to position them? A fire risk assessor can evaluate your premises and recommend the right fire-fighting equipment for your specific circumstances.