A recent article released by the Fire Industry Association (FIA) underlines the importance of fire extinguishers in commercial and public buildings and the need for fully working and most importantly, commissioned extinguishers, to be available.
Following a survey commissioned by the FIA in 2003, 2008, and then most recently in 2021, some key trends have emerged, and most importantly the number of fires being successfully extinguished by portable extinguishers has increased from 80% in 2003 to 93% in 2021.
portable fire extinguishers
Apart from the obvious danger to life posed by a fire, its effect on a business can be devastating, possibly leading to the closure of the business. Having portable fire extinguishers available makes it possible to quickly react to a fire and extinguish it before it becomes a serious threat.
Users should have the fire extinguishers commissioned by an approved company
One important factor we at FASS cannot stress enough. If users own a commercial or public building, users should have the fire extinguishers commissioned by an approved, professional company. Buying cheaper extinguishers online means they will be unchecked for safety and suitability, most importantly not commissioned, which will almost certainly invalidate users' insurance.
High-quality fire extinguishers
FIA can supply high-quality fire extinguishers in a range of finishes that will be fully commissioned and ready for use. In addition, FIA will price match any other company's fully commissioned extinguisher on like-for-like bases (i.e. size and extinguishant media).
FIA is happy to advise users of the correct extinguisher or carry out a full fire safety survey of the site. Their technicians are all salaried and not on commission, therefor the advice they provide is the correct advice for the user’s circumstances, not influenced by sales targets or commissions.
2006 Fire Safety Order
One of the main improvements is to make sure the most suitable extinguisher is the nearest one to any known hazard
The 2006 Fire Safety Order made fire legislation easier for employers to understand what they need to do to comply. The installation standard (BS5306-8) has been revised twice.
One of the main improvements has been to make sure the most suitable extinguisher is the nearest one to any known hazard e.g. a Wet Chemical extinguisher (most suitable for cooking oil/fat fires) in or near kitchens; a Carbon Dioxide or Powder extinguisher (most suitable for petrol fires) in motor garages or a water-based extinguisher (most suitable for cardboard and clothing fires) in office/retail environments.
More uniform and intuitive
The way to use an extinguisher has become more uniform and intuitive. Whilst training the use of extinguishers is essential, they are very simple to operate and easy to use. These factors combined have significantly improved the reaction time and chance of quickly extinguishing a fire before it spreads.
FASS can supply and commission a full range of fire extinguishers; in addition, FIA can carry out a full fire safety survey or even provide staff training courses on the correct use of an extinguisher.
