Fire extinguisher guidelines updated
Main reference
The British Standards Institution publishes documents which summarise industry experts’ opinions. They are credible sources of information which are quoted in the courts and government codes of practice. For example, BS5306-8 which covers “the selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers” is cross-referenced in government fire risk assessment guidance.
BS5306-8 is a priced publication, and an expensive one at that, so unless you have access to British Standards documents through a library service you probably won’t wish to purchase it. What’s more important is to take note of the key requirements. Tip. Our Fire Extinguisher Selection Guide outlines the main points covered in this British Standard (click here ).
What’s covered?
The guidance gives recommendations to apply when choosing and positioning fire extinguishers. It runs through the characteristics of different types, e.g. those suited to fight fires involving organic materials, flammable liquids or live electrical equipment. The contents also help fire risk assessors to decide the best place to site each extinguisher including spacing and accessibility.
What’s new?
This British Standard has been completely overhauled, with additional content on the impact of extinguishing media on people, property and the environment. For example, concerns about the environmental impact of fire-fighting foams has now been addressed with advice that they cannot be discharged to surface drains or ground water.
Tip. Extinguishers undergoing an extended service are emptied and recharged. It’s therefore worthwhile considering the added cost which may be incurred for the safe disposal of “water-based media” including foams and dry powder.
Beware dry powder
Dry powder extinguishers are effective on different types of fire, however, there are also potential downsides, e.g. when discharged they reduce visibility, impair breathing and cause collateral damage. This is because the fine powder sticks to surfaces and gets into tiny spaces such as in electronic equipment. Additional advice included in this version of BS5306-8 explains that the powder will be suspended in the air for a while so cleaning up may be required more than once.
Easy access
There are standard rules about maximum travel distances to reach extinguishers, e.g. 30m to an A-rated extinguisher and 10m to most other types. These rules are long-established. Tip. Under the previous version of BS5306-8 , if doors obstructed the route to an extinguisher, readers were advised to simply “reduce” the travel distance. The update makes this clearer: where it’s necessary to pass through a door to reach an extinguisher, you should reduce the distance allowed by 5m per door. Tip. It shouldn’t be necessary to pass through a key pad or card-operated security door in order to reach an extinguisher.
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