Our Guide On Where To Buy A Fire Extinguisher

If a fire risk assessment or service has flagged that your commercial premises require new fire extinguishers, it’s imperative that you source them from the right place. As a business owner, while you may be tempted by cheap online deals, you have a legal duty of care to make sure the equipment you purchase is legal and compliant.

In this blog, we’ll look into the different factors to consider when it comes to buying a new fire extinguisher, so you can be rest assured knowing that you and your staff will be protected in the event of a fire.

What type of fire extinguisher do I need?

To determine which type of fire extinguisher you need for your commercial building, you first need to understand the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses. Each type of fire extinguisher has been specifically designed to tackle various forms of fire, and it’s vital to ensure you have the right one for your environment.

You can get a better understanding of which type you need for adequate protection by conducting a comprehensive fire risk assessment, which will identify specific fire hazards in your building. This thorough assessment will provide insight into which fire protection measures you need to implement to minimise the risk of fire, including what type of fire extinguisher is right for your business.

It’s important to remember that it’s also a legal requirement for commercial premises to conduct a fire risk assessment to ensure the safety of their building and its occupants. You can consult a professional fire safety company, like City Fire Protection, if you’re unsure on how to do this.

 Where is the best place to buy a fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers must be sourced from a reputable fire protection specialist and not from questionable sources, such as pre-owned sites or unregulated providers. In order for them to be legal and compliant with regulations, all fire extinguishers must be installed by a certified fire safety company, like City Fire Protection, who will commission them on site.

It’s often mistaken that every fire extinguisher can be used interchangeably for different types of fire – however, this is not the case as we’ve mentioned. For example, using a water fire extinguisher on an electrical fire can have life-threatening consequences. 

When you buy a fire extinguisher from a credible fire safety company, it means you will receive expert advice on the most suitable types for your building and where they need to be installed. A professional website with a list of industry accreditations and positive reviews are all sure-fire ways of choosing the right company to buy fire extinguishers from.

Key considerations for fire extinguishers in commercial buildings

As mentioned, employers have a legal duty of care to protect the health and safety of their staff. Putting their lives at risk with the wrong type of fire extinguisher or unregulated equipment is irresponsible. That’s why it’s crucial to seek professional advice from an experienced fire safety expert who will provide you with the right guidance.

In the event of a fire in a commercial building, the authorities will investigate any breaches  of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to ensure the appropriate action is taken. If any breaches have been made, the designated ‘responsible person’, usually the business owner, manager, or building owner, could be fined or even prosecuted if the fire safety equipment is proven to be particularly below standards. 

It’s important to note that the onus doesn’t fall on the online supplier you buy a fire extinguisher from. It is the responsibility of the responsible person to ensure the correct type of equipment is implemented and if they buy from an unreputable source, they can unknowingly put themselves at risk of punishment.

Is it cheaper to buy fire extinguishers online?

There’s no denying that everyone loves finding a good deal when it comes to buying fire extinguishers, however it shouldn’t be at the expense of your employees safety. When you buy a fire extinguisher, it’s vital that you don’t scrimp on quality for the sake of saving a few coins, as cheaper isn’t always better. In fact, low prices found online are often cheaper models that don’t meet the correct standards and aren’t always legal or compliant.

A reputable company, like City Fire Protection, will offer competitive prices based on your fire safety requirements. This means you’ll more than likely pay a more reasonable price for an expert service you need with no hidden costs. It will also give you peace of mind that your fire extinguishers have been sourced and installed professionally, and that you’re in compliance with fire safety legislation.

Can I buy second-hand fire extinguishers?

Purchasing a second-hand fire extinguisher may seem like a cost-effective option, but it’s strongly recommended that you don’t do this. Just like purchasing cheap equipment online brings its own safety risks, so too does buying a second-hand fire extinguisher.

This is because the fire extinguisher may have been improperly maintained and may also have concealed damage, such as cracks or corrosion that could compromise their effectiveness in the event of a fire. 

To ensure the safety of yourself, your employees, and your building, it’s essential to buy a fire extinguisher from a reputable supplier so it’s fully functional and is up to safety standards, which also means it’s legal and compliant.

Speak to our experts for more advice

We hope our guide on where to buy a fire extinguisher has given you a little more insight into where to source this vital piece of fire fighting equipment. Ultimately, where you buy a fire extinguisher makes all the difference to the safety of your premises and your staff, as well as its effectiveness in the event of an emergency, and so the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Here at City Fire Protection, we supply high-quality fire extinguishers to commercial customers throughout London and Birmingham, as well as across the UK with our sister brands. If you’re looking to buy new fire extinguishers, or you need to service your current extinguishers, get in touch with our experienced team today for a free quote.

Buying a fire extinguisher FAQs

How do I know when a fire extinguisher needs to be replaced?

To learn if your fire extinguisher needs to be replaced, check the pressure gauge. If the needle is in the green zone, it’s still charged. If it’s in the red zone, it needs to be serviced or replaced. Be sure to also look for signs of damage, rust, or a broken seal, which may indicate the need for a replacement. Most extinguishers have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, but you check the expiration date of your extinguisher on the label.

Where should I place fire extinguishers in my business?

Fire extinguishers should be placed in accessible locations, such as near exits for example and you should avoid areas where access may be obstructed. Speak to a professional fire safety company for more advice on where your fire extinguishers should be placed specific to your environment.

How do I dispose of an old fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers should never be thrown in the bin. Instead, you should contact your local fire service or recycling centre for information on how to properly dispose of or recycle an old extinguisher.