Where’s the Best Place to Buy Fire Extinguishers?
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, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 you have a duty of care to make sure the equipment you purchase is legal and compliant.
This article will look into the different factors to consider when it comes to buying a new fire extinguisher, so you can rest assured knowing that you and your staff will be protected in the event of a fire.
Where is the best place to buy fire extinguishers?
Fire extinguishers need to be sourced from a reputable fire protection specialist and not from questionable sources such as pre-owned sites or unregulated providers. For them to be legal, all fire extinguishers must be installed by a certified fire safety company who will commission them on site.
People can mistakenly think that fire extinguishers all do a similar job and can be used interchangeably for different types of fire – however, this is not the case. For example, using a water fire extinguisher on an electrical fire can have life-threatening consequences. Purchasing fire extinguishers from a credible fire safety company means you will receive expert advice on the most suitable type for your building and where they need to be located. A professional website, list of industry accreditations and positive reviews are all sure-fire ways of choosing the right kind of company.
What are the considerations for fire extinguishers in commercial buildings?
As mentioned, employers have a duty of care to protect the health and safety of their staff. Putting their lives at risk with second-hand or unregulated equipment is irresponsible, so it’s imperative to seek the advice of an experienced fire safety expert who will point you in the right direction.
In the event of a fire in a commercial building, the authorities will investigate any breaches of the Regulatory Reform Order (2005) to ensure the appropriate action is taken. As such, the designated responsible person could be fined or even prosecuted if the fire safety equipment is proven to be below standards. While they might argue that the onus falls on the online supplier they bought the equipment from, this is typically not the case and the responsible person can unknowingly put themselves at risk of punishment.
Is it cheaper to buy fire extinguishers online?
Everyone loves finding a good deal, however it shouldn’t be at the expense of employee safety. When it comes to buying a fire extinguisher, 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 will offer competitive prices based on your fire safety requirements – meaning you pay a reasonable price for the service you need with no hidden costs.
Can I buy second-hand fire extinguishers?
As purchasing cheap equipment online brings its own safety risks, so too does buying a second-hand fire extinguisher. This is because an old fire extinguisher might have concealed damage such as cracks or corrosion that you won’t discover until it’s too late.
Here at City Fire, 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 require new extinguishers, or need to service your current ones, get in touch with our experienced team today for a free quote.
