When it comes to using a fire extinguisher to control a fire, it isn’t just a case of grabbing the one nearest and pointing it at the fire in question. For a start, fire extinguishers need to be positioned in the right place to be accessed quickly, plus they need to be the correct type and used in the right way.
Our fantastic team of knowledgeable and experienced experts will come up with a tailored series of options for your business, identifying key threats and outlining how your staff can be best equipped to nullify any potential dangers as quickly and effectively as possible.
In an ideal world, education and training will leave all of your staff ready to deal with a blaze as soon as they become aware of it – but panic might make this easier said than done. That’s why we back up our comprehensive training with clear and concise signage, ensuring the right guidance is available in high-pressure situations.
Fire Extinguisher Accessories
Fire extinguishers are just one of many safety tools that can be used by your staff to ensure the safety of themselves and your business. Our teams will also outline other vital options available, such as fire hoses and fire blankets, to make sure that your business complies with any government legislation associated with your specific industry and situation.
Why Choose Central FS for Fire Extinguisher Installation in Scotland?
Having fire extinguishers in your building is not enough to prevent a fire, and improper use and placement will nullify their effectiveness. To ensure your business takes full advantage of these incredible safety tools, speak to Central FS today by contacting us by phone on 0141 530 1244 or email at [email protected].
Types of Fire Extinguisher
If you are fitting out new premises, or your fire risk assessment has flagged gaps, we supply and install the right extinguishers for the building. We work out the classes of fire you could face, choose the correct units and sizes, and mount them where they will actually be reached, near exits and known risk points.
New extinguishers are commissioned on installation to BS 5306, so they are ready and certified from day one. Once they are in, we hand over the paperwork and set the first service date, so they stay on your maintenance schedule from the start rather than being forgotten until something goes wrong.
Water Fire Extinguishers
These fire extinguishers – identified by their red markings – shoot a pressurised jet of water at a fire in order to extinguish the blaze and soak any flammable objects in the vicinity to prevent re-ignition.
For use against organic material such as:
- Wood
- Paper
- Textiles
- Plastics
DO NOT use on:
- Flammable Liquids
- Electrical Fires
Foam Fire Extinguishers
All fires need oxygen in order to continue their reaction. Foam fire extinguishers work by smothering the fire and cutting it off from its source of oxygen.
These can be identified by their beige markings and can be used on:
- Flammable Liquids
- Wood
- Paper
- Textiles
- Plastics
DO NOT use on:
- Electrical Fires
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers work on the same principle as their foam equivalents by cutting off supplies of oxygen to a fire. They do this by blasting a problem area with so much C02 that no oxygen can reach the blaze and fuel the fire.
These can be recognised by their black markings and are effective against:
- Flammable Liquids
- Electrical Fires
DO NOT use on:
- Fires within a confined space
Powder Fire Extinguishers
Powder fire extinguishers are an all-rounder that can be employed in most situations. Again, they work by smothering the fuel of oxygen meaning that the fire can no longer burn. It should be noted that as they do not cool the fire, re-ignition is a risk. These can be identified by their blue markings and are useful against:
- Wood
- Paper
- Textiles
- Flammable Liquids
- Gaseous Fires
- Live Electrical Equipment
Fire extinguisher training and signage
The right extinguishers still need people who can use them under pressure. We provide fire extinguisher training that shows your team which unit to use on which fire, how to use it safely, and when to get everyone out instead of fighting it. We back the training with clear signage at each extinguisher point, so the guidance is there in the moment even if the training slips someone’s mind. For higher-risk sites, we can run refresher sessions each year so new staff are covered too.
Fire hoses, reels and blankets
Extinguishers are one part of a building’s fire safety equipment. Depending on your premises, we also supply and maintain fire hose reels for larger areas, and fire blankets for kitchens and workshops where a quick smother is safer than a spray. We look at the whole set-up and make sure it fits how your building is actually used.
How many fire extinguishers do you need?
The number, type and placement of extinguishers a building needs comes down to its size, layout and the risks in it, and that is exactly what a fire risk assessment works out. If you are not sure whether you have enough of the right units, we can assess the building, give you a clear plan, and make sure you are covered and compliant.
Why choose Central FS
We are a BAFE accredited fire, security and electrical contractor, so extinguisher servicing sits alongside your fire alarms, emergency lighting and the rest of your fire safety under one provider. We bring all your fire protection services together in one place. Our engineers have years of experience in the fire industry and are qualified to service and certify extinguishers to BS 5306. Because we are local, an annual visit or an urgent replacement does not mean waiting days for someone to travel. You get one point of contact for the lot, one set of certificates, and an engineer who already knows your building.
Plenty of our clients also have us handle their PAT testing and electrical safety checks on the same visit, which keeps their whole compliance file in one place.
Fire extinguishers across Glasgow and Central Scotland
We supply, install and service fire extinguishers across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and the wider Central Belt, and cover the whole of Scotland from our Glasgow and Perth bases. Whether it is one extinguisher for a small shop or a full set across several sites, we can supply, install, service and maintain the lot on one schedule.
Fire extinguisher questions answered
How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?
At least once a year. A basic service every twelve months is the standard under BS 5306, with an extended service at five years and a CO2 overhaul at ten. Annual servicing is how you meet your maintenance duty under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, so for a business it is effectively a legal requirement.
How much does a fire extinguisher cost?
It depends on the type and size, and whether you are buying new units or servicing existing ones. Servicing is charged per extinguisher and costs far less than replacement, which is why keeping units maintained pays off. We give you a clear price before any work, so call 0141 530 1244 for a quote.
How do I dispose of old fire extinguishers in Scotland?
Old extinguishers are pressurised, so they cannot go in the normal bin or skip. We remove and dispose of expired or discharged units properly when we service or replace your kit, so you do not have to work out how to get rid of them.
Which fire extinguisher is being phased out in the UK?
Foam extinguishers that contain PFAS chemicals are being phased out across the UK on environmental grounds. If you have older foam units, we can advise on fluorine-free foam or water mist replacements when the time comes to change them.
Do fire extinguishers expire?
They do. Most extinguishers last around ten years with regular servicing, after which they need replacing, and CO2 units have their own overhaul point. Servicing spots units that are corroding, losing pressure or past their life, so problems are caught long before an extinguisher would fail in an emergency.
Is a 2kg fire extinguisher enough for a home?
For a home, a small multi-purpose extinguisher plus a fire blanket in the kitchen is a sensible minimum, though interlinked smoke alarms matter more for getting everyone out safely. For a business, your fire risk assessment sets the size and number of extinguishers you need.
Book fire extinguisher servicing or supply
To arrange fire extinguisher servicing, supply or installation in Glasgow or anywhere across Central Scotland, call our Glasgow office on 0141 530 1244 or Perth on 01738 500006, or book a free survey. We will check what you have, tell you what you need, and keep your extinguishers serviced and compliant.
