Q, Why do I need my Fire Extinguishers serviced?

A, To comply fully with your legal requirements to provide safe environment for your occupants, employees, public, etc.

Q, What benefit does the Fire Extinguisher service give me and my business?

A, Full compliance to your legal obligation and insurance requirements; along with total “peace of mind”.

Q, Does my business need its Fire Extinguishers serviced?

A, Yes no one is exempt, extinguishers are fitted as a requirement of planning laws and thus must be maintained.

Q, Do I need my Fire Extinguishers serviced every year?

A, Yes, under BS5306-3

Q, What is British Standard BS5306-3

A, This is the standard which controls the way we carry out your service of portable fire extinguishers. It requires a minimum of an annual service to ensure they operate when required.

Q, What is British Standard BS5306-8

A, This is a standard which gives advice and guidance on the suitability and positioning of portable fire extinguishers.

Q, What does the engineer do during his visit?

A, Check that every extinguisher is working, clean, sealed and labelled and importantly, is suitable for its environment.

Q, Does the engineers visit, disrupt my business?

A, Our engineers are flexible and normally work around any disruption issues.

Q, What do I get at the end of the Fire Extinguisher service?

A, Certificate detailing our visit and when next service is due, requirement report if needed and engineers service report.

Q, What are different types of Extinguishers used for?

A, Please call the office for further details.

Q, How long do Fire extinguishers last?

A, The normal shelf life is between 5 to 10 years depending on the type of extinguisher.

Q, What is commissioning of an Extinguisher

A, Commissioning of an extinguisher will have the same checks as a service however these checks will be a lot more thorough to make sure there are no damages and any corrosion on the extinguisher.

Q, What is a Fire risk assessment and why do I need one?

A, A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement. It is your duty to identify fire risks and hazards in your premises and take appropriate action.

Q, What are the legal requirements for fire safety in the workplace?

A, Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all employers must ensure that their premises meet fire safety standards. This includes conducting fire risk assessments, implementing fire safety measures, maintaining fire detection and alarm systems, and providing staff training.

Q, Why do businesses need fire alarms?

A, Fire alarms are essential to alert occupants to the presence of a fire, allowing for timely evacuation and potentially saving lives.

Q, What are the legal requirements for fire alarms in businesses?

A, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that all businesses must have appropriate fire detection and warning systems, including fire alarms, which are regularly maintained and tested.

Q, How often should fire alarms be tested?

A, Fire alarms should be tested weekly by a responsible person within the business. A more thorough test by a competent professional should be conducted at least annually.

Q, What types of fire alarms are there?

A, There are primarily two types: conventional and addressable. Conventional systems divide the premises into zones, while addressable systems pinpoint the exact location of a triggered alarm.

Q, How do fire alarms work?

A, Fire alarms detect smoke, heat, or both. When triggered, they activate audible and visual alarms to alert occupants, enabling swift evacuation.

Q, Who should install and maintain fire alarms?

A, Fire alarms should be installed and maintained by competent fire safety professionals or companies experienced in compliance with British Standards and legal requirements.

Q, What should I do if my fire alarm goes off?

A, Immediately evacuate the building using the nearest safe exit and gather at the designated assembly point. Do not re-enter until it is declared safe to do so by the fire authorities.

Q, Can I silence a fire alarm once it has been activated?

A, No, fire alarms should never be silenced unless a fire warden or responsible person has confirmed it is a false alarm. Silencing without verification can endanger lives and is against fire safety protocols.

Q, How can I ensure my fire alarm system is reliable?

A, Regular testing, maintenance by qualified professionals, and compliance with British Standards (e.g., BS 5839) are essential to ensure the reliability of your fire alarm system.

Q, Why do businesses need emergency lighting?

A, Emergency lighting ensures safe evacuation of premises during power outages or emergencies by providing illumination along escape routes and exits.

Q, What are the legal requirements for emergency lighting in businesses?

A, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 stipulates that all non-domestic premises must have adequate emergency lighting systems, maintained in accordance with British Standards (e.g., BS 5266).

Q, How often should emergency lighting be tested?

A, Emergency lighting systems should undergo a monthly functional test and an annual full duration test (usually for 1-3 hours) to ensure they operate correctly during a power failure.

Q, What types of emergency lighting systems are there?

A, There are three main types: escape route lighting, open area lighting, and high-risk task area lighting. Each serves specific purposes to facilitate safe evacuation.

Q, Who should install and maintain emergency lighting?

A, Emergency lighting systems should be installed and maintained by competent professionals familiar with British Standards and regulatory requirements.

Q, What should I do if emergency lighting fails during an emergency?

A, In the event of emergency lighting failure, use alternative light sources (e.g., torches, mobile phone lights) and proceed cautiously to evacuate using familiar escape routes.

Q, Can emergency lighting be integrated with fire alarm systems?

A, Yes, integrated systems can activate emergency lighting upon detection of a fire alarm signal to enhance evacuation safety.

Q, How can I ensure my emergency lighting system is reliable?

A, Regular testing, maintenance by qualified professionals, and compliance with British Standards (e.g., BS 5266) are crucial to ensure the reliability of your emergency lighting system.

Q, Are there specific requirements for emergency lighting in different types of businesses?

A, Yes, requirements may vary based on the size, layout, and usage of premises. It’s essential to consult with fire safety professionals to determine specific needs.

For more detailed information on fire safety regulations and best practices, you can visit the UK Government Fire Safety Page.