Approved Fire Extinguishers — UK Requirements for Businesses
What makes a fire extinguisher 'approved' in the UK? We cover the standards, kitemark certification, approved types for each fire class, and what businesses must do to stay compliant.
What Does 'Approved' Mean for Fire Extinguishers in the UK?
In the UK, approved fire extinguishers are those manufactured and tested to BS EN 3 — the European Standard for portable fire extinguishers. Extinguishers bearing the BSI Kitemark or a CE mark and tested to BS EN 3 are considered approved for use in UK commercial premises. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that firefighting equipment provided is 'suitable' — in practice, this means BS EN 3 compliant units.
Approved Extinguisher Types for Each Fire Class
Water extinguishers (red): Class A fires — wood, paper, textiles. Foam extinguishers (cream): Class A and B fires — general use and flammable liquids. CO2 extinguishers (black band): electrical fires and Class B. Dry powder extinguishers (blue): Class A, B and C — multi-purpose but not recommended indoors due to obscuration. Wet chemical extinguishers (yellow): Class F — commercial kitchens and cooking oil fires.
Do Extinguishers Need to Be Kitemarked?
The BSI Kitemark on a fire extinguisher confirms it has been independently tested and certified to BS EN 3. While the Kitemark is not explicitly mandated by law, it provides the most straightforward evidence that an extinguisher meets the required standard. Purchasing Kitemarked extinguishers from a reputable supplier is strongly recommended.
How Many Approved Extinguishers Does My Business Need?
BS 5306-8 sets out the minimum number and placement of extinguishers for commercial premises. The general rule is a minimum of two extinguishers per floor (at least one water or foam, one CO2) with a maximum travel distance of 30 metres to the nearest appropriate unit. High-risk areas such as server rooms, commercial kitchens, and plant rooms require additional provision.
Servicing Approved Extinguishers
All fire extinguishers — regardless of whether they are purchased or rented — must be inspected annually by a competent engineer to BS 5306-3. Extended service (discharge, recharge, and overhaul) is required every 5 years for most types. A service label must be affixed and a certificate issued after every service visit.
FireJet Extinguisher Supply and Service
FireJet supplies, installs and annually services BS EN 3 approved fire extinguishers for businesses across the Northwest of England. We also offer fire extinguisher rental on flexible monthly contracts with free annual servicing included. Call 0330 043 0646 or visit our fire extinguisher rental page for more information.
4.9★ Google Rated
247 REVIEWS
BAFE Accredited
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED
24hr Response
SAME-DAY CALL-OUT
12,000+ Inspections
COMPLETED
Need Help with Fire Safety Compliance?
FireJet covers the Northwest of England. Get a free, no-obligation quote today — our engineers respond within 24 hours.
Request a Callback
Fill in the form — we'll call you back within 24 hours.