If you choose to install and use fire extinguishers follow these guidelines.
Buy wisely....
Whatever type or make of fire extinguisher you choose, make sure if conforms to the appropriate British Standard,
look for the kitemark or, British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) mark.
Where to fix your extinguisher...
- Fix an extinguisher where you can reach it quickly.
- The best place is on an escape route, that is near an outside door, or adjacent to a specific risk.
- It should be properly fixed to the wall at a height where it can be reached.
- Do not place them over cookers, heaters or other extreme heat source.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using and siting extinguishers.
- Never use water on fat pan fires or electrical fires.
- Do not use extinguishers on chip or pan fires as the jet from the extinguisher may force burning fat out of the pan.
Maintenance
The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you what you need to do to keep your extinguisher in good
working order. After an extinguisher has been used, even if only partially, it must be recharged according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
The extinguisher should be properly serviced once a year.
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for
wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. Look for the British Standard mark (BS EN 1869 / BS 7944)
and follow the maker’s intructions for positioning and use.
- A fire blanket should be used on a fat pan fire.
- Fire blankets should be kept in the kitchen.
- Do not put your blanket too close to your cooker, you may not reach it in the event of a fire.
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These extinguishers may be colour banded so that you can identify them quickly to prevent you from using the
wrong extinguisher and placing yourself in danger.
If you have any doubt then please contact us for advice.
- Water fire extinguishers are used for wood, paper, textile and solid material fires. DO NOT
USE on these extinguishers on liquid, electrical or metal fires. They are colour-coded red.
- Powder fire extinguishers are used for liquid and electrical fires. DO NOT USE on these
extinguishers metal fires. They are colour-coded blue.
- Foam fire extinguishers are used for liquid fires. DO NOT USE on these extinguishers on
electrical or metal fires. They are colour coded yellow.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are used for liquid and electrical fires. DO NOT USE
these extinguishers on metal fires. They are colour coded black.
Download the Fire Extinguisher Leaflet (PDF - 662kb)
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Further information and safety advice is available from these sources:
The Arson Prevention Bureau
which has been set up by the Home Office and the Association of British Insurers to spearhead a national programme of action
against arson.
Additional help and advice on protection of your premises is available from:
- Your insurer.
- Our Community Fire Safety Department. Our RBFRS Helpline is available on: (0118) 932 2152
- The crime prevention department of Thames Valley Police.
In case of fire... call 999
If you have any information about a suspicious fire call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, your call
is free and completely anonymous. Visit the Crimestoppers website for further information.
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