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23/08/2024 • by Lynsey B
In today's world, safety should always be a priority. One of the most essential safety measures you can take is to ensure that your home is equipped with the right fire extinguishers. Fires can start unexpectedly, and having a home extinguisher at hand could be the difference between a minor scare and a major disaster. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about domestic fire extinguishers, from whether you need one to which type is best suited for different areas of your home. We'll also cover the different fire classifications in the UK, proper storage tips, and landlord responsibilities.
The short answer is: absolutely, yes. A home fire extinguisher is an important part of your home safety plan. While it’s always best to prevent fires from starting in the first place, accidents can and do happen. Having a domestic fire extinguisher can help you quickly tackle a small fire before it turns into a life-threatening situation.
Fires can occur in any part of the home, often due to common activities such as cooking, using electrical appliances, or even just lighting a candle. Even if you have smoke detectors and a good escape plan, a home extinguisher provides an immediate way to control a fire, potentially saving lives and property.
The kitchen is one of the most common places for a fire to start, typically due to cooking mishaps. Because of this, it's essential to have the right type of fire extinguisher for home use in the kitchen.
A water-mist fire extinguisher is versatile and safe for use on most fires you might encounter in the kitchen, such as fires caused by electrical appliances or textiles. This type of extinguisher uses a fine mist of water, which cools the fire and smothers it. It performs without the risk of electrocution that comes with a standard water extinguisher.
For kitchens, particularly those with deep-fat fryers or where oil-based cooking is common, a wet chemical fire extinguisher is ideal. This extinguisher is specifically designed to tackle fires caused by cooking oils and fats (known as Class F fires). The wet chemical agent cools the fire and creates a barrier between the flames and the fat, effectively smothering it.
A fire blanket is a highly recommended addition to your kitchen safety arsenal. It’s particularly useful for smothering small pan fires or for wrapping around a person whose clothing has caught fire. The blanket cuts off the fire’s oxygen supply, effectively extinguishing it.
The living room, with its soft furnishings, electronics, and heating appliances, is another area where fires can easily start. The best type of fire extinguisher for home use in this area is a water-mist extinguisher. It can handle fires involving soft furnishings, paper, and even electrical equipment. This extinguisher works by creating a fine mist of water droplets, which cool and suffocate the fire without the risk of causing electrical shock. It’s a safe, versatile, and effective option for your living space.
When choosing a home fire extinguisher, size does matter. The extinguisher should be large enough to effectively put out a fire, but not so large that it becomes difficult to handle. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right size:
These small extinguishers are perfect for use in cars, small kitchens, or bedrooms. They’re lightweight, making them easy to handle, and they can be mounted on a wall or stored in a cupboard.
For most homes, a 3kg to 6kg extinguisher is ideal. These are large enough to tackle most small to medium fires and are still manageable for most people to use effectively. A 6kg water-mist extinguisher, for example, can provide a good balance between capacity and ease of use, making it a popular choice for the living room or kitchen.
Extinguishers larger than 6kg are generally more suitable for commercial premises or larger homes. They can be heavy and cumbersome, so unless you have specific high-risk areas in your home, such as a large kitchen or workshop, a smaller extinguisher will suffice.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate domestic fire extinguisher for each area of your home, proper storage becomes essential. The key to effective fire safety isn't just about having the right equipment; it's also about ensuring that your home fire extinguisher is accessible when you need it most. An extinguisher that’s stored out of reach or in an obscure location can render itself useless in a critical moment. Here’s how to strategically place your fire extinguishers throughout your home.
The kitchen is one of the most common places for fires to start, usually due to cooking accidents. To ensure you're prepared, mount your extinguisher on the wall in a location that's easily accessible, yet away from the most likely sources of fire.
Ideally, place the extinguisher near the kitchen exit. This allows you to grab it quickly and safely and also positions you closer to an escape route if the fire escalates. Avoid placing the extinguisher directly next to or above the stove, oven, or any other cooking appliance. In the event of a fire originating from one of these sources, the extinguisher might become too hot to handle or too dangerous to approach.
Ensure the extinguisher is mounted at a height where it can be easily reached by all adults in the household. Typically, the handle should be about 1 metre from the floor, making it easy to grab in a hurry.
The living room often contains soft furnishings, electronic devices, and heating equipment, all of which can be potential fire hazards. In this space, visibility and accessibility are crucial. Place the extinguisher in a visible and accessible location, such as near the main door or close to the fireplace. These spots are often central and can be quickly reached from different parts of the room.
While you might be tempted to hide the extinguisher behind furniture or inside a cupboard for aesthetic reasons, it’s important to prioritise safety over style. Everyone in the household should know exactly where the extinguisher is and how to use it, so consider a spot where it’s easy to grab without obstruction.
Fires can occur at any time, including during the night when everyone is asleep. Having a home fire extinguisher in the bedroom can be a lifesaver, providing an immediate response in the event of an emergency. Consider keeping a small extinguisher in each bedroom, especially if your home is large or has multiple levels. Store the extinguisher near the door, so it’s easy to grab as you’re leaving the room. Alternatively, you can place it in a bedside drawer or a cupboard that is easily accessible.
A smaller, more portable extinguisher (such as a 1kg to 2kg model) is usually sufficient for bedrooms. These extinguishers are easy to handle and can be used to quickly control small fires, allowing you and your family to evacuate safely.
Garages and workshops often contain flammable materials such as fuel, paint, and chemicals, which can create a high fire risk. It’s important to have a larger, more powerful domestic fire extinguisher in this area.
Store the extinguisher near the entrance of the garage or workshop. This ensures that it’s easily accessible as you enter or exit the space. If a fire breaks out while you’re inside, you can quickly grab the extinguisher and attempt to control the fire or use it to clear a path to the exit.
If your garage or workshop is particularly large, you might want to consider having multiple extinguishers placed at different points. This way, no matter where a fire starts, an extinguisher is always within reach.
If you have a multi-storey home, consider placing a home fire extinguisher in the hallway or landing of each floor. These areas serve as common thoroughfares and can be strategic locations for extinguishers, ensuring that there’s always one nearby, no matter where you are in the house.
Hallways and landings are ideal for mounting an extinguisher at a convenient height. Placing an extinguisher here can also provide a central location, especially in larger homes, where the extinguisher can be accessed from multiple rooms.
For those who work from home, the home office can also be a critical area to consider. With computers, printers, and other electronic devices often in use, the risk of an electrical fire exists. Store a small extinguisher in a visible spot, such as near the door or under the desk, where it can be quickly grabbed if an electrical fire starts. A water-mist extinguisher, which is safe for electrical fires, would be an ideal choice for this area.
If you have outdoor cooking areas, such as a barbecue or fire pit, consider storing an extinguisher nearby. Fires can quickly get out of control in these spaces, especially in dry conditions. Keep an extinguisher close to the outdoor cooking area but protected from the elements. A storage box or a sheltered spot nearby can keep the extinguisher in good condition while ensuring it’s accessible when needed.
Wherever you choose to store your home fire extinguisher, regular checks and maintenance are important to ensure it is in working order. Make it a habit to:
Check the pressure gauge monthly to ensure it is within the operational range.
Inspect for any signs of damage, such as corrosion, leaks, or a broken seal.
Ensure the extinguisher is not obstructed and is easily accessible at all times.
Service your extinguisher annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure it is ready for use in an emergency.
In the UK, landlords have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their tenants, which includes fire safety measures. While the specific requirements can vary depending on the type of property and local regulations, here are some general guidelines regarding home fire extinguishers in rental properties.
Landlords are required by law to provide working smoke alarms on each floor of a rental property. Additionally, carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in rooms with solid fuel-burning appliances. While there is no strict legal requirement for landlords to provide fire extinguishers in every rental property, it is highly recommended, especially in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). In HMOs, where the risk of fire can be higher due to the number of occupants and the likelihood of communal cooking, landlords are often required to provide fire extinguishers in communal areas such as kitchens and hallways.
Even if not legally required, providing fire extinguishers for home use in rental properties is a wise precaution. A small investment in fire safety equipment can prevent significant property damage and ensure the safety of tenants. Landlords should also ensure that tenants are aware of the fire extinguishers' locations and how to use them.
Understanding the different classes of fire is vital when choosing the right home fire extinguisher. In the UK, fires are classified into five categories, each requiring a specific type of extinguisher.
Class A fires involve solid materials such as wood, paper, and textiles. These are common in living rooms and bedrooms. A water-mist or foam extinguisher is effective for Class A fires.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, or oil. These can occur in garages or workshops. A foam or dry powder extinguisher is suitable for Class B fires.
Class C fires involve flammable gases such as propane, butane, or natural gas. These are less common in homes but could occur in workshops or outdoor areas. A dry powder extinguisher is the most effective for Class C fires.
Class D fires involve combustible metals like magnesium or aluminium. These are rare in domestic settings and are typically found in industrial environments. A specialist dry powder extinguisher is required for Class D fires.
Class F fires involve cooking oils and fats, making them a common risk in kitchens. A wet chemical extinguisher is specifically designed to tackle Class F fires.
Although not classified as a separate category, electrical fires require careful consideration. A water-mist or CO2 extinguisher is best for fires involving electrical equipment.