Category: Fire Marshal

Fire extinguishers can help control a small fire before it spreads, but knowing how and when to use one is just as important as having the equipment available. Using the wrong extinguisher or attempting to tackle a fire that has already become dangerous can put people at greater risk. For fire marshals, understanding the correct procedure is an important part of supporting workplace fire safety. A fire marshal should be familiar with the extinguishers provided on the premises, the risks they are designed for, evacuation procedures, and their responsibilities during an emergency. Fire extinguishers should only be used when it is safe and appropriate to do so. Personal safety and a clear means of escape should always take priority over attempting to fight a fire. Why Proper Fire Extinguisher Use is Important A small fire can develop quickly, particularly when combustible materials, flammable liquids, or electrical equipment are nearby. An appropriate fire extinguisher may help control an early-stage fire, but incorrect use can make the situation more dangerous. Businesses should therefore provide suitable firefighting equipment based on the risks present within their premises. Equipment should be properly installed, tested, and maintained, while employees who may need to use it should receive appropriate training. Fire marshals who are expected to take a more active role should understand both how the equipment operates and when evacuation is the safer response. Understand the Different Classes of Fire Not every fire involves the same type of material, which is why different fire extinguishers are designed for different risks. Understanding the fire class can help a trained person determine whether the available extinguisher is suitable. In the UK, Class A covers solid combustible materials such as wood, paper, and textiles. Class B covers flammable liquids, Class C relates to gases, Class D involves metals, and Class F covers cooking oils and fats. Electrical equipment also presents a specific hazard that must be considered when selecting suitable firefighting equipment. Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses Choosing an appropriate extinguisher is essential because no single type is suitable for every fire. The extinguisher provided in a particular area should reflect the hazards identified through the workplace fire risk assessment. Water Fire Extinguishers Water extinguishers are generally used for Class A fires involving materials such as wood, paper, and textiles. They are commonly found in premises where these ordinary combustible materials represent the main fire risk. Water should not be used where it would create an additional hazard, particularly on live electrical equipment or fires involving flammable liquids. Fire marshals should always check the extinguisher instructions and understand its intended use before an emergency occurs. Foam Fire Extinguishers Foam extinguishers can be suitable for certain Class A and Class B risks. They work by helping suppress the fire and can be found in commercial environments where both ordinary combustible materials and appropriate flammable-liquid risks are present. The suitability of a particular extinguisher depends on its rating and the specific hazard involved. Staff should therefore follow the extinguisher label, workplace procedures, and their fire-safety training rather than assuming that foam is appropriate for every situation. CO2 Fire Extinguishers Carbon dioxide extinguishers are commonly associated with electrical equipment and certain Class B flammable-liquid risks. Because CO2 does not leave the type of residue associated with some other extinguishing agents, it is often provided near electrical equipment. Fire marshals should still be trained in its safe use. The discharge can be extremely cold, and the extinguisher should only be handled according to its instructions and workplace training. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Dry powder extinguishers can address several types of fire depending on their specific rating. They may be suitable for certain Class A, B, and C risks, but their suitability depends on the environment and the type of powder provided. Powder can significantly reduce visibility and may cause breathing difficulties in enclosed areas, so its use requires careful consideration. Businesses should select extinguishers according to their fire risk assessment and competent fire-safety advice. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers Wet chemical extinguishers are primarily associated with Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. They are therefore commonly used in commercial kitchens and other environments where deep-fat cooking presents a significant fire risk. These fires require particular care because using an unsuitable extinguishing method can make them considerably more dangerous. Staff working around these hazards should understand the equipment provided and follow appropriate fire-safety procedures. How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher Before attempting to use an extinguisher, a trained person needs to consider what is burning and whether the extinguisher available is designed for that particular risk. The information and fire classifications displayed on the extinguisher can help identify its intended applications. Fire marshals should become familiar with the extinguishers on their premises before an emergency happens. If there is uncertainty about the type of fire, the suitability of the extinguisher, or whether the situation can be handled safely, evacuation should take priority over attempting to fight the fire. Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Located? Fire extinguishers need to be easy to locate and access during an emergency. UK fire-safety guidance states that portable extinguishers will typically be positioned at fire exits and along escape routes, while equipment for a particular hazard may be positioned near that risk where it can be used safely. Extinguishers should remain visible, accessible, and unobstructed by furniture, stock, equipment, or other stored items. Fire marshals can support workplace preparedness by reporting missing, damaged, obstructed, or incorrectly positioned equipment through the organisation’s established fire-safety procedures. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Correctly A fire extinguisher should only be used if the person is trained or expected to use it, the extinguisher is suitable for the fire, and there is a safe route of escape. The manufacturer’s instructions and workplace fire procedures should always take priority. One commonly taught technique is the PASS method: Pull: Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher. Aim: Aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire rather than the top

Fire safety forms a core part of responsible business operations. Every workplace, regardless of size or sector, carries some level of fire risk. From electrical faults and kitchen equipment to storage of flammable materials, the potential for fire incidents exists in many everyday situations.A structured fire safety checklist helps businesses stay organised and aware of key safety measures. It supports day-to-day prevention, improves preparedness for emergencies, and reduces the chance of disruption caused by fire-related incidents. Fire Safety Checklist A fire safety checklist provides a structured way to review and manage key fire prevention and safety measures within a business. It helps organise essential tasks such as risk assessments, alarm systems, evacuation planning, and staff training into clear, actionable points. By following a checklist, businesses can keep fire safety responsibilities visible, consistent, and easier to manage across day-to-day operations. 1. Fire Risk Assessments A fire risk assessment is the starting point for any fire safety plan. It involves identifying potential fire hazards within the workplace and reviewing how they could affect staff, visitors, and property. Typical areas to review include electrical equipment, heating systems, storage areas, and workplace processes that involve heat or flammable materials. Once hazards are identified, it is important to review how risks are currently managed and whether additional steps are needed.  Regular reviews are also important, particularly when there are changes to the workplace layout, staffing levels, or equipment. A clear record of findings helps businesses stay organised and supports ongoing safety planning. 2. Fire Alarm Systems Fire alarm systems play a key role in early warning during a fire incident. They provide alerts that allow people to respond quickly and begin evacuation procedures. Businesses should have suitable alarm systems installed based on the size and layout of the premises. Different areas may require different types of detectors, such as smoke or heat sensors.  Routine testing is important to confirm that the system is working correctly. Faults or delays in detection can lead to serious consequences, so regular checks are part of responsible fire safety management. Staff should also be familiar with the sound of the alarm and know how to respond when it activates. 3. Develop an Emergency Evacuation Plan An emergency evacuation plan describes how people should leave the building safely during a fire. It provides structure during a stressful situation and helps reduce confusion. The plan should include clear exit routes, assembly points, and assigned responsibilities for staff members. It is also important to consider how visitors or contractors will be guided during an evacuation. Escape routes should be easy to follow and clearly marked throughout the building. Maps and signage can support this process and improve overall awareness. Regular updates to the plan may be needed when building layouts or occupancy levels change. 4. Maintain Proper Housekeeping Practices Good housekeeping plays a direct role in reducing fire risk. Cluttered spaces, blocked walkways, and poor storage practices can increase the chance of fire spreading quickly. Work areas should be kept tidy, with materials stored in designated locations. Waste should be removed regularly, particularly items that may be flammable. Electrical cables and equipment should also be managed carefully to avoid overheating or damage. A clean and organised environment supports safer working conditions and makes it easier to respond in an emergency. 5. Maintain Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers are an important first response tool in the early stages of a fire. However, they must be accessible, correctly placed, and regularly serviced. Different types of extinguishers are used for different fire risks, such as electrical fires, flammable liquids, or general materials. Businesses should have the correct types available for their specific environment. Routine inspections help confirm that extinguishers are in working condition and ready for use. Staff should also know where they are located and how to use them safely if required. Clear signage should be used to mark extinguisher locations throughout the building. 6. Provide Regular Fire Safety Training Fire safety training helps staff understand how to respond during a fire situation. It also increases awareness of everyday fire risks within the workplace. Training sessions may cover topics such as how fires start, how to raise an alarm, how to use extinguishers, and how to evacuate safely. New employees should receive fire safety guidance as part of their onboarding process, with refresher training provided periodically. When staff are informed and confident, response times during emergencies are typically more controlled and organised. 7. Implement a No Smoking Policy Smoking materials can be a common source of fire when not managed properly. A clear no smoking policy helps reduce this risk within business premises. The policy should clearly state where smoking is not allowed and provide designated smoking areas if needed. These areas should be positioned away from buildings and flammable materials. Clear communication of the policy helps avoid confusion among staff, visitors, and contractors. Signage can also support compliance across the site. Managing smoking activity in a structured way contributes to overall fire prevention efforts. 8. Keep Escape Routes and Fire Exits Clear Escape routes and fire exits must always remain accessible. Blocked or restricted exits can delay evacuation and increase risk during an emergency. All routes should be kept free from obstacles such as storage items, furniture, or equipment. Fire doors should also remain functional and unobstructed at all times. Signage should clearly indicate exit paths so people can move quickly and safely during evacuation. Emergency lighting can also support visibility if power is lost. Regular inspections of exit routes help maintain safe access throughout the building. 9. Conduct Fire Drills Fire drills help staff understand how to respond during an evacuation. They provide practical experience and highlight areas where improvements may be needed. Drills should be carried out at regular intervals and should involve all staff members. The process should follow the same steps outlined in the evacuation plan. After each drill, feedback can be collected to identify delays, confusion, or communication gaps. This information can then be used to refine procedures. Repetition