How to Specify Your Equipment
Area to be protected
The most useful form of fire-fighting equipment for general fire risk (paper, wood, textiles) is the water fire extinguisher. One such extinguisher should be provided for approximately each 200 square meters of floor space, with a minimum of one per floor. Additional extinguishers to cover specific risks such as electrical equipment i.e. Carbon Dioxide (Co2) or Dry Powder (ABC), should be provided alongside the water extinguisher.
Siting & positioning of extinguishers
Fire extinguishers should be positioned near exits, fire exits, lobbies and landings. These should be on escape routes from the building. This is so that someone using a fire extinguisher would not be obstructed in the need to exit from the building. The fire extinguisher should be wall mounted, (all Mainpoint extinguishers are supplied with mounting brackets), and the carrying handle of the extinguisher should be 1 meter from the floor. An appropriate sign should be positioned above the fire extinguishers to draw attention to its location.
Home fire protection
The most commonly recommended Fire Extinguisher for the home is a Dry Powder, we would recommend a 2Kg size as a minimum for cover. You will see from the table below that it can cope with all classes of fire risk and is for this reason known as a multi purpose extinguisher. We would also advise a fire blanket for kitchen use. Of course you should also have at least one smoke detector fitted. These can be purchased very cheeply nowdays from all DIY shops, Argos, etc for around £5.00.
The following table tells you which type of Fire Extinguisher can be used on the various classes of fire risk. On the left you will find materials and hazards to be protected. Along side you will find which extinguishers are suitable for the application.
