Staycations

A. Fire extinguishers play a vital role in any fire protection plan in any environment. They are a first aid response to fire and can help prevent catastrophic damage to property and even loss of life. Read more about the importance of fire extinguishers here.

A. Should a fire take hold, it’s imperative that people in the building know where vital fire-fighting equipment is located and are confident they’ll be picking up the right fire extinguisher appropriate for the class of fire it’s being used on. Extinguishers are quickly identified by their colour – a colour coded label is placed along the top of the extinguisher to announce its type and contents. Find out more here.

A. A landlord has similar legal obligations to employers for ensuring the protection of those residing in and using the premises where fire safety is concerned. As well as accounting for all checks on gas and electrical equipment, you must provide a smoke alarm on each storey of the building, as well as carbon monoxide alarms in any room housing a solid fuel burning appliance. Find out more about fire safety guidance for landlords here.

A. It’s the business premises and property owner’s responsibility to ensure that measures are taken to reduce the risk of extinguishers being vandalised, stolen or subject to wear and tear in high traffic areas in the summer months. This requirement is also stipulated in the British Standards. Find out more about keeping your fire safety equipment protected here.

A. An average of 360 fires occur every year in caravans, therefore it’s crucial the right precautionary measures and fire-fighting equipment are put in place. Ensuring that both gas and electric appliances have a regular service and that fire safety equipment is always close to hand is of the upmost importance, along with the need to protect fire safety equipment from vandalism, accidental damage and the outdoor elements. Emergency vehicle routes must be kept free from any obstructions ensuring a clear exit route if there ever was an emergency and appropriate signage should be readily available across the site. Find out more about the legislation that holiday park owners must adhere to here.

A. Portable extinguishers can be the means of escape as well as fighting the fire so it’s vital you know that they are compliant. All types of extinguishers should undergo a service. Best practice recommends a responsible person should use a competent person to maintain their fire safety equipment and, as a minimum, this should be undertaken once a year in accordance with BS 5306-3:2017. Find out more about the importance of fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance here.