How to protect fire extinguishers

While placement of the right fire extinguishers is vital, it’s just as important that every measure is taken to store units properly, protecting them from corrosion and vandalism. But more than simply being advisory, this requirement is actually stipulated within the British Standards. 

Here, we take a look at why fire extinguisher cabinets, stands, and other protective products shouldn’t be overlooked and consider what needs to be prioritised in order to meet the legal regulations.

Correct storage of fire extinguishers 

Following a fire risk assessment and recommendations for the correct fire extinguisher to be installed, the next consideration should be methods for how to protect the equipment – not least because the responsibility is laid out in BS 5306 Standards. It explains that fire extinguishers stored outdoors (or units within corrosive atmospheres) can become unsafe for use or inoperable. For that reason, regulations state steps should be taken to either:

1. A) Protect the unit with a fire extinguisher cabinet, stand, or other storage.
2. B) Specify and install an alternative fire extinguisher designed to withstand certain environments (for example, a low-freeze additive fire extinguisher).

Depending on the premises and environment, fire extinguishers may be at risk from accidental damage (industrial areas), vandalism (schools), or corrosion (outdoor settings). But as British Standards points out, all fire extinguishers within public access are at risk of vandalism – and even minor tampering can result in the equipment failing to operate properly when required.

How can fire extinguisher cabinets help?  

It’s the duty of all responsible person(s) to ensure measures are taken to reduce the possibility of fire extinguishers being vandalised, stolen, or subject to wear and tear. Fire extinguisher cabinets effectively protect equipment from accidental damage and discourage people from misusing them.

Fire extinguisher cabinets keep units safe from the elements, especially dust and dirt if installed outside. Rain and salty air can corrode metal connections, while the sun can fade writing on a fire extinguisher’s label, making the instructions difficult to read. In the event of a fire, every second is vital – it’s simply not worth the risk of leaving fire extinguishers unprotected.

Manufactured from remarkably robust ABS plastic, our Commander fire extinguisher cabinets are resistant to environmental degradation, chemicals, and many other extreme conditions. From single to double lockable fire extinguisher cabinets, we test the strength of these market-leading solutions by hitting them with a digger bucket, and dropping them from higher than 10 feet. The result? Not a dent on these fire extinguisher cabinets. Each one has a viewing panel so the fire extinguisher can be easily located and quickly identified (appropriate   should always be in place).

For outdoor units, a fire extinguisher storage box can bring added protection and peace of mind. The Commander Safety Box is capable of housing up to four 6ltr/6kg fire extinguishers, making it an ideal storage solution for holiday parks, petrol forecourts, festivals, and many more applications.

Why consider fire extinguisher storage stands? 

As well as fire extinguisher cabinets, fire extinguisher storage stands can also reduce the possibility of units being vandalised, stolen, or subject to corrosion. Having a robust stand in place can prevent knocks or misuse of fire safety equipment, helping responsible person(s) stay compliant while saving money on regular maintenance.

A dedicated fire extinguisher storage stand means the equipment won’t be exposed to dents, leaks and abuse, or wear. Whether a single fire extinguisher stand or a double fire extinguisher stand is required, our Commander offering is a robust and resilient range that provides obvious and easy access to vital fire safety equipment when it’s needed urgently.

For interiors that are too precious to install a fire extinguisher wall cabinet, or it’s simply not an option, a free-standing stand is the perfect solution. Our single and double tubular fire extinguisher stands provide a modern and minimalist aesthetic, with a range of metallic colourways (including chrome, antique copper, and polished gold) to complement our Contempo fire extinguisher range.

Safe signage for fire extinguisher storage  

To ensure fire extinguisher storage and other safety equipment is properly labelled, a responsible person should install and maintain fire safety signs. If a fire were to break out, it’s vital that building users know how to use the equipment in a fire extinguisher cabinet or stand.

With various types of fire extinguishers for different classes of fire, fire extinguisher ID signs are crucial for informing users what class of fire a unit can and cannot be used on. Our fire extinguisher stands provide designated spaces for fire safety signs, available in a range of finishes to ensure stylistic continuity. For example, our Contempo fire safety signs are available in Polished Gold, Antique Copper, and Stainless Steel – carrying on the aesthetic of our luxury metallic Contempo fire extinguishers to complete the set.

Some of our fire safety signs are made from vinyl, with permanent self-adhesive to place into position easily, and all signs are photoluminescent – to ensure visibility even in dark .

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