Stay protected this winter

Adverse weather conditions become a real threat to fire safety equipment. For example, cold temperatures can cause the contents of fire extinguishers to freeze, rendering them ineffective in the case of a fire. As well as this, people are more likely to be indoors and use electrical equipment more frequently during winter, increasing the risk of electrical fires and putting a greater number of people at risk in multi-occupancy buildings. Here, we offer expert winter fire safety tips, and highlight some of our innovative products which are specifically designed to help you protect vital fire safety equipment during winter.

Why is winter fire safety important?

Unprotected fire extinguishers, such as those kept in garage forecourts or construction sites, and exposed/unmaintained escape routes, can pose a real problem during winter. Cold temperatures can freeze the contents of fire extinguishers, rendering them unfit for purpose, and also cause slip hazards at critical points of evacuation, such as a communal hall or stairway. Building owners and other responsible persons must ensure their premises are prepared for winter by completing a risk assessment and ensuring fire extinguishers required for an outdoor setting are protected from adverse weather conditions – to comply with the BS 5306.

What is the minimum fire extinguisher storage temperature?

Depending on the conditions its stored in, a typical liquid-based fire extinguisher – water and foam – begins to freeze at 0°C. This means fire extinguishers which are stored outdoors must be protected from cold weather, or be specialised to operate in such conditions, to keep their contents from freezing.

Winter fire safety checklist

Fire extinguisher storage

To comply with the BS 5306, ensure that your customers’ fire extinguishers are protected from accidental damage or deliberate tampering. For outdoor settings, including holiday parks and construction sites, the Commander Safety Box is a very popular option due to its reinforced structure and extremely resistant plastic material, which protects from water, dust, UV rays, and high and low temperatures. It can also be fitted with a Commander Contact Alarm for additional security and peace of mind.

Fire extinguishers with anti-freeze

BS 5306 states that where outdoor fire extinguishers are not protected from harsh weather, suitable anti-freeze fire extinguishers should be installed. For example, you can supply your customers with the Commander low freeze additive water fire extinguisher, which is designed to withstand lower temperatures than a standard water fire extinguisher (as low as -10c).

Fire extinguisher covers

Another solution to protecting fire safety equipment is using PVC fire extinguisher covers. Featuring a large clear-vision panel, the fire extinguisher can be identified in spite of the cover so that its label remains clear. Medium covers can shelter up to 6kg/6lt fire extinguishers, while large covers can be used on fire extinguishers up to 9kg/9ltr.

Electrical equipment

Given the cold weather, electrical devices are more likely to be used on a more frequent basis. All electrical equipment must be serviced by a competent professional to determine its safety, and any actions required from the service must be carried out as quickly as possible.

To learn more about winter fire safety, read our comprehensive guide to preparing premises for cold weather and adverse conditions.