Fire extinguishers for shops and offices: types, sizes and refills

Fire extinguishers are one of those things every shop and office has — and few people check until they need one. Buying the right type, placing it sensibly and keeping it serviced is simple, but each step matters. An extinguisher that is the wrong type or has lost pressure can be worse than useless in an emergency.

Fires are not all the same

Different materials burn differently, and extinguishers are made for particular classes of fire.

• Ordinary combustibles — paper, wood, cloth, cardboard
• Flammable liquids — petrol, diesel, oils, solvents
• Electrical equipment — panels, servers, computers
• Cooking oils and fats — commercial kitchens

Using the wrong extinguisher, such as water on an electrical or oil fire, can make things more dangerous.

Common types of extinguishers

• ABC dry powder — covers several classes and is widely used in shops and offices. It leaves a residue that needs cleaning.
• CO2 — suits electrical fires and leaves no residue, which is why it is common near server rooms and panels.
• Water or foam — suits ordinary combustibles; foam also handles some flammable liquids.
• Kitchen (wet chemical) extinguishers — made for cooking oil fires in commercial kitchens.

Tell the supplier what is in each area and let them recommend the type and capacity.

How many, and where?

• Place extinguishers near exits and risk points — electrical panels, pantry, storage of flammable goods.
• Mount them where they are visible and easy to reach, not hidden behind stock.
• For requirements specific to your building type, check with the local fire authority or a fire safety consultant; commercial buildings may have specific rules.

Certification and quality

• Ask whether the extinguishers carry the relevant ISI/BIS marking.
• Check the pressure gauge (on stored-pressure types), the manufacturing date and the instruction label.
• Buy from suppliers who also service what they sell.

Refilling and maintenance

An extinguisher is a maintained item, not a one-time purchase.

1. Ask how often inspection and refilling are recommended for each type.
2. Ask whether the supplier offers an annual maintenance contract with reminders.
3. After any use — even a short burst — get the extinguisher refilled.
4. Keep a simple log on or near each unit with the last service date.

Training your team

Buying extinguishers helps only if people know how to use them. Ask whether the supplier can run a short demonstration for your staff.

Mistakes to avoid

• Hiding extinguishers behind stock. In a fire, nobody moves boxes to reach one.
• Buying one type for every area. A single powder extinguisher next to the server rack may be the wrong choice there.

What to include in your enquiry

• Type of premises and area, and what is stored or used there
• Number of extinguishers needed, or ask for a site assessment
• Types and capacities, if known
• Whether you need installation, signage and an annual maintenance contract
• Your location and required date

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