Fire Safety: Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

There are five main types of fire extinguisher, commonly used to tackle a blaze. But choosing the right fire extinguisher is vital. It could mean the difference between putting out the flames or making the situation worse. Using the wrong fire extinguisher can fuel a fire, spread burning liquids further, or even cause a dangerous electric shock. The most important factor is to have the right fire extinguisher for the medium you are going to put out.

So, what are the five main five extinguishers?

The red label fire extinguisher is water, and is…

Lorna promoted to fire safety manager

The female fire maestro at our Northamptonshire health and safety consultancy has been promoted to manager, leading one of the company’s three dedicated divisions.

Lorna Smith joined Acorn Safety Services in August last year as a senior fire risk assessor.

Less than nine months after her appointment, Lorna has been promoted to fire safety manager. She will head up the Fire Safety department, with two other specialists in charge of the consultancy’s Health and Safety section and Legionella division respectively.

Lorna, who previously worked as a…

Fire Focus: Fire Risk Assessments

Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for all businesses to undertake in their premises.

Fundamentally, fire risk assessments are to check for the fire risk in a building in order to protect life and make sure people can get out of the building safely in the event of an emergency.

Fire risk assessments involve a fire risk assessor walking around the building to check exit routes, exit doors, and that the numerous different ways of escape or rescue are unobstructed, clearly marked and lit with emergency lighting.

As a minimum, a fire…

Fire Focus: Fire door inspections

Fire door inspections are vital.

Fire doors should be considered as a life-saving device as the door is often what holds back smoke and flames, protecting occupants.

A closed fire door, which has been properly installed and maintained can typically protect against smoke and flames for 30 minutes or longer, giving people more chance of escape or rescue.

A fire door can also limit damage to other parts of the building and keep escape routes safe in the event of emergency.

Inspections of fire doors are crucial in ensuring that we maintain the…

Fire Focus: Compartmentation Surveys

Compartmentation surveys are a detailed inspection of each section of a building to ensure the protection of escape routes in the event of a fire.

The survey checks each ‘compartment’ of a building to make sure that if there was a fire, the smoke and flames would be contained for as long as possible to one specific area and prevent the spread of fire so that the building’s occupants can escape and there is minimal damage to the building itself.

A compartmentation survey will involve a fire risk assessor looking at the whole building, or part of…

Straightforward Process to Appoint a Competent Fire Risk Assessor

Let’s be honest. When it comes to fire safety, there’s zero room for guesswork. You’re not just ticking a box — you’re protecting lives, property, and your own legal liability as a Facilities Manager.

So, what separates a competent fire risk assessor from someone playing dress-up with a clipboard?

Start with this: a competent fire risk assessor should have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. They need to understand fire dynamics, building occupancy risks, fire protection systems, and current UK fire safety legislation. This…

Common Fire Safety Mistakes in Commercial Buildings

As a facilities manager, you’re spinning plates all day — HVAC, lighting, cleaning contracts, building access, and yes, fire safety. It’s easy to assume your commercial fire risk assessment is “handled” or that compliance is something you only need to review once a year. But here’s the problem: the most dangerous fire safety mistakes are the ones you don’t see coming.

Not only can they cost you thousands in fines, but they can also put lives at risk and leave your business exposed to shutdowns or litigation. Here’s how to spot the hidden fire…

Detailed Guide to Fire Risk Categories in Commercial Environments

Let’s cut through the noise.

Fire risk categories aren’t just red tape. They are how you get clarity, reduce liability, and keep people safe — without running around in circles.

Think of fire risk categories like levels on a game. Each level tells you how serious the danger is and what you need to do to beat it. The higher the risk, the more you need to plan, budget, and act.

In the UK, commercial fire risk is typically broken down into 5 categories:

– Very Low RiskYour dream scenario. Think of a small office with minimal fire loads,…

How Often Should a Commercial Fire Risk Assessment Review Be Carried Out?

Let’s cut through the noise. If you manage a facility, fire safety isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a legal commitment that carries weight. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 — the backbone of commercial fire safety regulations in England and Wales — you are legally required to ensure your fire risk assessment is “suitable and sufficient” at all times.

But here’s the catch: the law doesn’t hand you a calendar.

It doesn’t say, “Review every 12 months” or “Update every quarter.” Instead, it says you must review your commercial fire…

Proven Methods for Maintaining Fire Safety Equipment in the Workplace

As a busy facilities manager, you’re spinning a dozen plates while trying to keep the building safe, compliant, and operating like a Swiss watch. Fire safety equipment maintenance? It’s easy to push it down the priority list—until it becomes a headline problem.

Here’s the truth: setting up a foolproof maintenance schedule for your commercial fire safety equipment doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. With a little upfront structure and a few smart habits, you can make compliance automatic, inspections painless, and surprises non-existent.

Le…