Automotive workshops are busy, high-risk environments when it comes to fire.
You’ve got flammable liquids, electrical tools, hot works, and vehicle batteries—all under one roof.
Whether you’re running a small MOT station or a full-service repair centre, having the right fire extinguishers in place is absolutely essential.
But with several types available, it can be difficult to know which ones your garage actually needs.
Let’s break it down so you can protect your team, your customers, and your workshop with confidence.
Why Fire Risk Is Higher in Garages and Workshops
Workshops present a range of fire hazards, including:
- Petrol, diesel, brake fluid, and engine oil
- Welding and grinding sparks (hot works)
- Battery charging areas (including EVs)
- Electrical faults in tools, lifts, and lighting
- Rags and waste materials soaked in flammable liquids
Each of these risks needs to be considered as part of your fire risk assessment—and your extinguisher provision must be matched accordingly.
Recommended Fire Extinguishers for Automotive Workshops
✅ Foam Extinguishers (AFFF)
Ideal for: Flammable liquids (Class B) and solids (Class A)
Foam extinguishers are your first line of defence in most vehicle workshops. They’re perfect for tackling fires involving fuels, oils, and other automotive fluids. They also work well on general fires involving packaging, rubber, plastics, and upholstery.
Foam is safe to use around electrical equipment if it’s been tested to 35kV dielectric, but for live electrics, a different extinguisher is better suited.
Place foam extinguishers near fuel storage areas, vehicle bays, and reception or customer waiting areas.
✅ CO₂ Extinguishers
Ideal for: Electrical fires
CO₂ extinguishers are clean, safe, and leave no residue, making them ideal for workshops with diagnostic equipment, computers, battery chargers, and power tools.
They are essential for protecting high-value electrical gear and can be used without damaging components—important if you’re working on modern vehicles with sensitive electronics.
Always ensure they have a frost-free horn and are clearly signed.
✅ Dry Powder Extinguishers (ABC or specialist)
Ideal for: Multi-risk areas, flammable gases, and electrical equipment
Dry powder extinguishers are versatile and cover Class A (solids), B (liquids), and C (gases), as well as electrical fires.
They’re commonly used in outdoor or unheated workshops and mobile units, thanks to their wide temperature tolerance.
However, they do create a lot of dust, which can be harmful to engines and electrics—so use them with caution in clean or indoor environments.
If you work with lithium-ion batteries (as seen in EVs), speak to us about specialist fire blankets or fire extinguishers for battery fires.
Fire Point Layout and Compliance
Workshops should have fire points with multiple extinguishers grouped and signposted according to BS 5306 and ISO 7010 signage standards. Make sure they are:
- Wall-mounted and easily accessible
- Clearly labelled with instructions and fire class symbols
- Serviced annually by a competent technician
- Checked monthly in-house for pressure, damage, and obstructions
We also recommend installing fire blankets in areas where hot works take place—like welding bays or fabrication stations.
Fire Risk Assessment Is Key
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every commercial premises—including garages and MOT bays—must carry out a fire risk assessment. This helps determine what extinguishers you need, where they should go, and how to manage fire risk.
If you’re unsure whether your current setup is compliant, let us review it for you. We can assess extinguisher types, quantity, and placement—along with signage and servicing.
Need Help? Talk to ESI
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we work with automotive businesses across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and the wider Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire area.
We’ll help you:
- Choose the right extinguishers for your workshop
- Match extinguisher size and type to the risks on-site
- Install and label everything to British Standards
- Stay compliant with your insurer and the fire service
Whether you’re opening a new garage, growing your team, or reviewing your current fire cover—we’re here to make it simple.
📞 Contact ESI today for expert advice on workshop fire protection. One quick chat could save lives—and your business.
