You might see fire extinguishers fixed to a wall in offices, shops, and public buildings and wonder—why not just leave it on the floor? After all, wouldn’t it be easier to grab in a hurry?
Well, there are some very good reasons why fire extinguishers should be wall-mounted (or securely placed in a stand), and some of them are legal requirements. Here’s why hanging your extinguisher matters for safety, accessibility, and compliance.
It Keeps the Extinguisher Visible
One of the most important reasons to hang your extinguisher is visibility. In an emergency, you want it to be:
- Easy to find
- Clearly marked
- Positioned at a consistent height
Wall mounting helps ensure the extinguisher is always where it should be—not hidden behind a door, kicked into a corner, or buried under coats and bags.
In fact, under BS 5306-8, extinguishers should be:
- Mounted on a wall bracket, or
- Positioned on a floor stand if wall mounting isn’t suitable
They must be located on escape routes, near exits, or at fire points, and be visible even when the area is busy.
It Prevents Damage
Fire extinguishers are pressurised metal canisters. Leaving them on the floor increases the risk of:
- Accidental knocks and dents
- Corrosion from damp or spills
- Tripping hazards
- Rolling or falling over
A damaged extinguisher might not work properly when you need it most—or worse, it could leak or discharge unexpectedly.
By mounting it securely, you protect the extinguisher and ensure it’s in good working condition when it counts.
It Complies with Fire Safety Standards
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses and responsible persons are required to ensure fire-fighting equipment is:
- Clearly located
- Accessible
- Properly maintained
British Standard BS 5306-8 gives specific guidance on where and how extinguishers should be positioned:
- The carrying handle of large extinguishers (over 4kg) should be no more than 1 metre from the floor
- Smaller extinguishers can be hung with the handle up to 1.5 metres high
- The base of the extinguisher should never be too low or pose a tripping hazard
- Signage should be provided above or next to the unit
Following these standards ensures you’re not only safer, but also compliant with fire inspection checks and insurance requirements.
It Improves Access in an Emergency
Time is critical in a fire. A wall-mounted extinguisher:
- Is quicker to locate
- Stays upright and ready for use
- Isn’t blocked or misplaced
- Can be positioned consistently across a site
Especially in larger buildings, having a standardised height and mounting method across all extinguishers helps staff and visitors respond quickly in a crisis.
Alternatives: Stands and Cabinets
In some settings, you may not be able to hang extinguishers—for example, in listed buildings, glass-walled offices, or temporary sites. In those cases, purpose-built floor stands or cabinets should be used.
These keep extinguishers:
- Off the ground
- Upright and protected
- Easily identifiable with signage
Outdoor extinguishers or those in public spaces may be placed in locked or weatherproof cabinets, but these should still be easy to access and clearly labelled.
How ESI Can Help
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we help business owners, landlords and facilities managers across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and surrounding areas ensure their fire extinguishers are installed correctly and comply with UK regulations.
We can:
- Carry out site surveys to determine correct mounting points
- Supply and install wall brackets, stands or cabinets
- Make sure extinguishers meet BS 5306-8 placement guidelines
- Provide maintenance and servicing in line with BS 5306-3
Need help with fire extinguisher installation or compliance? Speak to our expert team today and make sure your fire safety equipment is exactly where it needs to be—safe, secure and ready to use.
