It’s a question we get asked all the time: Where should I put my fire extinguishers?
You’ve invested in the right extinguishers—great. But if they’re not in the right place, they might not be much help when you actually need them. Worse still, poor placement could leave you falling short of your legal responsibilities under fire safety law.
In this post, we’ll explain the key principles for locating fire extinguishers in commercial premises, and why getting it wrong could cost you time, money, or safety.
Start With a Fire Extinguisher Risk Assessment
Before you start mounting brackets or rolling out floor stands, it’s vital to carry out a fire extinguisher risk assessment.
This should be done by a competent person—ideally a qualified fire risk assessor or fire safety engineer with knowledge of BS 5306-8:2012, which is the British Standard for selecting and positioning fire extinguishers.
This risk assessment will identify:
- The types of fire risks present (Class A, B, C, D, F and electrical)
- The layout of your premises
- The best extinguisher types for each area
- The optimum locations based on access, visibility and usage
At ESI, we offer this service to ensure your extinguishers are not just compliant, but practical and ready for use when it matters.
General Placement Guidelines for Businesses
Under UK fire safety guidance, extinguishers should be:
- Located along escape routes, especially at exits and fire doors
- Positioned so that no one needs to travel more than 30 metres to reach one (for Class A fire risks)
- Mounted on a wall bracket or placed on a proper stand
- Visible and accessible, not hidden behind furniture or doors
- Grouped at fire points when possible to improve visibility
Each extinguisher should also have clear signage above it to identify its type and correct usage.
Travel Distances: It’s Not Just About Metres
That 30-metre rule isn’t always straightforward. The maximum travel distance to an extinguisher assumes a direct, unobstructed route. But if your building has:
- Multiple internal doors
- Locked or secured areas
- Restricted corridors or staircases
Then the effective travel distance is shortened.
Every door you need to open can slow access in an emergency—especially if it’s fire-rated, heavy, or requires a key or code. BS 5306-8 makes it clear that:
“Travel distance should be measured along the actual route available, not in a straight line.”
So, in practice, if a person must pass through two doors to reach the extinguisher, it may be better to add an extra unit inside that compartment or room to ensure quick access.
Consistent Placement Across Floors
If you have a multi-storey building, another best practice is to mirror the location of fire extinguishers on each floor. This creates:
- Familiarity for staff and visitors
- Faster response in an emergency
- Reduced confusion and panic
For example, if a fire point is located just to the left of the lift or stairs on the ground floor, aim to repeat that position on every floor above. In high-pressure situations, knowing where to expect an extinguisher—even in unfamiliar parts of the building—can make all the difference.
Positioning by Risk Type
Different areas of your premises may require different extinguisher types:
Offices, Corridors and General Work Areas
These areas usually carry a Class A fire risk (paper, wood, textiles).
Water or foam extinguishers are commonly installed here.
🡆 Install near exit routes, mounted between 900mm and 1.2m from the floor.
Kitchens, Break Rooms or Catering Areas
Cooking oils and fats (Class F fires) are a unique risk.
Wet chemical extinguishers are the safest and most effective option.
🡆 Keep at least 2 metres away from the appliance but still easily accessible.
Electrical Server Rooms or Plant Areas
These need CO₂ or powder extinguishers, as water or foam can cause more harm.
🡆 Mount near the entrance or just outside the door—safe to grab without entering a risky area.
Workshops, Garages or Warehouses
Likely to have a mix of Class A, B, C, or D risks depending on materials, fuels and processes.
Powder extinguishers are often used due to their broad coverage.
🡆 Locate based on workflow and identified hazards—consult a qualified engineer.
How Many Do You Need?
As a rule of thumb, one Class A-rated extinguisher per 200m² of floor space, with at least two extinguishers per floor, is a good starting point.
But if your layout includes:
- Multiple rooms or compartments
- Split-level areas or mezzanines
- Heavy doors or access controls
Then you may need additional extinguishers to ensure legal travel distances and practical access.
What If You Can’t Mount to a Wall?
Use floor stands or protective cabinets if wall-mounting isn’t an option—especially in:
- Listed buildings
- Temporary workspaces
- Shops with glass partitions
But avoid ever leaving extinguishers loose on the floor—it’s a trip hazard and doesn’t comply with BS 5306-8.
How ESI Can Help
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we provide complete fire extinguisher solutions for businesses across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and throughout Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.
We’ll help you:
- Carry out a full extinguisher risk assessment
- Recommend the right type and number of extinguishers
- Position them correctly with mirrored locations for consistency
- Install them with compliant brackets, stands, and signage
- Service and maintain them for long-term peace of mind
If you’re unsure whether your extinguisher placement meets best practice, or if your multi-floor layout could benefit from a more logical setup—get in touch. We’ll help you stay compliant, safe, and confidently prepared.
