If you own, manage or operate a business, you need to comply with fire safety law in the UK. The main law is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies across England and Wales.

It is mandatory that you provide adequate fire safety training to your employees and that you carry out a detailed Fire Risk Assessment identifying the risks and hazards in a commercial premises.

By law, if you are responsible for the premises, you need to make sure that a Fire Risk Assessment has been completed by someone competent to do so, those findings are recorded, and any fire safety measures identified are correctly implemented.

In the event that fire extinguishers are purchased, the responsible owner must ensure they are commissioned and installed in accordance with the regulation and/or any manufacturer’s instructions.

You must adhere to this legislation if you are:

• responsible for business premises

• an employer or self-employed with business premises

• responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is used solely for business purposes

• a charity or voluntary organisation

• a contractor with a degree of control over any premises

• providing accommodation for paying guests.

Under the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is a legal requirement that a maintenance plan is in place for all fire safety equipment, this includes fire extinguishers. ​ "Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Section 17 - Maintenance: (1) Where necessary in order to safeguard the safety or relevant persons the Responsible Person must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premises under this order... are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair."

Choosing the right fire extinguisher depends on the specific fire hazards you are dealing with. At Fire City, we offer a personalised quiz that can guide you through the selection process based on your unique environment and needs. However, please note that we are not liable for any incorrect fire extinguisher selection based on the quiz results. It is always best to consult a professional if you are unsure about your specific requirements to ensure maximum safety and compliance.