Fire Extinguishers

About Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are essential safety equipment for workshops, garages, commercial premises, and domestic properties throughout the UK. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of fire extinguishers and accessories from trusted brands including Sealey and Kidde, designed to meet British Standards (BS EN3) and HSE regulations. Whether you're a tradesperson maintaining a compliant work site or a homeowner protecting your property, having the right fire extinguisher readily accessible can make the difference between a minor incident and a devastating fire.

Our selection includes dry powder ABC extinguishers for general-purpose protection, carbon dioxide (CO2) units ideal for electrical fires in workshops and offices, and foam extinguishers for commercial premises. MyToolShed also supplies essential accessories including fire extinguisher cabinets, mounting brackets, and stands to ensure your fire safety equipment is properly stored and easily accessible in an emergency.

Applications

• Electricians and electrical contractors requiring CO2 extinguishers when working with live equipment and 240v installations
• Motor mechanics and vehicle technicians protecting workshops from fuel, oil, and electrical fires
• Builders and construction site managers maintaining HSE-compliant fire safety on commercial projects
• Welders and fabricators managing fire risks from hot work, sparks, and flammable materials
• Woodworkers and carpenters protecting workshops containing combustible materials and dust
• Plumbers and heating engineers carrying extinguishers in vans when undertaking hot works
• Warehouse and facilities managers ensuring workplace fire safety compliance
• Landlords and property managers meeting fire safety obligations in rental and commercial buildings
• DIY enthusiasts protecting home workshops, garages, and domestic properties

Choosing The Right Fire Extinguishers

Identify Your Fire Risks: Assess what types of fires are most likely in your environment. Workshops with electrical equipment need CO2 extinguishers, while general trade environments benefit from ABC dry powder units. Premises with mixed risks may require multiple extinguisher types positioned strategically.

Size and Capacity: Fire extinguishers are measured in kilograms (dry powder/CO2) or litres (foam). Smaller 1-2kg units suit vehicles and compact spaces, whilst 6kg or larger extinguishers provide greater firefighting capacity for workshops and commercial premises.

Compliance Requirements: For business premises, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires appropriate fire extinguishers based on your fire risk assessment. Generally, you should be able to reach an extinguisher within 30 metres on any floor. Ensure all units meet BS EN3 standards and receive annual servicing.

Storage and Accessibility: Consider mounting brackets, floor stands, or protective cabinets available at MyToolShed.co.uk. Extinguishers should be visible, accessible, and positioned near exit routes at a height of 1 to 1.5 metres from floor to handle.

Safety Information

Training and Use: Familiarise yourself with the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Never attempt to fight a fire that's spreading rapidly or blocking your escape route.

Maintenance: UK regulations require annual servicing by a competent person, with thorough examination every five years. Conduct monthly visual checks ensuring the pressure gauge shows green, seals are intact, and there's no visible damage.

Electrical Safety: Never use water or foam extinguishers on live electrical equipment. Only CO2 or dry powder extinguishers are safe for electrical fires. If possible, isolate the power supply first before tackling the fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of fire extinguisher do I need for my workshop?

For most trade workshops, an ABC dry powder extinguisher provides broad protection against solid materials, flammable liquids, and gases. However, if you work with sensitive electrical equipment or machinery controls, add a CO2 extinguisher to avoid powder residue damage. A 6kg dry powder unit suits most medium-sized workshops.

Can I keep a fire extinguisher in my van?

Yes, and it's highly recommended for tradespeople, particularly those undertaking hot works. A compact 1-2kg ABC dry powder extinguisher is ideal for vehicles. Secure it properly using a vehicle-specific bracket to prevent it becoming a projectile during sudden braking.

How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?

UK law requires annual servicing by a qualified fire safety engineer. Additionally, conduct monthly visual inspections checking for damage, correct pressure readings, and accessible positioning. Keep dated service labels and maintenance records for compliance purposes.