Posted By Matthew Smith Hi there, I was wondering if any one could help me in quoting specific legislation for the location of fire extinguishers. I have a manger who prefers to store them in cupboards so they are not damaged. I would like any info to state that they should be left where people can easily access them and are easily identified when walking on the premises, or something to that effect. Thanks for your help.

Posted By Charles New Also look at your Fire Certificate (if you have one). The Certificate plan should detail the appropriate location of fire extinguishers, as identified by the local fire authority.

Posted By Ken Taylor They should be used by trained people Jim - who will be told not to tackle any fire larger than a waste paper basket. It is estimated that 8 or 9 fires out of 10 are dealt with by persons other than the fire brigade. The consequences of removal would be lots of larger fires that are too many for the fire service to deal with, lots of lost employment through lost workplaces, more and greater burn injuries, and, perhaps, some persons trapped through not having access to an extinguisher to aid their escape. As to locations, they should be hung on brackets or sited on plinths so that their absence will be readily noticed.

Posted By Allan St.John Holt When I were a lad, some little time ago, I spent some time with a fire professional whose views on extinguishers were unprintable in a family chat room like this. Modifying his views a little towards the positive, I tend to the principle of advising people that if they look at the fire and can't guarantee they can knock it down within 30 seconds then the 30 seconds is going to be used to much better effect by getting themselves and their colleagues out of there and letting the professionals do the job. In the same vein, on my instection travels I used (with the assent of the company of course) to make a practice of actually letting a small percentage off to test whether they do in fact work. Despite the check date label (when present), in my experience at least 50% made a small pooping noise and dribble, instead of doing the job. The second experience tends to reinforce the first opinion. I would add that it has been a while since I last did this, so reliability may have improved since then. But somehow I doubt it. Allan

Posted By Richard The best description I have heard for fire extinguishers is "First Aid Fire Fire Fighting Appliances", and they should be used as just that - plasters for minor incidents - waste bins and the like. I am a great believer in "Get Out, Stay Out", and I always tell my people that if one extinguisher hasn't doen the trick - forget it. I also believe that hose reels are only useful for letting the professionals get water onto the fire quickly. Since you normally have to pass the hose through a smoke door they are very dangerous without BA. Richard