Hi all I've had a look through the LACORS document on this, but it seems a little vague. Is it a legal requirement, or simply a recommendation that multi purpose fire extinguishers be placed in the common areas of a block of flats? I'm looking at the private sector, not local authority, so there are implications potentially, to multiple landlords at a given site. The sites could vary from a house converted to 2 inividual self contained flats, to a 6 storey building containing multiple flats. The former would be difficult to cover, as in my experience, both flats would have their own separate entrance in the majority of cases, with no communal areas. I've got the various grades of alarm/ detection systems covered off; I'm just struggling on the extinguisher side of things. Any advice greatfully received.

If there are communal areas to a block of flats then you will need to carry out a fire risk assessment which should identify the need for fire extinguishers. i would certainly look at fire blankets in the kitchen a possible a 2kg co2. but id you install fire extinguishers then there would be a need to train people in the use of them. Phil

You say you are in the private sector, so firstly you would find a job trying to gain access to the flats to install extinguishers. Then you have the job that training would not be practical and trying to service such equipment each year would be a nightmare. Even in social housing where there is more control of the dwellings (gaining access etc), I have seen extinguishers not serviced for 5 - 10 years and in dire states. In regards to communal areas, as mentioned a FRA needs to be conducted to assess this. The Law does not state you must install x amount of extinguishers, it states ; Fire-fighting and fire detection 13. —(1) Where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons, the responsible person must ensure that— (a) the premises are, to the extent that it is appropriate, equipped with appropriate fire-fighting equipment and with fire detectors and alarms; and (b) any non-automatic fire-fighting equipment so provided is easily accessible, simple to use and indicated by signs. Various BS standards give guidance on amounts per floor space etc. multi purpose, are you saying powder extinguishers??? If so this could have a negative effect to the untrained user, other issues like tampering, damage and location need to be assessed. I have seen 3-5 storey flats have a single extinguisher located to the main entrance of the place. No point tempting joe bloggs to run back up a flight of stairs with extinguisher under arm when they are inches from a place of total safety. Standard of passive fire/active protection needs to be assessed, type of AFD also. I would not get an extinguisher company in to assess for you, as you will more likely end up having so many of the things you will be falling over all the time.

Too true. All depends on area, people etc etc as thankfully it is not a widespread issue (not on my patches anyway). I was at a place in Southall where nearly every extinguisher had been 'tampered' with including horns from co2 missing, handles bashed. This has been ongoing for a few years, so the removal has been advised, so long a residents are involved and communicated through the process (when they see the annual bill for these extinguishers, they will see sense). What is sad is that it is the residents that do the vandalism. But that is another post on another forum on social/Parent responsibilities (or lack of of it)........