Rank: New forum user 
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Good afternoon
Can anyone tell me what is the legal requirement for the amount of space to be left around fire extinguishers? I remember being told previously that it was 1 metre, but am unable to find any information to give me a definite answer.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I'm almost completely confident in saying there is no legal requirement for the amount of space to be left around a fire extinguisher.
Why would they need to have space left round them?
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Rank: Super forum user
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June.
The 1m distance probably refers to best practice re the height of the handle from the floor, and even that isn't law
The law says that where necessary, the premises should be "equipped with appropriate fire-fighting equipment" and that the responsible person "take measures for fire-fighting in the premises, adapted to the nature of the activities carried on there and the size of the undertaking and of the premises concerned".
It makes sense that if the FRA say extinguishers are required, then they must be in working order and available for use. Article 17 of the FSO states that fire safety equipment should be "maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair".
That's all there is legislation wise (in England & Wales)
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi June,
Many moons ago I recall being told that the 1 Metre height was to make it easier for an average adult to grab and lift for use.
I have carried out many a site inspection and found that the area immediately around the fire fighting and warning equipment congested with either waste ( including flammable) and or materials, resulting in access to the equipment being either at best difficult or in some instances nigh on impossible.
From experience if you do not leave a good distance around such items everything else starts to creep towards them until its either too late and they cannot be accessed when needed, or we come along and sort the issue(s).
Whilst I am not aware of any legislation a minimum of 1 Metre would not seem unreasonable and is what I always try and enforce/recommend.
Regards
Clive
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Rank: Super forum user
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Its a pity that you can't post pictures on here.
We had a delivery of palletised cardboard boxes, and these were lined up ready to be booked in and then moved to the racking.
They left a gap the width of a fire extinguisher- this was a new location for the extinguisher and the maintenance dept hadn't got around to painting the floor.
Even me- with my James Bond like physique- could not get to the extinguisher.
When questioned the supervisor said 'Well, you can still see it- its not blocked'.
1m around the extinguisher- painted area- is a good idea.
In his defence he tried to say he was short of space and the pallets would only be there an hour or so.
Andy
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Seems like a decent yardstick...............
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Rank: New forum user
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