Every non-domestic premises in the United Kingdom must comply with fire safety regulations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the “RRO”). That includes ensuring that fire-fighting equipment such as portable fire extinguishers is appropriate to the risks, easily accessible, correctly maintained and regularly inspected.However, there is no one-size-fits-all extinguisher schedule for every business: the correct type, number and placement depend on the nature of your business, the fire risk assessment outcomes, and the specific hazards present.
Below, we outline practical guidance for three common business types — offices, retail premises and industrial sites — showing which extinguishers are typically required or recommended for each.
Office Environments
In an office setting (e.g., general administrative offices, call centres, small business suites), the primary fire risks include paper/packaging waste (Class A), extensive electrical equipment (computers, printers, servers) and general furniture/furnishings.
Recommended extinguishers:
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A water-based or foam extinguisher for Class A fires (solid combustibles such as paper, wood, fabric). For example, a 6 litre foam or a 9 litre water unit.
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A CO₂ extinguisher (typically 2 kg or more) positioned near electrical equipment to cover electrical fires. Water-type extinguishers should not be used on live electrical equipment.
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Ensure the extinguishers are positioned such that they are within 30 metres travel distance from any point on the same floor.
Key points for offices: -
Even a small office still needs at least two extinguishers per floor unless the floor area and layout are very small.
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Monthly visual inspection and an annual service by a competent person are required.
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Staff should be trained (or at least made aware) that extinguishers are a first-response tool, and that evacuation remains the priority.
Retail Premises
Retail businesses (shops, boutiques, showrooms) often combine several risk elements: display lighting and electrical systems, stock storage (paper/cardboard packaging, textiles), tills and POS equipment, and customer areas. According to guidance, the likely fire classes include Class A (stock/materials), electrical fires, possibly some Class B (if there are flammable liquids) depending on stock.
Typical extinguisher provision:
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Foam or water-based extinguisher for general areas dealing with Class A risks (paper/cardboard/textiles).
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CO₂ extinguisher near tills, display lighting, electrical switch gear to manage electrical fire risk.
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The extinguisher types need to be visibly sign-posted and easily accessible (not hidden behind stock).
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Larger retail spaces (multiple floors, storage areas) may require more extinguishers, and the fire risk assessment should decide the exact number. As guidance: one extinguisher per ~200 m² or at least two per floor.
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Retail staff should know the location of extinguisher points and have basic awareness of their use.
Industrial / Manufacturing / Warehouse Environments
Industrial sites encompass warehouses, manufacturing plants, workshops and other facilities where fire hazards can be more varied and severe (large volumes of stock/material, flammable liquids, heavy machinery, electrical plant, possibly welding/hot work). The fire classes relevant may include Class A (solids), Class B (liquids), Class C (gases), electrical equipment, and in certain zones Class D (metals) or Class F if cooking oil is present (e.g., staff kitchen).
Recommended extinguisher types and placement:
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Dry powder extinguishers (ABC or ABCE) for versatile coverage in areas with mixed fire risks including solid, liquid and gas fires. Note: These create significant residue and may not be suitable for all indoor environments.
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CO₂ extinguishers for electrical equipment, control panels, switch rooms.
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Foam extinguishers for Class A/B zones (where flammable liquids or large solid fuel loads exist).
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In specialised zones: for example if large quantities of cooking oil/fats are used (e.g., factory canteen), a wet chemical extinguisher for Class F is required.
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Careful zoning: bigger and more hazardous areas will need larger capacity extinguishers (9 kg+), more frequent coverage and strategic placement near high-risk equipment.
Key industrial notes: -
The fire risk assessment must account for storage heights, materials, process hazards, flammable liquids/gases and plant/equipment.
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The number of extinguishers per floor/area must reflect the size, layout and risk — e.g., one extinguisher per ~200 m² is guidance.
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Maintenance is critical: The regulatory standards (including BS 5306‑3) require annual servicing by a competent person, monthly visual checks, and periodic extended inspections (e.g., every 5 or 10 years depending on type).
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Incorrect extinguisher choice (e.g., water on electrical fire, foam on cooking oil) can make a fire worse, so match extinguisher to hazard category.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Selecting the correct fire extinguishers is only part of an effective fire safety strategy. Businesses must also:
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Carry out a proper fire risk assessment (required under the RRO).
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Ensure extinguishers are placed appropriately, visible, unobstructed and within safe travel distance (typically 30 metres).
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Maintain extinguishers: monthly visual checks, annual servicing, proper record-keeping.
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Train staff in extinguisher use (the basic PASS method – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) and emphasise that evacuation comes first.
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Review provision when business operations change (new risk added, layout changed, new machinery installed, renovation etc).
For visitors to ShopFireSafety.com, we recommend starting by asking: What are the major hazards in my premises (solids, liquids, electrical, cooking fats)? Then match extinguisher types accordingly: water/foam for Class A, CO₂ for electrical, foam/dry powder for liquid hazards, wet chemical for cooking oil, etc. And if your business is large or complex, consult a fire safety professional for a bespoke assessment.