Part of the SafeHands Employer's Guide Series – Fire Safety
Fire extinguishers are a familiar sight in almost every workplace, but many employers are unsure which types they need, where they should be located or when staff should use them. Simply having extinguishers on the premises isn't enough – they must be appropriate for the workplace, properly maintained and supported by staff awareness and fire safety procedures.
Whether you operate an office, retail shop, warehouse, factory, school, healthcare facility or hospitality business, understanding the role of fire extinguishers can help improve workplace safety and support your overall fire emergency planning.
This Employer's Guide explains what employers in Ireland should know about workplace fire extinguishers, including the different types available, when they should be used and the importance of staff training.
Related Guide: Fire extinguishers are just one part of an effective fire safety strategy. For a broader overview of employer responsibilities, read our Fire Safety Requirements for Small Businesses in Ireland | Employer's Guide.
Why Are Fire Extinguishers Important?
Fire extinguishers provide a means of tackling a small, developing fire before it spreads, but only when it is safe to do so.
They are intended to assist trained or informed staff in the early stages of a fire. The priority in any workplace fire is always to raise the alarm, ensure everyone evacuates safely and contact the emergency services where necessary.
No one should put themselves at risk by attempting to fight a fire.
Are Employers Required to Provide Fire Extinguishers?
Employers should ensure that appropriate firefighting equipment is available where required for the workplace and the risks present.
The number, type and location of extinguishers should reflect factors such as:
- The size of the premises
- The nature of the work being carried out
- Fire hazards present
- Electrical equipment
- Flammable liquids
- Kitchens or cooking areas
- The workplace layout
Fire extinguishers should form part of your overall fire safety arrangements alongside fire detection, emergency procedures and staff training.
What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?
Different extinguishers are designed for different types of fire. Using the wrong extinguisher can be ineffective and, in some situations, dangerous.
The main types include:
Water
Suitable for:
- Wood
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Textiles
Not suitable for electrical equipment or flammable liquids.
Foam
Suitable for:
- Solid combustible materials
- Flammable liquid fires
Commonly found in offices, retail premises and general workplaces.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Suitable for:
- Electrical equipment
- Computer rooms
- Server rooms
CO₂ leaves no residue, making it particularly useful around electrical equipment.
Dry Powder
Can be used on several classes of fire, including flammable liquids and gases.
However, because the powder reduces visibility and can be inhaled, its use indoors may not always be appropriate.
Wet Chemical
Designed specifically for:
- Commercial kitchens
- Deep fat fryers
- Cooking oils and fats
These extinguishers are commonly found in restaurants, cafés, hotels and catering facilities.
Related Guide: If your business prepares food, read our Fire Safety in Commercial Kitchens – Common Risks and Prevention | Employer's Guide.
Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Located?
Fire extinguishers should be positioned where they can be easily located and accessed in an emergency.
They should be:
- Clearly visible
- Mounted correctly or placed on suitable stands
- Located near escape routes and exits where appropriate
- Easily accessible without obstruction
- Identified with appropriate signage
Larger premises may require multiple extinguishers throughout the building.
How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Checked?
Employers should ensure that fire extinguishers are maintained in good working condition.
Regular visual checks can help identify obvious issues such as:
- Damage
- Missing safety pins
- Broken tamper seals
- Obstructions
- Signs of discharge
Fire extinguishers should also be inspected and serviced by a competent service provider in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and relevant standards.
Keeping maintenance records forms an important part of workplace fire safety management.
Should Employees Use a Fire Extinguisher?
Employees should only consider using a fire extinguisher if:
- The fire is small and contained.
- They know which extinguisher is appropriate.
- They understand how to use it.
- They have a safe escape route behind them.
- They can stop at any time and evacuate safely.
If there is any doubt, staff should evacuate immediately, close doors behind them where possible and raise the alarm.
Life safety always comes before property.
Understanding the PASS Technique
Many workplaces introduce staff to the PASS method as a simple way of remembering the basic steps involved in operating many portable fire extinguishers:
- P – Pull the safety pin.
- A – Aim at the base of the fire.
- S – Squeeze the handle.
- S – Sweep from side to side.
While PASS is a useful memory aid, it should never replace workplace fire safety training or sound judgement about whether it is safe to tackle a fire.
Common Fire Extinguisher Mistakes
Some of the most common issues employers encounter include:
- Using the wrong type of extinguisher.
- Blocking access to extinguishers.
- Failing to arrange regular maintenance.
- Staff not knowing where extinguishers are located.
- Attempting to fight fires that are already too large.
- Assuming every employee knows how to use an extinguisher safely.
Regular reviews and staff awareness help reduce these risks.
Fire Extinguishers Are Only One Part of Fire Safety
Fire extinguishers are an important part of workplace fire protection, but they should never be viewed in isolation.
Effective fire safety also includes:
- Fire prevention measures.
- Staff fire safety awareness.
- Fire evacuation procedures.
- Fire drills.
- Appropriate Fire Wardens where required.
- Good housekeeping.
- Regular maintenance of fire safety equipment.
Together, these measures help create a safer workplace for employees and visitors.
How SafeHands Can Help
SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions delivers onsite Fire Safety Training and Fire Warden/Marshal training and certification for organisations across Ireland.
Our practical classroom-based courses include fire extinguisher selection and safe use, helping staff understand the different types of extinguishers, when they may be appropriate for tackling a small fire and, just as importantly, when evacuation is the safest course of action.
By combining fire safety awareness with emergency procedures and staff responsibilities, we help employers create safer, better-prepared workplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every workplace need a fire extinguisher?
Firefighting equipment should be appropriate for the fire risks present within the workplace. The type and quantity required will depend on factors such as the premises, activities carried out and fire hazards identified.
Can any fire extinguisher be used on an electrical fire?
No. Water extinguishers should not be used on live electrical equipment. Employers should ensure suitable extinguishers are provided for the specific risks within their workplace.
Should employees receive fire extinguisher training?
Employees should understand the theory of selecting and safely using fire extinguishers as part of their workplace fire safety training, alongside knowing when evacuation is the safest option.
How often should fire extinguishers be serviced?
Fire extinguishers should be inspected and serviced by a competent service provider in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and relevant standards.
Related Employer's Guides