FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Essential Fire Safety Equipment to Keep Your Premises Safe

EQUIPMENT TO ASSIST IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE

In the event of a small fire in your premises, the ability to react quickly is vital.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places legally enforceable requirements on the “responsible person” and organisations for the safety of the relevant persons within the premises. In the event of a fire the “responsible person” must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premise are subject to a system of maintenance and are maintained in efficient working order and good repair.

SS Systems can guide you through your responsibilities to comply with these regulations, contact are team to arrange a free survey.

Water Mist Fire Extinguishers

Water Mist Fire Extinguishers use innovative technology to create a powerful jet of water mist that both cools and suffocates the fire. The ultra fine mist not only lowers the risk of re-ignition because of its cooling effect, but it binds with smoke molecules and reduces the damage created by smoke to the surrounding areas.

Water Mist Fire Extinguishers are suitable for tackling general fires and deep fat fires with just one type of extinguisher. You can even extinguish electrical fires up to 35,000V safely.

Water Mist Fire extinguishers are non-toxic and don’t use harmful chemicals. So you won’t just quickly prevent a fire spreading and causing more damage, but you’ll lower the cost of the clean up compared to typical water, foam, chemical and powder extinguishers.

  • Faster to suppress a fire than conventional extinguishers
  • Suitable for class A, B, C, F and Electrical fires
  • Available in 1, 3 and 6 litre canisters
  • Easily portable hand-held extinguishers
  • Less need for several types of extinguisher
  • Less clean-up or residue than conventional extinguishers
  • Non-toxic

We also supply, dry powder, chemical, wet chemical, CO2, foam, and water fire extinguishers to give you full protection.

Our technical support staff will provide free advice on the types of fire extinguishers that are available and will also carry out free of charge survey to ensure that your business is compliant with current legislative requirements.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

British Standard 5306 Part 3 2017 recommends the annual inspection and service of fire extinguishers by a competent person. A competent person is defined as anyone appointed by the responsible person and someone who is qualified through training and experience to undertake the service and maintenance.

In addition to the annual service it is recommended that the “responsible person” carries out a visual inspection of all extinguishers and fire safety equipment on a regular basis to determine if the extinguisher has been discharged or damaged. This inspection is recommended at monthly intervals.

Fire Extinguisher maintenance visit includes

  • Check Fire Risk Assessment
  • Check Fire Log Book records and register visit
  • Inspect units for damage and or corrosion
  • Check pressure gauge readings are within manufacturers guidelines
  • Complete maintenance log on each extinguisher
  • Check extinguishers are positioned correctly for surrounding potential hazards
  • Check the signage is correct for each extinguisher
  • Check that there is adequate portable extinguisher cover throughout the premises

Emergency Lighting Maintenance

Emergency lighting is an integral part of a fire safety system. In the event of the mains power lighting failing or a power cut, emercency lighting can saves lives by aiding in the safe evacuation of people within the building.

Emergency Lighting forms part of the fire safety systems within your premises and therefore is subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must be maintained.

SS Systems offers a range of maintenance solutions to suit your requirments in accordance with the recommendations of British Standard 5266 Part 8 2004.

Emergency Lighting Maintenance

Emergency lighting is an integral part of a fire safety system. In the event of the mains power lighting failing or a power cut, emergency lighting can save lives by aiding in the safe evacuation of people within the building.

Emergency Lighting forms part of the fire safety systems within your premises and therefore is subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must be maintained.

SS Systems offers a range of maintenance solutions to suit your requirements in accordance with the recommendations of British Standard BS 5266-1:2016.

Frequently Asked Questions For Commercial Fire Safety Equipment

Fire safety equipment includes all the portable and fixed devices used to respond to fires – such as fire extinguishers (water, foam, powder, CO₂, water-mist), emergency lighting, fire-fighting equipment and signage.

SS Systems supplies various types including water-mist extinguishers (suitable for Class A, B, C, F and even electrical fires up to 35,000 V) plus dry powder, chemical, wet chemical, CO₂, foam and more.
The right choice depends on your fire risk assessment, the types of hazards present, and the area of the premises.

Yes, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 you, as the ‘responsible person’, must ensure that fire-safety equipment is maintained in efficient working order and in good repair.
For example, fire extinguishers should be inspected annually by a competent person.

A maintenance visit should include: checking the fire-risk assessment, verifying the fire log book, inspecting devices for damage or corrosion, checking pressure gauges, signage, positioning and ensuring adequate coverage of extinguishers.

Yes, emergency lighting is a vital part of fire safety systems, as it aids evacuation if mains lighting fails during a fire. It must be maintained in accordance with relevant standards (e.g., BS 5266‑1:2016) and legal requirements.

While specific intervals can depend on the equipment and the environment, SS Systems recommends annual inspections for extinguishers and regular visual checks (such as monthly) for general conditions.
Emergency lighting should be checked as per BS 5266-1 and any schedule the “responsible person” sets in the fire-safety management plan.

A site survey identifies what equipment is needed, verifies correct placement, ensures compliance, finds any gaps or hazards, and helps you understand what you should budget for or upgrade. SS Systems offers free surveys.

Yes, SS Systems can provide maintenance and servicing even if the equipment was not originally installed by them. This means you can consolidate your servicing under one provider for simplicity.

Water-mist extinguishers are cited as offering advantages like: one type suitable for many fire classes (A, B, C, F, electrical), less residue cleanup, and non‐toxic operation, which is especially beneficial for sensitive environments.

You should maintain a fire log book that records inspections, servicing, faults, maintenance visits, replacements, and audits. These records are important to demonstrate compliance with fire safety legislation and for insurers.

Advice When Considering Commercial Fire Safety Equipment

Before buying or upgrading any fire safety equipment, carry out a fire risk assessment.
This identifies your specific risks (e.g., flammable materials, electrical hazards, kitchen areas, workshops) and determines what equipment you need and where.
A professional assessment ensures your investment is targeted, compliant, and effective.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “Responsible Person” for a business premises must ensure that suitable fire safety equipment is installed, maintained, and accessible at all times.
Failure to do so can lead to enforcement notices, fines, or even prosecution.

Not all extinguishers are suitable for every kind of fire. Common types include:

  • Water – for solid materials (paper, wood, textiles).
  • Foam – for flammable liquids.
  • CO2 – for electrical fires and sensitive equipment.
  • Powder – for mixed or outdoor environments.
  • Wet Chemical – for cooking oils and fats.
  • Water Mist – versatile and eco-friendly, covering multiple fire classes.

Using the wrong extinguisher type can make a fire worse, always seek expert advice before purchase or installation.

Fire extinguishers, call points, and safety signage should be clearly visible, easily accessible, and mounted at the correct height according to BS 5306-8 standards.
Avoid placing equipment behind doors or furniture, and ensure it’s clearly signposted with the appropriate fire safety symbols.

Fire safety equipment isn’t just about extinguishers, it includes:

  • Emergency lighting for safe evacuation during power loss.
  • Illuminated exit signage.
  • Fire blankets in kitchens or catering areas.
  • Call points and alarms for raising alerts.

All of these elements work together to ensure staff and visitors can react quickly and safely.

Fire safety equipment must be inspected and serviced regularly:

  • Fire extinguishers: annually by a competent person (in accordance with BS 5306-3).
  • Emergency lighting: monthly visual checks and annual full-duration tests (BS 5266).
  • Fire alarms: bi-annual inspections (BS 5839-1).

Keeping up with maintenance ensures reliability and keeps your business legally compliant.

Your team should know:

  • The location and operation of all fire safety equipment.
  • The correct extinguisher to use for different fire types.
  • When not to use equipment (personal safety comes first).
  • Evacuation procedures and alarm protocols.

Regular fire safety training and drills build confidence and save lives in emergencies.

Maintain a fire safety log book to document all inspections, servicing, and training activities.
This is a legal requirement and may be requested by insurers, auditors, or the Fire and Rescue Service.

Choose a BAFE-registered or SSAIB-approved provider (like SS Systems).
Accredited companies ensure your equipment meets British Standards and provide certification for every installation or maintenance visit.

Modern equipment such as water mist extinguishers offers wide-ranging coverage with minimal environmental impact.
They’re non-toxic, leave no residue, and are suitable for many fire types, ideal for offices, retail, and hospitality settings.

If your business grows or changes layout, make sure your fire safety systems can easily expand or adapt.
Modular systems and wireless solutions allow flexible placement and simple upgrades.

Many businesses save time and money by combining fire safety equipment maintenance with other services like fire alarms, emergency lighting, and security systems.
This provides consistency, reduces downtime, and ensures all compliance records are handled in one place.

Bonus Tip: Schedule your annual fire safety maintenance visit before your insurance renewal date. Having up-to-date certificates can help with compliance checks and may even reduce your premium.

CHAS Accredited Company
Construction Line Certified Company
CHAS Accredited Company
Construction Line Certified Company

Contact us today for a Free Site Survey to ensure you meet your Fire Safety and Security requirements.

If you would like to find out more about the services we offer, simply leave us your details and one of our friendly team will get in touch and arrange a call back or site visit.