Fire Extinguisher Installation Case Study: Signage, Refuge Areas and No-Drill Mounting

“Installing fire extinguishers properly is about far more than putting a red box on the wall.”

Most people think a fire extinguisher installation simply involves fixing extinguishers to the wall and walking away.

In reality, a compliant installation involves much more than that. Fire action notices, refuge area signage, fire blanket positioning, mounting methods and even the way equipment is fixed to the building can all affect the finished result.

Recently, we completed a fire extinguisher installation where a few practical challenges meant we needed to think differently to deliver a compliant solution without compromising the client’s building.

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Fire Extinguisher Installation Case Study

We recently completed another fire extinguisher installation where the extinguishers themselves were only one part of the project.

As with many commercial premises, the installation also required the correct fire action signage, refuge area information and fire blanket identification to ensure the completed installation aligned with current guidance.

Instead of simply hanging equipment wherever there was space, each location was considered individually to ensure occupants could easily identify the correct fire safety information during an emergency.

Why Fire Safety Signage Matters

Good fire safety signage helps occupants understand what they should do during an emergency.

Depending on the building, this may include:

• Fire action notices on floors served by lifts stating “Do Not Use Lift”.
• Identification of refuge areas.
• Information signage within refuge areas.
• Fire blanket identification signs.
• Fire blanket operating instructions positioned correctly behind the blanket.

These aren’t optional extras or over-the-top additions.

They form part of good fire safety practice and help ensure occupants receive the correct information when it matters most.

Learn more about our fire extinguisher signage services.

What Happens If You Can’t Drill Into The Walls?

Every building presents different challenges.

On this particular project, the client did not want wall stands and previous contractors had advised that they could not drill into the walls because an asbestos survey had not been completed.

Rather than simply walking away, we installed glued 18mm primed pattresses to provide a suitable mounting solution without drilling into the building fabric.

To finish the installation professionally, decorators’ caulk was used around the pattresses so no post-decoration was required.

Small details like these help produce a cleaner finish while solving practical problems for the client.

Final Takeaway

A compliant fire extinguisher installation involves much more than fitting extinguishers to a wall.

Correct signage, suitable mounting methods, proper commissioning and attention to detail all contribute towards a safer workplace and a more professional finished installation.

Every building is different, which is why practical experience often matters just as much as the equipment itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions we’re commonly asked about fire extinguisher installations.

Do fire extinguishers need signs?

Yes. Fire extinguisher locations should be clearly identified using appropriate signage so occupants can quickly locate equipment during an emergency.

Can fire extinguishers be installed without drilling?

In some situations, yes. Alternative fixing methods may be appropriate depending on the building and the client’s requirements.

Are fire blankets required to have signs?

Yes. Fire blankets should be correctly identified, with operating instructions positioned appropriately behind the blanket where applicable.

Resources

• Government Fire Safety Guidance
• BS 5306-8