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Essential Fire Safety Requirements for UK Workplaces (2025 Guide)

by Information

Are there specific fire safety measures for businesses?

Yes, all businesses in the UK are legally required to implement fire safety measures under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These measures are designed to protect life, property, and continuity of operations. The exact requirements will vary depending on the nature, size, and risk profile of the business, but here are the key fire safety responsibilities and measures that apply to most workplaces:

1. Fire Risk Assessment

Every business must carry out and regularly review a Fire Risk Assessment. This is a legal requirement and forms the foundation of all other fire safety measures. It must identify:

  • Fire hazards (sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen)
  • People at risk (employees, visitors, contractors, vulnerable individuals)
  • Means of detecting and raising the alarm
  • Firefighting equipment
  • Escape routes and exits
  • Training and evacuation plans

For workplaces with five or more employees, the fire risk assessment must be documented in writing.

2. Fire Detection and Warning Systems

Businesses must install an appropriate fire detection system (e.g., smoke detectors, heat detectors) and ensure that it can raise a clear and audible alarm throughout the premises. This could be a manual system (call points and bells) or an automatic fire alarm.

3. Firefighting Equipment

Suitable fire extinguishers must be provided and positioned in accessible locations. The type of extinguisher depends on the specific fire risks present (e.g., CO₂ for electrical equipment, foam for flammable liquids, wet chemical for kitchens). Fire blankets may also be required in catering areas.

4. Safe Routes and Emergency Exits

Businesses must ensure that escape routes and exits are clearly marked, well-lit, unobstructed, and easily accessible at all times. Emergency doors must open easily and, where possible, in the direction of escape.

5. Fire Signage

Fire safety signs must be installed in accordance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. These include:

  • Exit and directional signs
  • Fire extinguisher location signs
  • “Do not use lift in case of fire” warnings
  • Assembly point markers

6. Emergency Lighting

Where escape routes may be in darkness during a fire (e.g. due to power failure), emergency lighting is required to illuminate the way to safety.

7. Training and Fire Drills

Staff must receive regular fire safety training, including:

  • What to do in the event of a fire
  • How to use fire extinguishers (if appropriate)
  • Understanding the fire alarm system
  • Recognising escape routes

At least one fire drill should be conducted annually (more often in higher-risk environments), and outcomes should be recorded and reviewed.

8. Appointing Fire Marshals

Designated Fire Marshals or Fire Wardens should be trained to assist during evacuations, perform checks, and help ensure everyone is accounted for. The number of marshals required depends on the size and layout of the business.

9. Maintenance and Record Keeping

All fire safety systems and equipment must be regularly tested and maintained:

  • Fire alarms: usually weekly testing
  • Emergency lighting: monthly checks and annual 3-hour tests
  • Extinguishers: annual servicing
  • Fire doors: routine inspections

Records of maintenance, training, and drills must be kept for inspection.

10. Special Considerations

Additional measures may apply for:

  • High-risk industries (e.g. manufacturing, construction, hospitality)
  • Vulnerable people (e.g. care homes, schools)
  • Multi-occupancy buildings (shared responsibilities must be clearly defined)

Enforcement and Penalties

Failure to comply with fire safety legislation can result in:

  • Enforcement notices
  • Prohibition notices (which may shut the business down)
  • Fines and criminal prosecution for serious breaches

Need Help?

Fireology can help you understand your fire safety responsibilities, provide guidance, and supply the correct fire extinguishers and signage. If you’re unsure whether your workplace is compliant, it’s essential to get expert advice or book a professional fire risk assessment.

A Fire Blanket Is Useful for Which Types of Fire

A Fire Blanket Is Useful For Which Types Of Fire?

by Information

When a fire breaks out, every second counts, and having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Fire blankets are an essential safety tool, designed to extinguish small fires quickly and effectively. However, it’s critical to understand that not all fires can be safely tackled with a simple blanket. In this essential guide, we’ll clarify which types of fires a fire blanket can extinguish, ensuring you’re well-prepared and informed. From kitchen flare-ups to outdoor mishaps, knowing the limits and best practices for using a fire blanket enhances your safety. Join us as we delve into the specifics of fire classifications and discover when a fire blanket is your best ally in fire safety, helping you protect your home and loved ones with confidence.

Understanding Different Types of Fires

To effectively combat fires, it’s essential to understand the different types of fires that can occur. Fires are classified in the UK and Europe into several categories based on the materials that fuel them. This classification helps in determining the appropriate extinguishing method to use.

The main classes of fires are:

  • Class A: Fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, textiles, and some plastics.
  • Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids and gases like petrol, oil, and solvents.
  • Class C: Fires involving gases such as propane and butane.
  • Class D: Fires involving metals such as magnesium, aluminium, and sodium.
  • Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats, commonly found in kitchens.

Understanding these classifications is crucial because using the wrong method to extinguish a fire can worsen the situation or pose additional hazards. For example, water should never be used on cooking oil fires (Class F), as it can cause the fire to spread.

Class A Fires: Solid Materials

Class A fires involve solid combustible materials like wood, paper, textiles, and certain plastics. These are the most common types of fires and often occur in homes, offices, and outdoor areas.

Fire blankets are very effective at extinguishing small Class A fires by smothering the flames and cutting off the oxygen supply. When a fire blanket is placed over a fire involving these materials, it creates an airtight seal that starves the fire, helping to extinguish it quickly.

However, fire blankets are generally suitable only for small, contained fires. Larger Class A fires may require additional firefighting equipment such as water or foam extinguishers, and professional assistance should be sought.

Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids

Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases such as petrol, oil, alcohol, and solvents. These fires can spread rapidly and produce intense heat.

Fire blankets can be used to tackle small Class B fires, but care must be taken to avoid splashing the liquid, which could spread the fire. The blanket should be gently placed over the flames to smother them and cut off oxygen.

For larger Class B fires, specialised extinguishers such as foam or dry powder types are more appropriate. These extinguishers work by forming a barrier between the fuel and oxygen or interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire.

Class C Fires: Gases

Class C fires involve flammable gases such as propane, butane, or methane. These fires are often highly volatile and dangerous due to the potential for explosion.

Fire blankets are not suitable for gas fires, as attempting to cover or smother a gas fire may be ineffective or dangerous. Instead, the gas supply should be shut off if safe to do so, and emergency services contacted immediately.

Class D Fires: Metals

Class D fires involve combustible metals like magnesium, aluminium, and sodium. These fires burn at very high temperatures and can react violently with water or other common extinguishing agents.

Fire blankets are not designed for Class D fires. Special dry powder extinguishers made specifically for metal fires should be used, and these incidents typically require professional fire-fighting intervention.

Class F Fires: Cooking Oils and Fats

Class F fires are caused by cooking oils and fats, commonly occurring in kitchens. These fires are particularly dangerous because water cannot be used without causing the fire to spread.

Fire blankets are highly effective for small kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats. Placing the blanket gently over the fire smothers the flames and cuts off the oxygen supply, helping to extinguish the fire safely.

For larger fires involving significant amounts of oil or fat, a Class F fire extinguisher should be used. These extinguishers release a specialised wet chemical agent that cools the oil and prevents re-ignition.

Limitations of Fire Blankets

While fire blankets are versatile, they are generally intended for small, contained fires. They have size limitations and may not effectively smother larger fires. Additionally, fire blankets are not suitable for gas fires (Class C) or metal fires (Class D).

Proper application is also crucial; incorrect use can lead to the fire spreading or the blanket catching fire. Always follow manufacturer instructions and receive proper training.

Proper Usage of Fire Blankets

To use a fire blanket effectively:

  • Assess the fire to ensure it is small and manageable.
  • Protect your hands by holding the blanket by its edges or using gloves.
  • Carefully place or drape the blanket over the fire to cover it completely, avoiding any sudden movements that could spread the flames.
  • Leave the blanket in place until the fire has completely cooled.
  • Dispose of or replace the blanket if it is damaged or contaminated.

Maintenance and Storage of Fire Blankets

Regularly inspect fire blankets for damage such as tears or contamination, and replace them as needed. Store fire blankets in easily accessible locations near potential fire hazards like kitchens or workshops. Ensure everyone in the household or workplace knows where they are and how to use them.

Conclusion: The Importance of Fire Safety Awareness

Fire safety awareness is vital to protecting lives and property. Understanding the different types of fires and the correct extinguishing methods increases your chances of safely managing fire incidents. Fire blankets are invaluable for quickly tackling small fires, but recognising their limitations and using them correctly is equally important.

By maintaining fire blankets properly, positioning them strategically, and educating all relevant persons in their use, you can enhance overall fire safety. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can confidently protect your home, workplace, and loved ones from the risks of fire.

Important: When purchasing a fire blanket, it’s essential to choose products that carry recognised quality marks, such as the BSI Kitemark or CE certification. These marks ensure the product has been thoroughly tested and meets stringent safety standards, giving you confidence in your fire safety equipment.
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The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: A Tragedy That Shaped Modern Fire Safety

by Famous Fires in History

On 25 March 1911, a horrific fire tore through the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, claiming the lives of 146 workers — most of them young immigrant women, some as young as 14. This catastrophic event became one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history and sparked sweeping reforms in workplace safety and fire prevention standards.

At Fireology, we believe it’s critical to reflect on historic tragedies like this, not only to honour those who lost their lives but to remind ourselves why fire safety measures matter just as much today as they did over a century ago.

What Happened That Day?

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory occupied the top three floors of the Asch Building (now known as the Brown Building) in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. It was a bustling garment factory where workers, mostly young immigrant women, stitched blouses for long hours under harsh, unsafe conditions.

Around 4:40 p.m., a fire broke out — likely caused by a discarded cigarette or match near scraps of fabric. Within minutes, flames spread rapidly across the eighth, ninth, and tenth floors. Panic erupted.

But here’s the horrifying part:

  • The doors were locked. Management routinely locked exit doors to prevent theft and unauthorised breaks.
  • Fire escapes were inadequate. A flimsy fire escape collapsed under the weight of fleeing workers.
  • No sprinklers or alarms. Fire suppression systems were virtually non-existent.
  • Lifts failed. Many workers tried to escape via the lifts, which eventually stopped working due to the heat.

Dozens of women were trapped. Some jumped from windows to escape the flames, only to die on the pavement below. In total, 146 workers died — some from the fire itself, others from smoke inhalation or fatal jumps.

How This Fire Changed Everything

The public outcry after the Triangle Fire was immediate and intense. Newspapers plastered gruesome photographs and heart-wrenching stories across front pages. Mass protests followed.

In response, New York State and the US federal government introduced groundbreaking labour laws and fire safety regulations, including:

  • Mandatory fire drills in workplaces.
  • Requirements for unlocked and accessible exits during working hours.
  • Installation of sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings.
  • Development of stronger, better-designed fire escapes.
  • Formation of groups like the Factory Investigating Commission to enforce safety standards.

The tragedy became a catalyst for the modern fire safety movement — many of the workplace protections we now take for granted were born from the ashes of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.

Lessons for Today

It’s easy to think that tragedies like the Triangle Fire belong to the past. But the core issues — blocked exits, poor maintenance, inadequate fire prevention — still show up today, sometimes with deadly consequences.

At Fireology, we emphasise that fire safety is not optional. Whether you’re managing a factory, office, shop, or residential building, you have a duty of care to:

  • Keep escape routes clear and unlocked.
  • Ensure fire alarms and sprinklers are functional.
  • Conduct regular fire risk assessments.
  • Train staff in evacuation procedures.

Negligence costs lives. Remembering the Triangle Fire helps keep the focus on why we do this work: to protect people, prevent disasters, and make sure no one else faces such a horrific fate.

Final Thought

The 146 young women and men who perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire did not die in vain. Their tragic loss reshaped workplace safety and ignited reforms that still save lives today.

As we continue advancing fire safety practices in the 21st century, we owe it to them — and to every worker, tenant, and family member — to never become complacent. Fire safety is an ongoing commitment, and history teaches us why we must take it seriously.

Historical Photographs

  • Firefighters Battling the Blaze

  • Aftermath Inside the Factory

  • Crowds Mourning the Victims

References and Further Reading

CO2 fire extinguisher prices

CO2 Fire Extinguisher Prices

by Types of Fire Extinguisher

CO2 fire extinguisher prices are the most volatile of all the different types of fire extinguishers. CO2 is produced as a by-product of ammonia production. Ammonia is mostly used as a fertiliser with the leftover CO2 used in everything from beer, to meat packaging and fire extinguishers. With the soaring natural gas prices seen lately, the cost of CO2 has risen as it has become more expensive to produce.

Instead of permanently increasing CO2 fire extinguisher prices for them never to drop when the wholesale rates lower, our suppliers charge us a CO2 surcharge. This charge adjusts when the wholesale rate changes and allows us to adjust our prices accordingly.

Budget CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

At this time the most cost effective CO2 extinguisher is the 2kg in standard red finish. You can use these on electrical fires. In workplaces, it is common to have these paired with a 6L foam or water extinguisher.

5kg CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

For larger fire risks you’ll want a 5kg CO2 fire extinguisher to give you even more firepower. These can be located outside plant rooms or near expensive machinery for example.

Aluminium CO2 Fire Extinguisher

If you need to site your CO2 extinguisher in a corrosive environment such as a marine setting, you can buy aluminium bodied versions in 2kg & 5kg sizes.

Stainless CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

Stainless steel extinguishers not only look great, but will also not rust due to the added Chromium in the alloy.

Decorative CO2 Fire Extinguishers

If the regular versions still aren’t your cuppa, we provide 2kg variants in Antique Copper and Polished Gold finishes. They are particularly effective in more opulent workplace settings or in public areas.

Available Accessories

We also stock a full range of signage in photoluminescent & decorative styles, not to mention stands, transport brackets and more, all designed to perfectly complement your CO2 extinguishers.

Stands and storage

Transport brackets

Metro – How is carbon dioxide made and what is it used for?