Fire Fighting Equipment

Firefighting equipment is provided in all Council establishments.  Fire extinguishers can reduce the risk of a small fire (e.g. a fire in a waste-paper bin) developing into a large one.  It is important that only people who have received practical fire extinguisher training attempt to extinguish a fire. 

Prior to using any extinguisher priority must be given to raising the alarm, to ensure that all staff and visitors are safely evacuated rather than fighting the fire.  Fire extinguishers should only be used if people are trapped   

The need for training in the use of fire extinguishers must be identified when the fire risk assessment is carried out.  Bucks and Milton Keynes Fire Services Ltd can provide Fire Awareness training on your own premises that includes fire extinguisher training.

4.1 Types, Numbers and Locations

Responsibility for the type, location and quantity of firefighting equipment lies with the Corporate Landlord when a building is first occupied.

The adequacy of these arrangements must be checked by the Responsible Person at the start of occupancy, as part of the fire risk assessment and if there is any change in the use of the premises.

4.2 Inspection

All firefighting equipment must be thoroughly checked and maintained annually either by the Council’s approved contractor or another suitably competent contractor.  Each piece of equipment must be labelled with the date of its last inspection.  A weekly inspection should also be made to check that extinguishers have not been discharged or tampered with (pins removed or seals broken).

• Any visual defects should be reported, and arrangements made to service equipment;
• Inspections should be recorded in the logbook.