Portable Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are a safety provision that can be undervalued at times, but would be one of the first things you would look for if a small, manageable fire broke out in your building.
In 2002 a survey of portable fire extinguishers noted that of the 2,173 incidents reported 80% were extinguished before the arrival of the emergency services.
Portable extinguishers form the first line both in extinguishing or, once a fire has taken hold, in aiding escape. For this to be effective portable extinguishers require regular servicing and maintenance, and must be sited according to the fire risk.
It is the buildings duty holder’s responsibility to confirm that the buildings extinguishers, fire blankets etc are reviewed once a year and are documented as operational and fit for use.