If you run a business in the UK, you probably already know that you need to have fire extinguishers. You may even know what the five different types of fire extinguisher are, and where you need to use them. But how about mobile fire extinguishers? What are they for? And does your business need them?
Understanding Mobile Fire Extinguishers
What is a mobile fire extinguisher?
Mobile fire protection typically comprises a wheeled trolley with a collection of fire extinguishers attached. Depending on your business type and the hazards likely to be present, the trolley will contain one of each fire extinguisher type – Powder, Foam, CO2, Wet Chemical, and Water. The trolley can then be easily wheeled to anywhere within your business it might be necessary, such as outdoor and open plan spaces. Mobile fire extinguishers can also be used where it is not possible to mount extinguishers on a wall.
What are the benefits of mobile fire extinguishers?
The primary benefits of mobile fire extinguishers are that they don’t need to be secured to a fixed surface and that they can quickly and easily be moved to where they are needed. This makes them useful in a number of situations. Including where you have a workforce that moves to different zones of a site for concentrated periods. Where there are no suitable places to mount fire extinguishers. And in temporary workplaces.
Which businesses are most likely to need mobile fire extinguishers?
A full range of businesses can benefit from mobile fire protection. However, there are a number of scenarios where mobile fire protection can be most advantageous.
- Building sites – Fire safety can be difficult to manage on a construction site. There are multiple fire risks. The focus and location of work moves rapidly throughout the day. And there are no fixed areas in which to anchor fire extinguishers. So, having a unit that can move with the work is essential.
- Marketplaces – Open markets often have no fixed structures, which can make fire extinguisher placement difficult. The configuration and stall type also changes, depending on the stall holders and seasons, meaning that fire risk also changes. Mobile fire extinguishers are vital for maintaining safety.
- Festivals and events – Because a trolley can be quickly and effectively moved to any area, mobile fire equipment is indispensable for festivals and other outdoor events. Including school events, such as fetes. As with markets, the fire risk and area of focus can change throughout the day, so the ability to move your fire extinguishers can be really beneficial.
- Warehouses – In large warehouses, where the area of work may change throughout the day or week, mobile fire extinguishers can be moved with your team. Ensuring maximum protection and efficiency.
Why is there a need for mobile fire extinguishers?
Fire safety is everything. Without the right fire safety equipment, lives can easily be lost. But with the right fire extinguishers made easily available, small fire events can be controlled and extinguished with minimal damage. It keeps people safe, avoids loss and disruption, and saves businesses money. However, it’s important to remember that fire extinguishers should only ever be used to tackle small blazes.
How do you know if mobile fire extinguishers are necessary for your business?
Your fire risk assessment is your best resource for ascertaining which fire extinguishers your business needs. And whether they need to be static or mobile. At Nordwell Fire & Security, we provide professional fire risk assessment services, and can guide you through your fire extinguisher needs.
What else do you need to know about mobile fire extinguishers?
If you use mobile fire extinguishers, there are several important things you need to know.
- All fire extinguishers need to be maintained and serviced – Fire extinguisher maintenance is really important if you want to ensure that your units work if you ever need them. This means checking them on a monthly basis to ensure that they are damage free – something that is particularly important in mobile fire extinguishers. And having them professionally serviced annually. You will also need them to have more in-depth servicing every 10 years.
- Recharge them after use – If you have discharged your fire extinguishers even slightly, you must have them recharged as soon as possible. That way, they can be ready if you need them.
- Replace your fire extinguishers when needed – Fire extinguishers don’t last forever. Depending on the type, they will need replacing every 10-20 years. So, stay aware.
If you are at all unsure about the safety of your fire extinguishers, our engineers can supply, install, and service all of the right equipment for your business.
Having the right fire protection can save lives. It’s as simple as that. With mobile fire extinguishers, you have an extra layer of protection to keep your employees, customers, and business safe. And that’s really all that any company can do.
Nordwell Fire & Security has been providing professional fire safety equipment, advice, training, servicing, and installation to the businesses of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire for more than 25 years. Find out more about our fire extinguisher services.
