BS 5306-2: Fire Extinguishing Installations and Equipment on Premises

Scope and Application

• Applies to all premises except vehicles, aircraft, and marine craft
• Guidance for selecting appropriate extinguishers based on fire risk
• Requirements for installation and positioning for easy accessibility

BS 5306 Series – Fire Protection Standards

• BS 5306-0: Guide to installation and maintenance of fire protection systems
• BS 5306-1: Hose reels
• BS 5306-2: Specification for sprinkler systems
• BS 5306-3: Commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers
• BS 5306-8: Selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers
• BS 5306-9: Recharging and maintenance of extinguishers

Fire Extinguisher Mounting Heights

• Extinguishers ≤ 4 kg: Handle height between 0.9 m and 1.2 m above floor level.
• Extinguishers > 4 kg: Handle height up to a maximum of 1.5 m above floor level.
• Clear space: At least 100 mm clearance between the extinguisher base and the floor.

Fire Classifications: UK/Europe vs US

Class	UK/Europe (BS EN / BS 5306)	US (NFPA / ANSI)	Example Fires
A	Solids	Solids	Wood, paper, textiles
B	Flammable liquids	Flammable liquids	Petrol, diesel, oils
C	Flammable gases	Electrical fires	UK: Propane, butane, natural gas US: Live electrical equipment
D	Combustible metals	Combustible metals	Magnesium, aluminium, sodium
F / K	Cooking oils and fats (F)	Cooking oils and fats (K)	Vegetable oil, frying fat
Electrical	Handled separately using safe extinguishers (CO₂, dry powder)	Included as Class C	Live electrical circuits, appliances

Classification of Fires

• Class A: Fires involving solid materials (wood, paper, textiles)
• Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids (petrol, diesel, oil)
• Class C: Fires involving gases
• Class D: Fires involving metals
• Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats
• Electrical fires: Fires involving electrical equipment (now designated with a special pictogram)

Extinguisher Selection

• Water-based extinguishers for Class A fires
• Foam or powder extinguishers for Class A and B fires
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) for electrical fires
• Wet chemical extinguishers for Class F fires
• Specialized powder extinguishers for Class D fires

Installation Requirements

• Mounting height between 0.9m and 1.2m for units under 4kg
• Mounting height between 0.7m and 1.2m for units over 4kg
• Positioning near exits and escape routes
• Clear identification with signs
• Protection from weather and mechanical damage

Distribution and Quantity

• Minimum fire rating requirements based on floor area
• Maximum travel distance to extinguishers (typically 30m for Class A risks)
• Additional extinguishers required for specific hazards
• Consideration for people with disabilities

Inspection and Maintenance

• Monthly visual inspections by the owner/occupier
• Annual basic service by a competent person
• Extended service (discharge test and refill) every 5 years
• Detailed records of all inspections and maintenance
• Replacement of obsolete or damaged equipment

Signage and Identification

• Standardized color coding for different extinguisher types
• Pictograms indicating suitable fire classes
• Directional signs where extinguishers are not immediately visible
• Instructions for use displayed near extinguishers

Training and Information

• Basic training for all staff on extinguisher types and uses
• Specific training for personnel with fire safety responsibilities
• Information on limitations of portable extinguishers
• Emphasis on personal safety and evacuation priorities