CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskWhich extinguisher types are needed in a care home, where to position them, and the annual service requirement.
Care homes typically require water or water-mist extinguishers for general areas and bedrooms (Class A fires -- wood, paper, textiles), CO2 extinguishers for areas with electrical equipment (computers, server rooms, kitchens), and wet chemical extinguishers in commercial kitchens (Class F -- cooking oils and fats). Foam extinguishers are an alternative to water for general areas. Dry powder extinguishers are generally not suitable for occupied care home buildings due to the respiratory risk of powder discharge.
Extinguishers should be positioned on escape routes, near to (but not immediately adjacent to) identified fire risks, and at each floor level. Maximum travel distance to any extinguisher should not exceed 30 metres. Mount on wall brackets or stands at a height accessible to staff (handle between 0.75m and 1m from the floor). Extinguishers must be visible and unobstructed at all times.
All fire extinguishers must be inspected and serviced annually by a competent person (typically a fire protection contractor). The service engineer will check the pressure, weight, seals and condition, and apply a dated service label. Some types (CO2, dry powder) require hydraulic pressure testing at five-year intervals. Maintain a register of all extinguishers with their service dates.
CareHomeDesk gives you compliance checklists, maintenance logs, and contractor management tools built around exactly this kind of knowledge.