Facilities Manager’s Checklist –
Facilities managers have a wide range of responsibilities, from maintaining building services and managing contractors to ensuring health and safety obligations are met. Fire safety forms an important part of those responsibilities, and portable fire extinguishers are often one of the most visible aspects of a building’s fire protection strategy.
However, ensuring extinguishers remain compliant involves much more than arranging an annual service visit.
A structured approach throughout the year can help reduce risk, improve compliance and ensure equipment remains ready should it ever be required.
The following checklist provides a practical guide for facilities managers responsible for commercial premises.
Confirm Equipment Matches Current Risks
Commercial buildings rarely remain unchanged.
Departments move.
Offices are refurbished.
Warehouses expand.
Manufacturing processes evolve.
As these changes occur, the fire risks within the building may also change.
Review whether your existing extinguishers still reflect the hazards present in each area of the premises.
This is particularly important if new electrical equipment, battery charging stations, commercial kitchens or storage areas have been introduced.
Check Extinguishers Are Easy to Find
An extinguisher is only useful if it can be located immediately during an emergency.
Walk around the premises and confirm that extinguishers remain:
- Clearly visible
- Easily accessible
- Free from obstruction
- Correctly mounted
- Positioned close to identified fire risks
It is surprisingly common for extinguishers to become hidden behind deliveries, storage racks, office furniture or seasonal stock.
These issues can often be corrected quickly once identified.
Review Fire Safety Signage
Fire extinguisher signs should remain clearly visible and positioned above the equipment.
Damaged, faded or missing signs should be replaced promptly.
Where building layouts have changed, signage should also be reviewed to ensure it still directs occupants to the correct equipment.
Good signage improves visibility and supports emergency response.
Carry Out Routine Visual Inspections
Professional servicing should always be carried out by a competent engineer, but businesses should also complete regular visual inspections.
Monthly checks might include confirming:
- Equipment remains in its designated position
- Safety pins are intact
- Pressure indicators appear normal where fitted
- Labels remain readable
- No obvious damage is present
Recording these inspections demonstrates proactive fire safety management.
Keep Maintenance Records Organised
Accurate documentation is often overlooked until it is needed.
Facilities managers should retain records relating to:
- Annual servicing
- Monthly inspections
- Fire risk assessments
- Equipment replacements
- Building alterations affecting fire safety
Well-organised records make future servicing visits more efficient and provide valuable evidence during audits or insurance inspections.
Consider Changes in Occupancy
A building that accommodated fifty employees several years ago may now regularly welcome one hundred staff together with contractors, visitors or customers.
Changes in occupancy levels can influence fire safety arrangements.
As businesses grow, it is worth reviewing whether existing extinguisher provision continues to support the current use of the premises.
Include Fire Extinguishers in Refurbishment Projects
Building refurbishments frequently concentrate on aesthetics, workspace improvements and operational efficiency.
Fire safety equipment should not be forgotten.
Whenever areas are altered, confirm that extinguishers remain:
- Correctly positioned
- Appropriate for the revised layout
- Easily accessible
- Consistent with the latest fire risk assessment
Reviewing fire protection at the same time as refurbishment projects helps avoid unnecessary disruption later.
Work with a Competent Fire Safety Provider
One of the simplest ways to maintain compliance is to work with experienced fire safety engineers who understand commercial environments.
Regular servicing, practical advice and periodic reviews help ensure extinguishers continue to provide effective protection throughout the life of the building.
Professional guidance also allows facilities managers to identify developing issues before they become compliance concerns.
Leeds Fire Extinguishers
At Leeds Fire Extinguishers, we work with facilities managers, property companies and commercial organisations across Leeds to supply, install and maintain portable fire extinguishers.
Whether you manage a single office or a multi-site commercial portfolio, our experienced engineers provide practical advice, scheduled servicing and ongoing support to help keep your fire protection arrangements effective and compliant.
Leeds Fire Extinguishers
Tel: 01133 322253
Email: info@fireextinguisherleeds.co.uk
Website: fireextinguisherleeds.co.uk
