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How long have Right Action
been trading?
Right Action Ltd has been trading in fire protection for over 35
years. We have a wealth of experience and a secure trading base
to guarantee you the confidence you need. Our clients include Rolls
Royce, British Sugar, National Power, Shell Oil, Boeing, Kent County
Council, Securicor, Kimberly Clark and many more.
What are the laws relating to fire extinguishers and fire training?
Fire safety provision is currently scattered among many different pieces of legislation dating as far back at the 1700s. Though the government is currently reviewing all laws relating to fire safety, there are at present two main pieces of legislation affecting most firms: the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997. For more information, see our FREE Fact Sheet on Fire Precautions Regulations What You Need to Know.
How do I know which extinguishers to choose?
The fire extinguishers you need will depend on the surrounding risks. You may have had advice from a fire officer, auditor or local fire protection firm. For help, check out our FREE on-line Fact Sheet on Choosing the Right Extinguisher, look at the summary pop-up table and don’t forget you can always call us for more free advice on choosing fire extinguishers and training packs.
What are the ‘classes of fire’?
It may surprise you to know that depending on what’s burning, fires are grouped in to different categories, or classes. It stands to reason that a fire in a chip pan is quite different from one in a waste paper bin, and each one will need tackling in a different way. A class ‘A’ fire is a flammable solid, like wood, paper and fabrics. This could be waste paper in a rubbish bin, upholstered chairs, curtains, towels, clothing, and so on. Class ‘B’ is for liquids, like petrol and kerosene. You may have some cleaning fluids that are flammable, and don’t even realise it. Perhaps you have petrol or oils stored in a maintenance workshop? Most hospitals or large care homes will have some sort of fuel for machinery, like trolleys and trucks for transporting laundry. Class ‘C’ is for flammable gases, like Butane and Propane. Class ‘E’ is for electrical fires. Strictly speaking, this isn’t a proper class of fire, because electricity would be the heat source. Having said that, faulty electrical leads and appliances are the cause of so many fires that it is worth reminding ourselves of the dangers. Electrical appliances are everywhere, from cooking appliances, heaters, and televisions, medical equipment and so on. And, last of all, class ‘F’. This is a special class of fire just for the oil in deep fat fryers. If you use one of these in your kitchen, you can imagine how hot the fat would have to be to burst in to flames. And this is why it needs a special type of extinguisher. Look at the summary pop-up table for more information.
Why are all fire extinguishers now red?
In 1985, an EU Directive required all fire extinguishers to be red in colour with only a small flash of the old British Standard allowed. So, Foam will have a small cream flash of colour; Dry Powder, blue; Carbon Dioxide, black; Wet Chemical, yellow.
Do we have to replace fire extinguishers in the old British Standard colours?
No. The old colours are fine. When the extinguisher comes to the end of its life, e.g. due to corrosion, it will be replaced by a new red model.
Do we have to wall mount fire extinguishers?
Yes. British Standards advise all fire extinguishers are wall mounted. All our fire extinguishers are supplied with wall mounting brackets. You may prefer to place your extinguishers on stands or in cabinets. The choice is yours. Stands are ideal for extinguishers located in central locations in a room where there is no wall and the only alternative would be to place the extinguisher on the floor. Cabinets are generally for outside use or on trucks.
How to I get my extinguishers maintained?
If you are in the Lincolnshire area, call us for a quote on 01472 358222.
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