Frequently Asked Questions

All Walker Fire Extinguisher Service Technicians are trained to BS5306 and are BAFE Registered, and Fire Alarm Service Technicians are trained to BS 5839 and BS5266 for emergency lights.

It is the employers responsibility to ensure staff are trained on what to do in the event of a fire. Training should be given at time of induction to the workplace. It is then up to the employer to decide how often refresher training takes place, however it should be given at least once a year. Training should be carried out by a competent person and records should be kept. Fire safety training should be provided for staff in respect of the following: Discovering a fire – Hearing the fire alarm – Assembly points – Calling the Fire and Rescue Service – Use of fire extinguishers.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibilities on the responsible person for the building who is defined further as the building owner, occupier or managing agent. They must ensure suitable fire safety measures are in place and ensure equipment is tested and maintained. The best way to achieve compliance is to adhere to the recommendations in BS 5306-3 which indicates annual pre planned maintenance of fire extinguishers takes place by a competent person in addition to routine visual inspections to identify any defects or damage where reactive maintenance is required.

BS 5306-8 indicates that the position and type of a fire extinguisher should be indicated on a sign so
that, if the extinguisher is removed, this can be identified during a safety inspection, and a replacement ordered. Signs can also be used to enhance their visibility.

Any defective products removed from site by Walker Fire are sent back to the local branch and disposed of or sent for recycling. We are a registered as a carrier / broker of controlled waste under registration number; LAN/495554/CB

You can buy online but you should make an informed decision before doing so. Walker Fire would recommend the guidance document from the Fire Industry Association is considered before placing an order.

Further details can be found on this link; https://www.fia.uk.com/resources/fire-safety-advice.html

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 indicates fire extinguishers should be provided in order to ensure the building is appropriately equipped. Depending on the building size, use and layout the findings of the fire risk assessment should calculate and define the exact requirement. Failure to comply with the legislation could result in prosecution as would failure to provide sufficient training. The extent to the depth and content for training should be confirmed by the fire risk assessment.

A sprinkler system does not remove the requirement for fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are designed for fires in their early stages and are very effective at extinguishing small fires and preventing them from growing into a large fire. Sprinkler systems operate when a specific temperature is detected and therefore the fire is likely to be larger before it is activated.

BS 5839-1 recommends that a fire alarm system is maintained by a competent person with periods between each visit not exceeding six months. It also goes further to say that if the recommendation is not adhered to the fire alarm system should be considered as non-compliant with the requirements of BS 5839-1.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 indicates that the responsible person defined as the building owner, occupier or managing agent should maintain appropriate records to demonstrate routine checks, maintenance, tests, policies, procedures and training are taking place. Fire log books are considered to be a useful method to help go some way to meeting that obligation.

If you are a credit account customer your invoice will be sent to you as soon as possible after the work has been carried out and will be dated as at when the work was completed. Standard payment terms are 30 days.

Please contact our head office finance team on 01772 639777 who will be happy to assist you.

Powder extinguishers when operated will impede visibility on means of escape routes and may cause respiratory difficulties. BS 5306-8 recommends that indoor use is avoided when it comes to Powder fire extinguishers unless they are supported by a Health and Safety risk assessment.