Fire extinguishers should never just sit on the floor, where they get knocked over, kicked aside or used as doorstops. A wall bracket, stand, cabinet or cover keeps them visible, protected and ready to use.

Wall Brackets

Most extinguishers come with a wall bracket. British Standard BS 5306-8:2023 gives handle heights based on the total weight of the extinguisher (the whole unit, not just what's inside it):

  • Up to 4kg total weight – only small extinguishers, such as a 2kg powder: handle about 1.5 metres from the floor.
  • Over 4kg total weight – most standard sizes, including a 2kg CO2 and a 6 Litre Water: handle about 1 metre from the floor.

See Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Placed? for more.

Before drilling, check for hidden cables and pipes. Heavier extinguishers may need extra support on plasterboard – a 9 Litre Water, for example, can weigh around 15kg.

Stands

A stand is the answer where you can't or don't want to drill the wall – for example, glass or partition walls, rented premises or listed buildings. There are three main styles:

  • Plastic stands – red (sometimes grey) polypropylene stands where the extinguisher sits on the base, usually with an upright back that holds the identification sign. Some have flat bases, which means the extinguisher can be knocked over more easily.
  • Plinths and fire points – red or grey bases with no upright back. They're often used in open areas with no wall nearby, such as department stores and showrooms.
  • Metal tubular stands – in chrome, red or black. They come with brackets, so the extinguisher hangs off the floor rather than sitting on it.

Double stands hold two extinguishers side by side, such as a water and a CO2 at a fire point.

Covers

Extinguisher covers are a low-cost way to protect extinguishers from the weather, and from people breaking the seal, pulling the pin or causing damage – for example, in schools and public areas.

Cabinets

Use a cabinet where extinguishers need more protection:

  • Outdoors – from rain, frost and sunlight, which fades labels. Look for a weather-rated cabinet.
  • Harsh areas – dusty or dirty workplaces.
  • Vandalism or theft – in public areas. Cabinets can be fitted with tamper seals or alarms.

Some extinguishers can freeze in cold places, such as unheated stairwells or outdoors. Check the operating temperature range on the label, or use a type rated for low temperatures.

Forecourts

Fuel forecourts have their own guidance, usually using larger powder extinguishers on mobile fire points near the pumps, with sand buckets. Check them at least weekly, as they're prone to corrosion and vandalism.

Don't Forget the Sign

An identification sign above each extinguisher shows what it is and makes it obvious when one is missing. See Which Fire Safety Signs Do I Need?.

Worth remembering… your fire risk assessment is what decides what your premises need. This guide is general advice, not a substitute for it.

Not sure what you need? Get in touch with our team – we'll be delighted to help. No pressure. No sales patter.