questions & answers

How do I know which fire extinguisher to use? How close to a fire do I have to be to put it out? What can happen if Health and Safety find I don't comply? How do I work out what I need? Do you service other companies Fire Extinguishers? If I have a sprinkler system do I still need hand held fire extinguishers? What about homes? Are all fire Extinguishers made to the same standards? What is the use of the service label? How do I know which fire extinguisher to use? In the event of fire the choice of the right extinguisher is crucial, water cannot be used on electrics, carbon dioxide cannot be used on class A fires, the only sure way of correct selection is in proper and effective positioning (carrying out a risk assessment) and by ensuring all staff have effective training in the use of extinguishers. [Back] How close to a fire do I have to be to put it out? Many people believe you have to be close to fire to extinguish it effectively. With a Nu-Swift extinguisher you can be as far as 18 feet away and still extinguish the fire. [Back] What can happen if Health and Safety find I don't comply? It is the legislative duty of all to comply with aspects of Health and Safety in the workplace, and fire safety is part of the requirements. The current Fire Precaution Workplace Regulations (amended 1999) calls for all premises to conduct a Fire Risk assessment, and provide clear and positive instruction on actions to be taken in the event of fire and ensure that fully maintained and adequate fire equipment is provided. [Back] How do I work out what I need? British standards BS 5306 gives clear guidance on the type and number of extinguishers required on premises. As a rule all single occupant premises require to achieve a minimum of 26A of fire rating, or say 2 water extinguishers. However all premises are different and the only sure way to provide the right level of cover is to carry out an assessment of risk. [Back] Do you service other companies Fire Extinguishers? Yes. Nu-Swift service engineers are fully trained and have all the necessary tools and spare parts to service all makes of fire extinguishers. [Back] If I have a sprinkler system do I still need hand held fire extinguishers? Sprinkler systems are an essential part of the fire protection needs of a building, however fire extinguishers are still required and must be installed in all buildings whether sprinkler systems are present or otherwise. [Back] What about homes? There is no legislation surrounding the home, however our most valuable asset should clearly be protected. Smoke detectors should be fitted to provide early warning, a fire blanket in the kitchen is a good start and a multi purpose extinguisher would provide most homes with effective means to fight fire. [Back] Are all fire Extinguishers made to the same standards? All Nu-Swift fire extinguishers fully conform to the relevant manufacturing and safety standards namely BSEN3. As in many areas of the UK and Europe products meet different standards, Nu-Swift extinguishers are manufactured to the highest quality and carry the unique Ten Year Guarantee. [Back] What is the use of the service label? Very much like an MOT it shows that the extinguisher has been serviced, and in addition gives information when more comprehensive service has been carried out or is required. [Back]

Nu-Swift International Ltd Tel : 01422 372852 Fax : 01422 314311 Email : customer.service@nuswift.co.uk