Having fire extinguishers inside a commercial property is important — but where they are placed can be just as important as having them.
An extinguisher that is hidden behind storage, placed too far from a potential fire risk or difficult to access may not be useful during an emergency.
For offices, shops, warehouses, workshops, restaurants and other properties in Ajman, Dubai and across the UAE, fire extinguishers should be positioned where they can be quickly identified and accessed.
1. Keep Extinguishers Easy to See
A fire extinguisher should not be hidden behind furniture, boxes, equipment or other materials.
Good placement means:
- Clearly visible location
- Easy access
- Appropriate signage
- No storage blocking the equipment
- Suitable mounting or designated position
Employees and visitors should be able to identify the extinguisher quickly during an emergency.
2. Place Them Near Potential Fire Risks
Extinguishers should be positioned with the building’s actual fire risks in mind.
For example:
Offices:
Electrical equipment, pantry areas and server/IT areas may require particular consideration.
Restaurants:
Cooking and kitchen-related fire risks require suitable fire protection arrangements.
Workshops:
Machinery, electrical equipment, welding activities and other operations can create different fire hazards.
Warehouses:
Storage areas, electrical equipment and combustible materials should be considered when planning extinguisher locations.
The correct extinguisher type should also match the potential fire hazard.
3. Don’t Put Extinguishers Where Fire Could Block Access
An extinguisher should not be placed in a location where a developing fire could make it difficult or dangerous to reach.
For example, placing an extinguisher directly inside or immediately behind a high-risk area may not always provide the safest access.
A proper fire safety assessment should consider the escape route, fire risk and accessibility together.
4. Avoid Hidden or Obstructed Locations
One common problem in commercial buildings is gradual obstruction.
A clear extinguisher location can become blocked by:
- New furniture
- Storage boxes
- Shelving
- Machinery
- Display materials
- Temporary equipment
This is particularly common in warehouses and industrial facilities in Ajman and Dubai, where storage layouts can change frequently.
Extinguisher locations should therefore be checked whenever the building layout changes.
5. Consider Different Areas of the Building
There is no single placement arrangement that works for every property.
A fire extinguisher plan should consider:
- Building size
- Occupancy
- Fire hazards
- Floor layout
- Storage arrangement
- Electrical equipment
- Kitchen or workshop areas
- Access and escape routes
A small office and a large industrial warehouse will naturally have very different fire protection requirements.
6. Check the Extinguisher Type as Well as the Location
Correct placement alone is not enough.
The extinguisher should be appropriate for the type of fire risk present in that location.
For example, electrical areas, ordinary combustible materials and kitchen environments can present different hazards and may require different fire protection solutions.
Using the wrong extinguisher can create additional risk instead of providing effective protection.
7. Review Placement After Renovation or Relocation
Fire extinguisher locations should be reviewed whenever there are significant changes to a property.
If you have:
- Added new partitions
- Changed office layouts
- Expanded storage areas
- Installed new machinery
- Renovated a kitchen
- Changed the use of a room
the existing extinguisher arrangement may need to be reviewed.
This is especially relevant for commercial properties across Dubai and Ajman, where businesses frequently modify their operational spaces.
A Simple Fire Extinguisher Placement Check
Walk through your property and ask:
Can I see the extinguisher easily?
Can I reach it without moving anything?
Is the correct extinguisher provided for the nearby risk?
Could a fire make the extinguisher difficult to reach?
Has anything changed in the building since the extinguishers were installed?
If the answer to any of these raises concern, the placement should be professionally reviewed.
Fire Extinguisher Services in the UAE
Firecon Fire Fighting Equip & Maint Fixing L.L.C. provides fire extinguisher inspection, servicing and fire safety support for commercial and industrial properties.
We support businesses in Ajman, Dubai and across the UAE, helping property owners and facility managers maintain accessible and suitable fire protection equipment.
From offices and retail spaces to warehouses, workshops and industrial facilities, extinguisher placement should always be considered together with the property’s actual fire risks and layout.
Not sure whether your fire extinguishers are correctly positioned? Contact Firecon for a professional fire safety assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a fire extinguisher be kept inside a cabinet?
It may be possible in some situations, but the extinguisher must remain readily identifiable and accessible. The specific arrangement should be suitable for the property and applicable requirements.
Should every area have the same type of extinguisher?
Not necessarily. Extinguisher selection should be based on the fire hazards present in each area.
Should extinguisher locations be reviewed after renovation?
Yes. Changes to walls, room layouts, storage or equipment can affect accessibility and fire protection arrangements.
Does Firecon provide extinguisher services in Ajman and Dubai?
Yes. Firecon provides fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance support for commercial and industrial properties in Ajman, Dubai and other UAE locations.
