Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director at Britannia Fire, explains how composite extinguishers offer an eco-friendly, low-maintenance solution aligned with UK waste and carbon targets
Over the last ten years, the fire extinguisher market has evolved significantly. Customers have been calling out for change.
They want fire extinguishers that are longer lasting, easily maintained, more cost-effective and eco-friendly.
This is partly down to a global push to achieve net zero and move towards a circular economy, which aims to eliminate waste and prolong the life of materials and products by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing and recycling.
In the UK for example, businesses are expected to decarbonise operations, reduce emissions and improve efficiency with the aim of reaching net zero by 2050.
Through the Environment Act 2021 and Waste Prevention Programme updated in 2023, businesses are also expected to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency to help the Government meet legally binding targets to reduce residual waste per capita by 50% by 2042.
From 2022, large companies and financial institutions must also disclose climate-related risks, including waste and resource efficiency, in annual reports to improve transparency and accountability.
Traditionally, steel fire extinguishers have been the go-to solution for facilities managers and fire safety professionals, but they are prone to corrosion and therefore need servicing every year and replacing every five years.
They are also heavy, non-recyclable and often contain harmful ‘forever’ chemicals.
Composite fire extinguishers on the other hand, are helping organisations to meet stringent waste and carbon reduction targets and simplifying fire safety.
They’re made from a unique combination of durable plastic and aramid fibres, meaning they are strong, don’t corrode and therefore last 20 years.
They are free from harmful chemicals, fully recyclable and don’t need annual servicing.
A pioneer of this technology, Britannia Fire launched its first P50 composite range from its Norfolk factory 15 years ago.
Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director at Britannia Fire explains: “Composite fire extinguishers simplify everything for the customer and end user:
Simple, in-house annual checks
Composite fire extinguishers only need a simple check by a Responsible Person every year, rather than a costly annual service.
This can be done by the customer at their convenience and is much cheaper and more time and carbon efficient.
For sensitive sites, this also removes the hassle of additional security clearances and safety inductions for service personnel.
Only one refurbishment required in 20 years
Lasting 20 years, composite fire extinguishers only need refurbishing once in their lifetime.
A refurbishment is carried out by a skilled engineer, who empties, pressure tests and refills the extinguisher.
They also replace the red outer jacket, which clearly states the expiry date.
Britannia has a stock of refurbished extinguishers so they can be swapped out immediately, ensuring continuity of fire safety.
Reduces carbon footprint and waste
Composite fire extinguishers are better for the environment and organisations can make huge carbon savings when switching.
Manufacturing is less energy intensive and at Britannia Fire it is partially powered by solar energy, resulting in a 22% carbon saving when compared to metal alternatives.
Carbon emissions are reduced further as there is no requirement for annual servicing and the additional journeys that entails.
They also last longer, are fully recyclable and free from harmful PFAS chemicals.
Saves money
Cost savings are huge over the product’s lifetime.
Customers are saving thousands of pounds on annual servicing and only have to replace their units every 20 years as opposed to five.
The P50 is also multi-purpose.
Both the water mist and fluorine-free foam versions are suitable for Class A (carbonaceous) and electrical fires up to 1000V, with the P50 ECO foam additionally suitable for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class F (fats/oils) fires.
Importantly, this means that one or the other should suffice in most locations and that CO2 extinguishers for suppressing electrical or class B fires, are often no longer required at all.
Many of our new customers can reduce the number of extinguishers they need by half, saving a huge amount of money from the outset.
Easy to use
A single fire extinguisher at each fire point takes away any confusion and makes it much easier to use confidently in the event of a fire.
Precious time in an emergency can be wasted when faced with a choice.
National Trust selects P50 Water Mist extinguishers for UK holiday cottages
Britannia has built a strong customer base since launching the P50, listening to feedback and adapting to accommodate their needs.
The National Trust, for example, has installed P50 water mist fire extinguishers in all its 600 UK holiday cottages.
Bob Bantock, Operational Risk Business Partner and National Fire Specialist at the National Trust, explains: “The National Trust offers holiday lets in beautiful locations across the country.
“Of course, the safety of our guests is paramount and by law we have a number of fire safety measures in place in every property, including clear escape routes, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and the provision of fire blankets and fire extinguishers, which are typically fitted in the kitchen or hallway.
“We first tried dry powder fire extinguishers, but soon found issues with residue and contamination if they were ever discharged.
“The powder was a real problem to clean.
“AFFF foam fire extinguishers weren’t much better because the foam needed replacing every five years, with hazardous waste disposal eventually costing more than the extinguisher itself.
“It became cheaper to buy a new one than empty and re-fill an existing one, which clashes with our sustainability objectives.
“But above all, the biggest headache was that both the dry powder and AFFF foam came in traditional metal cylinders which can corrode and need servicing every year.
“It was costly to send service technicians to remote locations and we found ourselves continually apologising to guests that their holiday would be interrupted by a service visit.
“Thankfully, Britannia Fire was able to offer a convenient and cost-effective solution, with environmental benefits.
“We transitioned to the two-litre P50 Water Mist fire extinguishers which have proved much more suitable.
“The P50s contain de-ionised water, which means when they are discharged, there’s almost no residue to clean up.
“They are multi-purpose and suitable for both Class A fires and electrical fires.
“Crucially, the cylinder is made from composite materials which don’t corrode, so they don’t need annual servicing, just regular visual inspections by our own staff.
“After 10 years, the P50s are refurbished and then good to last another 10 years.”