We strongly encourage anyone spotting any breach of practice to either engage with the premises manager or to notify the local fire brigade. Here are some examples and the cost to rectify the issues which have been sent in to Firescout.

High Risk Not Extinguished

High Risk Not Extinguished

Danger Score3.5/5

"I was shocked to see this extinguisher so high up on the wall!"

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£5.00

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Spotted:2019-09-29

Posted by:Anonymous

Tags:fire-extinguishers
positioning

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" " All extinguishers must be mounted or placed on a stand, for easy identification and to stop unauthorised repositioning. But the legal height limit for hanging extinguishers is 1.5m to the top of the handle for under 4ltr/4kg or 1.0m for over.

Fire Exit. Maybe.

Fire Exit. Maybe.

Danger Score4.0/5

"I spotted this and thought it seemed a bit ambiguous!"

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£10.00

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Spotted:2017-03-01

Posted by:James

Tags:fire-exit
signage

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" " Fire exit signage should follow the standards for the particular area (i.e. Euro or British standards). They should also be clear and easy to follow. Signs like this can create doubt or even be difficult to spot as they aren't like the other safety signage.

Guest book pulpit blocks fire extinguisher

Guest book pulpit blocks fire extinguisher

Danger Score3.0/5

"We were happy to sign the guest book but were a bit concerned about its placement."

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£0.00

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Spotted:2017-02-08

Posted by:Anonymous

Tags:blocked
fire extinguisher

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" " This extinguisher is in a visible, accessible place, but in an emergency the pulpit could be cumbersome to move, increasing time to access or even cause accidents. Access to fire extinguishers must never be restricted.

No route for walkers

No route for walkers

Danger Score5.0/5

"We have an extra large shipment of stock and ran out of space. This was left near the fire exit."

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£0.00

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Spotted:2017-02-08

Posted by:Anonymous

Tags:blocked
fire escape route

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" " Fire escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Even if there are gaps around obstacles, during an emergency there may be smoke and people might be rushing, so it's important to make sure the area is tidy.

Fire Safety Vacuum?

Fire Safety Vacuum?

Danger Score3.2/5

"This vacuum cleaner had been left blocking access to the fire extinguisher. Also the extinguisher wasn't very well sited."

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£0.00

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Spotted:2015-05-22

Posted by:Daniel

Tags:blocked
extinguisher
vacuum

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" " This blockage may only take a few seconds to remove, but every second is vital in the event of a fire. Access to fire extinguishers must never be restricted, and they should be sited in highly visible locations, not hidden in a corner.

Push bar to panic!

Push bar to panic!

Danger Score5.0/5

"I noticed this whilst dining with my family. We didn't stay for dessert..."

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£0.00

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Spotted:2015-05-20

Posted by:Anonymous

Tags:fire exit
chained
panic bar

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" " An emergency exit must be operable at all times. Whilst a tamper seal is acceptable, a padlocked chain is certainly not and must never be left in place when premises are occupied. This could cost lives in an emergency.

Wrong type of evacuation chair

Wrong type of evacuation chair

Danger Score4.0/5

"Spotted this transit chair where there should be an evac one near some stairs."

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£300.00

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Spotted:2015-03-04

Posted by:Anonymous

Tags:evacuation
chair
stairs

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" " A transit chair will allow you to transport people, but is no more suitable than a standard office chair at descending stairs. Evacuation chairs allow controlled descent of stairs with auto-braking tracks.

Fire extinguisher blocked by hose

Fire extinguisher blocked by hose

Danger Score3.0/5

"Extinguisher was covered by hose which is pretty unsafe."

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£0.00

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Spotted:2014-06-09

Posted by:Andy

Tags:fire extinguishers
fire extinguisher

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" " Fire extinguishers should always be accessible easily, so that a fire can be tackled without delay. This hose is wrapped around the extinguisher and in a panic you would struggle to untangle the extinguisher.

Blocked fire exit

Blocked fire exit

Danger Score5.0/5

"I found this while carrying out a fire risk assessment."

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£0.00

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Spotted:2014-05-16

Posted by:AL

Tags:blocked
fire
exit
narrow
escape

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" " This restriction of the fire exit width could be very dangerous if people are trying to push through this route in a panic, especially if there is also smoke. It would lead certainly to a fine if the fire brigade should visit.

Cat flap in fire door

Cat flap in fire door

Danger Score4.0/5

"I saw this in an expensive apartment building. Each door to the apartments was a fire door. "

Possible fine?Yes

Cost to remedy?£200.00

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Spotted:2014-05-15

Posted by:Anonymous

Tags:cat flap
fire door
fire resistant door
smoke

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" " Cutting a hole like a cat flap into a fire resistant door renders the fire protection of the door useless. Smoke will be able to come through the cat flap and the plastic will melt when the fire reached the door.