Research also shows that 80% of fires that occur are dealt with by a portable fire extinguisher without the need for fire brigade intervention and without escalating in to a serious fire.

The damage that a fire can cause to a business cannot be overestimated. The visible signs of a burnt out building and ruined stock is only half the story. There is also the consequential losses from business interruption, laying off employees and the customers who are forced to turn to alternative suppliers and never return. Insurance may help to soften the blow but more than ¾ do not recover.

Portable fire extinguishers have been proved to be the most effective means of first aid protection. However it is essential in these days of workplace regulations that they are fit for purpose. An extinguisher can sit in the corner of an office or factory for several years without being called upon, but when a fire breaks out it must work effectively first time.

Hence the need to choose a firm such as Vipond who only supplies Kitemarked products and whose engineers are fully qualified to feta standards.