Fire & Gas Safety - Fire Extinguisher requirements at The Game Fair 2025

Exhibitor's must have a fire extinguisher on their stand. 

If you need to hire a fire extinguisher, please contact - Robin Crane at Midland Fire protection Services -  robincrane999@gmail.com

Bookings deadline – Monday 7th July

All Catering and Cooking Stands or Units:

Trailer unit with LPG (e.g. tea, coffee, or hot water only - no cooking)

• 1no 6kg Dry Powder extinguisher

Trailer unit with LPG – cooking no frying

• 1no 6kg Dry Powder extinguisher
• 1no Fire Blanket

Trailer unit with LPG – cooking and frying

• 1no 6kg Dry Powder 
• 1no 6ltr Wet Chemical extinguisher (must have 75F fire rating) 
• 1no fire blanket at least double the size of the fryer surface area

Electrical Only Unit, no LPG

• 1no 2kg CO2 extinguisher (can be substituted by 6kg dry powder)
• Fire blanket if cooking
• 1no 6ltr Wet Chemical extinguisher (must have 75F fire rating) (if frying)

Any of the above, Self-Propelled

• 1no 2kg Powder extinguisher in vehicle cab to deal with any un-related fire involving vehicle , e.g. wiring or engine compartment, IN ADDITION to above

Notes.

• The numbers expressed above are the bare minimum – the trader must carry out their own WRITTEN fire risk assessment to decide if they need more
• The minimum size of Dry Powder extinguisher should be at least 6kg or larger
• The minimum size of a Wet Chemical Extinguisher should be 6l or larger
• The minimum size of CO2 extinguisher should be at least 2kg or larger
• If the trader considers that they can use a smaller extinguisher, then this should be justified in their WRITTEN fire risk assessment.

You must identify by means of a fire risk assessment the most appropriate fire extinguishers for the risk on your stand. As a general guide, standard risk would be covered by a water or foam extinguisher, this includes cartridges etc, the electrical risk would be covered by a carbon dioxide extinguisher, quantities of flammable liquids would require foam or dry powder extinguishers (which also cover the solids risk).

Minimum sizes would be 2kg CO2, and 6ltr or 6kg of all other types.

EXTINGUISHER REQUIREMENTS for ALL TRADERS 

• Extinguishers must be manufactured to BS EN3 (throw away or disposable options are NOT acceptable).
• Extinguishers must have warranty under an annual service from a competent person as defined by BS 5306 : Part 3 : 2017 – this can be provided by any reputable fire extinguisher company and have been carried out within 12 months prior to the show.
• Details of the last annual service and previous service history must be recorded upon a branded service label which must be fixed to the extinguisher by the servicing company.
• The service label must be legible, complete, not damaged and not soaked in grease (consider asking your service company for a metallic or plastic lable).
• The extinguisher should be fitted with the correct safety device or pin to prevent accidental discharge, which may be in turn secured by an approved plastic-pull tie designed for fire extinguishers only. Cable ties or similar are NOT acceptable.
• Where the extinguisher is of a stored pressure type (e.g. with a gauge) the gauge should show the needle in the green sector which indicates that it is serviceable
• The extinguisher should be mounted on a purpose designed secure bracket near the exit so that:
  • Everyone can locate it.
  • It doesn’t pose a trip hazard
  • It reduces the risk of someone accidently discharging, dropping, or piling stock on it.
• The extinguisher belt SHOULD NOT be loose around the unit, nor should it be shoved in or under a cupboard, hidden behind stock or hard to locate in the case of fire. 
• If in a catering unit, it is acceptable to remove and store for the purpose of transport, however it must always be in place before the unit starts trading.
• Fire blankets should conform to BS EN 1869: 1997 with a silicon barrier, and again should be bought from a reputable supplier, shop bought domestic blankets are not acceptable - minimum size 110 x 110 cm, larger for deep fat fryer
• Fire blankets should also be included in an annual service and regular checks should be made to ensure that there is no build-up of grease on them
• Fire blankets should be positioned and mounted once again near the exit and NEVER over the appliances as it would be impossible to reach it in the event of a fire.
• All these points will be checked by our Fire Safety Team

• No extinguishers present on stand/catering unit
• Un-serviceable or out of service date extinguisher, e.g., empty, or not serviced within last 12 months as required
• Wrong type of extinguisher for risk, e.g., water for a fat fryer
• Extinguisher in dangerous condition, e.g., co2 with horn missing
• Empty extinguisher, e.g., extinguisher provided and positioned, but completely useless as empty
• Forged records, e.g., service history filled in by Exhibitor to appear that the extinguisher has been serviced
• Extinguisher too small for risk, e.g., as per good practice / guidance
• Extinguisher not put into position before cooking started or left in support vehicle
• It is reasonable to protect extinguishers from discharge with added securing equipment during transit. However, any additional cable ties, tape or similar should be removed before the extinguisher is placed in position before you are ready to trade, leaving only the approved pull tie.
• If a trader has bought a brand new British Standard extinguisher from a retail outlet, or online, although it may still be box, the extinguisher has not received a commissioning service, as required by BS 5306, nor has a service label attached, and is therefore non-compliant.

The trader must have a suitable and sufficient written fire risk assessment covering their activities and provision of fire safety equipment

The Trader must be in possession of an in-date GAS SAFE certificate for their unit.

The Trader must be in possession of an up-to-date PATS test records document for all mains electrical equipment

Additionally, the Fire Safety Team will carry out visual checks on site covering the following points:

• What is the planned means of escape route out of the unit / camping area at rear
• Escape routes are to be clear of trip hazards such as electric cables or gas pipes
• Are there risks while sleeping at rear of unit/s
• Checks on extra cylinder storage, including those in support vehicles
• That electrical cables are tidy, and all installations are certificated. That there are no illegal extensions running to tents, support units or caravans which could overload supply and cause risk to life or damage to property.
• Check that there are no petrol generators or storage of petrol / diesel brought on to site.
• Checks to ensure there is no build-up of rubbish / packaging material around unit

The Gas-Safe safety inspectors will check for the following  

• That the gas installation is sufficient for the environment in which it is being used.
• That all gas appliances are suitable for the purpose that they are being employed.
• Certificate provided is appropriate and suitable for the installation and is correctly competed by the inspecting engineer.
• Correct LPG hoses are used for the operating pressures involved.
• Correct standard of hoses are used.
• That High Pressure LPG Hoses are within their service life and in good condition.
• Low Pressure LPH Hoses are in good condition.
• All LPG hose connections are made with an approved fitting, i.e., crimped or factory swaged connections only
• Hoses and control valves etc. are suitably supported and protected from damage.
• Hoses and control valves etc. are suitably positioned and protected from interference from members of the public.
• There is no excessively long flexible pipework that may affect safety of the installation.
• Suitable measures are in place to ensure that build-up of combustion products cannot reach dangerous levels.
• LPG cylinders are stored appropriately and securely, and labelled as “LPG- Highly Flammable”
• Isolation points are labelled as required.
• No evidence of gas escape detected of the installation by visual inspection (i.e. no smell of gas or leak detected using Leak Detection Fluid.)
• Spare LPG cylinders correctly stored away from stall at LPG store – only 1 spare will be permitted for each cylinder in use.

If you have any questions regarding the above please contact either Catherine.bishop@thegamefair.org or our official fire officer robincrane999@gmail.com

Hire of fire extinguishers will be charged at £40 per unit for the duration of the show, in addition to a refundable deposit of £80. The deposit will be refunded upon safe and un-discharged return of the extinguisher. It is the responsibility of hirer to ensure extinguishers are collected and return to the Midland Fire Protection Services standby point. Should anyone wish to pre-book hire or purchase of extinguishers, then they can do this by email to robincrane999@gmail.com. Midland Fire services require at least 2 weeks prior notice before the event. 

Purchase of fire extinguishers are charged at £90 per 6kg Dry Powder unit and £130 per 6ltr Wet Chemical unit, this includes their commissioning service. =

An annual service for out-of-date units, will be charged at £40 for the first unit and £10 for each unit thereafter, the cost includes the issuing of certificates. Midland Fire Services are unable to recharge empty extinguishers on-site as extinguishers require a special filling rig. 

All costs are inclusive of VAT.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS - ALL TRADERS 

• They must be manufactured to BS EN3 (throw away or disposable ones are NOT acceptable).
• Where an extinguisher has been supplied as suitable as “Multi-Purpose” or “All Risk”, if it is covering an LPG risk, then it MUST have a Class “C” rating recognised by British Standard, marked on the extinguisher, and if provided to cover a deep fat fryer risk, then it must have a Class “F” rating of at least 75F marked on the extinguisher. 

It should also be noted that water-based media extinguishers are no longer considered suitable for use on electrical fires, even if marked as such, e.g. water mist, so a totally non-conductive extinguishing medium must be used such as CO2, Dry Powder or Clean Agent.

(If unsure check with your supplier before purchasing, as incorrect extinguishers WILL NOT be accepted, even if newly supplied).

• They must have had an annual service from a competent person as defined by BS 5306 : Part 3 : 2017 – this can be provided by any reputable fire extinguisher company.
• This must have been carried out within the last 12 months
• Details of this and previous service history must be recorded upon a branded service label which must have been fixed to the extinguisher by the servicing company.
• The service label must be legible, complete, not damaged and not soaked in grease (consider asking service company for a metallic or plastic one).
• The extinguisher should be fitted with the correct safety device or pin to prevent accidental discharge, which may be in turn secured by an approved type plastic pull tie designed for fire extinguishers only. Cable ties or similar are NOT acceptable.
• Where the extinguisher is of the stored pressure type (e.g. with a gauge) the gauge should show the needle in the green sector to show that it is serviceable
• The extinguisher should be mounted on a purpose designed secure bracket near the exit so that:
  • Everyone knows where it is
  • It doesn’t pose a trip hazard
  • It reduces the risk of some accidently setting it off or dropping or piling stock on it
• It SHOULD NOT be loose around the unit, or shoved in, or under a cupboard, or hidden behind stock. (It is acceptable to remove and store it for transport of catering unit, (but it must always be in place before the unit starts trading)
• Fire blankets should conform to BS EN 1869 : 1997 with a silicon barrier, and again should be bought from a reputable supplier, not shop bought domestic ones - minimum size 110 x 110 cm, larger for deep fat fryer
• Fire blankets should also be included in annual service and regular checks should be made to ensure that there is no build-up of grease on them
• Fire blankets should be positioned and mounted once again near the exit and NEVER over the appliances as it would be impossible to reach it in the event of a fire.
• All of these points will be checked by our Fire Safety Team

Common Fire Extinguisher Pitfalls

• No extinguishers
• Un-serviceable or out of service date extinguisher, e.g. empty or not serviced within last 12 months as required
• Wrong type of extinguisher for risk, e.g. water for a fat fryer
• Extinguisher in dangerous condition, e.g. co2 with horn missing
• Empty extinguisher, e.g. extinguisher provided and positioned, but completely useless as empty
• Forged records, e.g. extinguisher service history filled in by stall owner to make it seem that they had been serviced
• Extinguisher too small for risk, e.g. as per good practice / guidance
• Extinguisher not put into position before cooking started or left in support vehicle
• Safety devices cable tied, taped or similar, in position – it is not unreasonable to protect extinguishers from discharge during transit, in addition to standard approved pull tie, but any such items should be removed when extinguisher is put into position, leaving only the approved pull tie.
• The trader has gone and bought a new British Standard extinguisher from a retail outlet, or bought them online, and although they are brand new, and maybe still in box, the extinguisher has not received a commissioning service as required by BS 5306, nor has a service label attached, and is therefore non-compliant.

Other Fire Safety Requirements

• Trader must have a suitable and sufficient written fire risk assessment covering their activities and provision of fire safety equipment
• Where fire extinguishers are provided, evidence should be available that staff have been suitably trained in the use of the extinguishers suitable for the risk/s present o the unit, for example, LPG.
• Trader must be in possession of in date GAS SAFE certificate for unit
• Trader must be in possession of in date PATS test records for all mains electrical equipment

Other Checks

In addition, the Fire Safety Team will carry out visual checks on site of the following:

• Means of escape from unit / camping area at rear
• Escape routes not affected by trip hazards such as cables or gas pipes
• Any sleeping risk at rear of unit/s
• Excess cylinder storage, including in support vehicles
• Tidy and certificated electrical cable installations and no illegal extensions running to tents, support units and caravans which could overload installation or is damaged etc.
• No petrol generators or storage of petrol or diesel
• Build-up of rubbish and packaging material around unit

The GasSafe safety inspectors will check; 

• That the gas installation is sufficient for the environment in which it is being used.
• That all gas appliances are suitable for the purpose they are being used for.
• Certificate provided is appropriate and suitable for the installation, and is correctly competed by the inspecting engineer.
• Correct LPG hoses are used for the operating pressures involved.
• Correct standard of hoses in use.
• High Pressure LPG Hoses within service life and in good condition.
• Low Pressure LPH Hoses in good condition.
• All LPG hose connections are made with an approved fitting, i.e. crimped or factory swaged connections only 
• All hoses, control valves etc. are suitably supported and protected from damage.
• All hoses, control valves etc. are suitably positioned and protected from interference from members of the public.
• No excessively long flexible pipework that may affect safety of the installation.
• Suitable measures are in place to ensure that build-up of products of combustion cannot reach dangerous levels.
• LPG cylinders are stored appropriately and securely, and labelled as “LPG- Highly Flammable”
• Isolation points are labelled as required.
• No gas escaped detected on the installation by visual inspection (i.e. no smell of gas or leak detected using Leak Detection Fluid.)
• Spare LPG cylinders correctly stored away from the stall at the LPG store – only 1 spare will be permitted for each cylinder in use.

• If you have any questions of the above please contact either Catherine.bishop@thegamefair.org or our official fire officer robincrane999@gmail.com

Useful References

Liquid Gas UK (formally UKLPG) Code of Practice 24, part 3 : Use of LPG for Commercial Catering Events, Street Food and Mobile Catering (September 2017)

This is recommended as best practice by the HSE on their website in relation to LPG safety.

BS 5306 : part 3 : 2017 : Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises. Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.

This is recommended as best practice for compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, 2005, the overriding piece of fire safety legislation in the UK.

BS 5306 : part 8 : 2023 : Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises. Code of practice for the selection and installation of portable fire extinguishers.

This is recommended as best practice for compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, 2005, the overriding piece of fire safety legislation in the UK.