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Should I Buy or Rent My Fire Extinguishers?
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Extinguishers are a method of fire defence allowing you to face off against a hazard without the need to wait for emergency services. This means having the right extinguishers on hand and in good condition is non-negotiable, if you want to be able to respond when a crisis breaks out. In this article we’ll explain the pros and cons of whether you’d be better off overall by renting or buying them.
Why Do I Need Fire Extinguishers?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, any non-domestic premises must have appropriate fire safety measures in place. Fire extinguishers are part of these legal requirements, and when used correctly, they can stop a tiny blaze from becoming an inferno.
Different types of extinguishers are required for different risks: water, foam, CO₂, dry powder, and wet chemicals. It’s essential to ensure you’ve got the right ones installed and ready for use or they’ll be ineffective, so be sure to read on before you make a purchase.
Buying Fire Extinguishers
Permanently owning extinguishers can be the right choice for those with stable, long-term fire safety needs, but only if your plan needs to last:
- Long-term cost effectiveness: more financially savvy for permanent premises where the extinguishers will be used for many years.
- Increased control: you’re in charge of scheduling inspections, servicing, and replacements.
- One-time payment: pay once and own your equipment.
- No ongoing rental agreements: no contracts or repeat fees.
- Ongoing internal fire safety resources: by purchasing them, you will need to train your staff or occupants of their uses.
- Permanent vs temporary taxable asset: they remain with your property and can be audited as part of your fixed assets.
Renting Fire Extinguishers
This method can offer more flexibility and convenience, particularly if your fire safety needs are temporary or evolving:
- Reduced upfront cost: avoid a large initial outlay.
- Maintenance packaging: most rental deals cover servicing or even total replacement in certain cases.
- Ideal for short-term setups: great for events, construction sites, or temporary buildings.
- Less hassle: suppliers often handle testing, inspections, and compliance themselves.
- Simple budgeting: fixed monthly or annual costs can make budgeting predictable despite a contract.
- Access to the newer equipment: easier to upgrade or swap extinguishers as your building’s requirements change.
What’s Right for You?
Though the process requires consideration of these two factors, you can make it more simple by asking the following four things:
- Is this a permanent or temporary location?
- Do I have the resources to manage servicing and compliance?
- Would a rental contract simplify fire safety for my team?
- Am I prepared for the ongoing responsibilities of ownership?
If one and two are a yes, and three and four are nos, then buying is probably the best route. In the opposite case you’ll most likely want to rent.
Every property is different though, and if your answers didn’t fit this template then that’s because they’ll depend on your specific needs and preferences. To learn more about which method of installation would be best for you, or look into installation, get in touch with our team today.
