A fire extinguisher stand might not be your first thought when you install a fire extinguisher. After all, it can be hung off a bracket on the wall just as the fire standards dictate, so what exactly are the benefits of fire extinguisher stands?

This may well depend on the type of environment the fire extinguisher/s are in. Our rotationally moulded extinguisher stands for example, have a recessed base as opposed to a standard flat base. This makes them an ideal option for public areas with high footfall such as schools, shops and offices, where the stands are much more likely to get knocked. We also carry two part rotationally moulded stands, which come flat packed for easy storage, are durable and 100 percent recyclable, so good for the environment too!

Composite extinguisher stands are of a non-GRP construction, which means they are suitable for use in food preparation areas. These stands also feature a skirting board cut out to allow them to be put right up to the wall thus removing the chance of dirt collecting behind the stand.

Here at Fire Depot, we also stock lightweight, contemporary chrome extinguisher stands. They are ideal for design-led interiors such as prestige office areas and hotels. To complete the upmarket look, they are commonly used with our Elite range of chrome extinguishers.

However, there is another, slightly less obvious advantage to using fire extinguisher stands in older buildings, which is worthy of consideration. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos is still present in millions of business premises that were built before the year 2000. Before its dangers were known, asbestos was often used in buildings for insulation, flooring and roofing and was sprayed on ceilings and walls. Although it is now banned in the UK, tradesmen are warned to be aware of the dangers of disturbing asbestos fibres when drilling walls - for extinguisher brackets for example - so rather than take this risk, an extinguisher stand would be a perfect solution here!

The Health and Safety Executive website - http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos - has lots more information about working with asbestos. You can also download the HSE Beware Asbestos web app at http://www.beware-asbestos.info

Life is precious and buildings and assets matter. You can view our full range of fire extinguisher stands here and please do get in touch with the team here at Fire Depot on 0330 999 2233 to discuss your requirements. We are always happy to help and advise.