Fire Extinguisher Supply & Refilling

Fire extinguishers are Kenya's most widely deployed first-response fire-fighting tool. Every workplace, commercial building, and many homes are legally required to have appropriate fire extinguishers — and every one of those extinguishers must be professionally serviced annually to remain effective and compliant. Lance Security supplies new fire extinguishers in all major types, carries out annual inspection and servicing, performs refilling and recharging after any discharge, and advises on correct selection and placement for your specific building and risk profile.

Types of Fire Extinguishers We Supply

Water Extinguishers (Class A)

Water spray extinguishers tackle Class A fires involving solid combustibles — paper, wood, fabric, and cardboard. They are the standard choice for general offices, schools, and residential buildings. The fine water mist cools the burning material and reduces re-ignition risk. They must never be used on electrical equipment, flammable liquids, or cooking oil fires.

Foam Extinguishers — AFFF (Class A & B)

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam extinguishers handle both solid combustible fires and flammable liquid fires (petrol, diesel, oil). The foam blanket smothers the fire, cuts off oxygen supply, and seals the liquid surface to prevent vapour re-ignition. They are the recommended choice for garages, workshops, general commercial kitchens, and any premises handling flammable liquids.

Dry Powder Extinguishers — ABC (Class A, B & C)

Multi-purpose dry powder extinguishers are the only portable type suitable for burning gas fires (Class C), making them essential for LPG filling stations, industrial plants, welding workshops, and vehicles. However, powder creates significant residue — in offices, server rooms, and equipment areas, CO2 or clean-agent alternatives are strongly preferred to avoid secondary damage.

CO2 Extinguishers (Class B & Electrical)

Carbon dioxide extinguishers leave zero residue, making them the standard choice for server rooms, offices with computers, electrical switchgear rooms, and laboratories. They discharge rapidly and smother fires by displacing oxygen. CO2 units must not be used in small enclosed rooms without ventilation, and operator training is important given the rapid discharge pressure.

Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Class F / Class K)

Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically engineered for cooking oil and fat fires in commercial kitchens — one of the highest-risk fire types in Kenya's hospitality sector. They rapidly cool the burning oil below its auto-ignition temperature while forming a soapy foam layer that prevents re-ignition. Every commercial kitchen in Kenya should have a wet chemical extinguisher positioned immediately adjacent to cooking equipment.

Correct Placement — Kenya Standards

Correct placement is as important as correct selection. BS 5306 and Kenya's fire regulations specify:

• Travel distance — No occupant should travel more than 30 metres to reach an extinguisher in a general office or commercial area. In high-risk zones (kitchens, server rooms, plant rooms) a unit must be immediately adjacent to the hazard.
• Mounting height — Wall-bracket mounted with the carrying handle at 1.0 m–1.5 m above floor level, visible and accessible.
• Location identification — Photoluminescent ID signs above each extinguisher point, positioned along escape routes and at fire exits.
• Minimum provision — At least one 13A-rated unit per 200 m² of floor area for Class A risks; additional units for specific hazards.

Annual Servicing (OSHA 2007 Compliance)

Kenya's Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 and the Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007 require annual extinguisher inspection and maintenance by a competent person. Our annual service includes:

• External inspection for dents, corrosion, and physical damage
• Operating mechanism, safety pin, and tamper seal check
• Pressure gauge verification on stored-pressure types
• Weighing to confirm agent has not dropped below minimum specification
• Hose and nozzle inspection and cleaning
• Replacement of safety pin and new tamper seal
• New service label showing the date, engineer's name, and next service due date
• Updated extinguisher register entry for your fire safety file

Refilling & Recharging After Discharge

After any discharge — real fire or training use — the extinguisher must be refilled before it returns to service. Lance Security carries out on-site or workshop refilling for all extinguisher types common in Kenya: water, AFFF foam, ABC powder, CO2, and wet chemical. Typical turnaround is 24–48 hours to minimise unprotected fire points.

Extended Service (Periodic Overhaul)

• Water and foam — Discharged, internally inspected, and pressure-tested every 5 years; agent replaced.
• Dry powder — Powder discharged and replaced every 5 years to prevent compaction that blocks the discharge mechanism.
• CO2 — Cylinder hydraulic pressure test every 10 years.

Supply for New Buildings & Fit-Outs

Lance Security will survey your building, calculate required extinguisher types, quantities, and sizes, supply certified units with wall brackets, ID signs, and commissioning service. We provide a complete schedule of all units installed — their locations, specifications, and next service dates — as part of your fire safety file.

All extinguishers we supply carry CE marking and are tested to BS EN 3. We do not supply unbranded or counterfeit units — a risk in the Kenyan market that puts lives at risk and creates compliance liability. Request a fire extinguisher supply or service quotation from Lance Security today.