Fire Safety

Spills and fire risk often go hand-in-hand, particularly where fuels, solvents, oils, aerosols, and other flammable liquids are stored, transferred, or used. A well-rehearsed spill response plan should always include fire safety controls, clear escalation routes, and staff training on safe first actions.

In the event of a spill, having a robust emergency response plan is vital. Employees should be trained in the procedures for reporting spills and using fire extinguishing equipment, such as foam or dry powder extinguishers, which are effective against flammable liquid fires. For more detailed guidance on emergency response, refer to the Serpro Fire Safety resources. Furthermore, adhering to the COSHH framework will assist in assessing and controlling exposure to hazardous substances, ensuring that all risks are managed effectively.

Immediate actions during a spill where fire risk may be present

Your priority is always people first, then escalation, then control of the source if it is safe to do so. Where flammables are involved, assume vapours may be present and treat the area as a potential ignition zone.

Raise the alarm and isolate the area using local procedures and site signage/barriers.
Stop the source if safe (close valves, upright containers, isolate pumps), without entering a vapour-rich area.
Remove ignition sources where possible: hot work, running engines, non-intrinsically safe tools, smoking, and equipment that may spark.
Ventilate if appropriate (and safe to do so) to disperse vapours.
Prevent spread using suitable containment and absorbents, with drain protection where required.
Escalate early if there is any sign of fire, strong vapours, a large release, or uncertainty about the substance involved.

If there is any doubt, evacuate and call the emergency services. Do not attempt clean-up where vapours could ignite.

Choosing the right fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers must match the likely fire class and the hazards on site. For flammable liquids, foam or dry powder extinguishers are commonly specified, but your site fire risk assessment should dictate what is provided and where it is positioned.

Flammable liquids (Class B): foam or dry powder is typically used.
Electrical equipment: CO2 is commonly used for live electrical risks (do not use water-based extinguishers on live electrics).
Mixed risks: your assessment may require multiple extinguisher types at key fire points.

Important: Staff should only tackle a fire if they have been trained, the fire is small/contained, a safe exit is behind them, and they can stop immediately if conditions change. Incorrect extinguisher use can spread burning liquid or put people at serious risk.

External guidance: HSE general fire safety (includes extinguisher selection examples)

Ignition control and flammable vapours

Many serious incidents occur when vapours meet an ignition source. Controls should focus on preventing vapour formation where possible, limiting vapour spread, and eliminating ignition sources in the spill area.

Static electricity: consider bonding/earthing during liquid transfer and use appropriate anti-static measures where required.
Hot work: manage with permits, exclusion zones, and gas monitoring where applicable.
Equipment selection: use suitable equipment in areas where explosive atmospheres could occur.
Storage and segregation: store flammables in appropriate cabinets/areas away from oxidisers and heat sources.

Internal guidance: Additional information on ignition control

Internal guidance: DSEAR compliance resources

Planning, training, and drill frequency

Fire safety works best when it is built into routine spill preparedness, not treated as a separate topic. Good plans are simple, role-based, and practised.

Train nominated responders on spill reporting, cordons, containment, and extinguisher awareness.
Run short drills so staff practise calling procedures, isolating areas, and using equipment safely.
Keep equipment accessible with clearly marked fire points and spill response points.
Inspect routinely (extinguisher servicing schedules, spill kit seals, and stock checks).

Internal guidance: Serpro spill training

Internal guidance: Emergency response guidelines

Internal guidance: Spill management best practices

COSHH and health controls during spill response

Fire safety is only one part of safe spill response. The same incident may involve hazardous vapours, harmful skin contact risks, or incompatible chemicals. Under COSHH, you should assess exposure routes and ensure appropriate controls are in place (PPE, ventilation, safe working methods, and disposal routes).

Identify the substance (label, SDS, site chemical register) before clean-up where possible.
Control exposure using suitable PPE and safe handling methods.
Prevent reactions by using the correct absorbent type and keeping incompatibles segregated.

External guidance: HSE COSHH overview and COSHH Essentials

Internal guidance: Regulatory Compliance

Internal guidance: Health and Safety

Related Serpro resources

Note: This page provides general guidance only. Your site fire risk assessment, COSHH assessment, and DSEAR assessment (where applicable) should define the specific controls, equipment, and training requirements for your workplace.