The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, surveyed 500 UK tradespeople to reveal how prepared workers are for emergencies. 

Despite a third (33%) of respondents having witnessed a fire while on a job, fewer than one in eight (12%) say they always have access to an extinguisher, and 85% say they don’t have one in their vehicle. 

The correct way to handle a situation depends on whether the fire is electrical, gas, or chemical. However, almost seven in eight (86%) tradespeople say they are unaware of the differences between them. 

With this in mind, IronmongeryDirect has partnered with Edgaras Zilinskas, Director at Fire Immunity, to share the safest ways to treat each type of fire. He advises the following:

  • “Electrical fires should be dealt with by cutting the power, and then spraying the area with a dry powder or water mist fire extinguisher.” 
    • Note: electrical fires MUST be tackled with water mist extinguishers – not standard water/water spray extinguishers – the type of extinguisher will be clearly stated on the label of the body of the extinguisher – check carefully before use. 
  • “For gas fires, turn off the gas supply, cover the flames using a fire blanket and utilise the appropriate fire extinguisher, such as dry powder.” 
  • “Chemical fires can be dangerous to tackle, but try to remove any sources of fuel, heat, and oxygen by using carbon dioxide, foam or dry powder fire extinguishers.” 

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: "It's clear from our research that many tradespeople are unprepared when it comes to fire safety, with worrying numbers not knowing what to do in the event of a fire or how to advise their customers on fire safety.  

“We hope that by highlighting these issues, we can help to raise awareness and encourage tradespeople to take steps to improve their fire safety knowledge and preparedness." 

For more expert advice on how to make your work environment fire-safe, and how to react in different situations, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/expert-fire-safety-advice-for-tradespeople.