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Posted By John Dunn
Would it be possible to have some guidance and advice regarding what fire extinguishers to have installed within an office enviroment?
Some of our offices still have one water extinguisher and one Co2 extinguisher installed.
Would it be advised to change the water extinguisher to somthing more suitable such as foam or dielectric foam extinguisher? and what about the suitability of Co2 in an office enviroment?
Thankyou
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Posted By Andrew J. Boyle
Hi John,
Just remember fire extinguishers are not designed to fight fire, but to aide your escape if needed to. You might want to take into account what you might have to go past in a bid to make your escape.
I personally would suggest CO2 and Powder. Powder makes a mess, but a lot safer than spraying water/foam, onto live electrical items.
I also work on the basis, do you really want office staff tackling fires, or do u want them to:
-Raise the Alarm
-Get Out
-Call the Fire Brigade Out
-Let the trained professionals put the fire out
Hope this helps,
Andrew J. Boyle
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Posted By Steve Cartwright
Many people have different views on this subject.
Water and CO2 Extinguishers are fine for an office environment. If you already have them in place I would not bother wasting money to buy more.
Steve
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Posted By Crim
Fire extinguishers are work equipment i.e. equipment provided for use at work. Therefore some, not all employees should be trained in thier use!
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Posted By Crim
Agree with Andrew and Steve mainly, just ensure correct siting preferable on the way out and organise a good fire procedure that states, among other things, "if in doubt get out!"
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Posted By John Dunn
Many thanks for the advice. The company fire evacuation procedure clearly states that;
On Discovery of a fire;
Evacuate immediately activating any break glass unit on route and only competent, trained individuals to attempt to put out fire.
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Posted By Ron Hunter
I honestly think you have correct types John, I'd focus on numbers, location, maintenance and training your people how to use them.
It's useful to know how to put out the fire in the waste bin or flames out the back of your PC monitor SAFELY, when the alternative is standing out in the cold watching your workplace, business and livelihood burn to the ground?
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Posted By shaun mckeever
On discovery of match alight, sound fire alarm, walk past nearest extinguisher and evacuate building, wait 10 minutes for fire brigade to arrive. Little match alight has now escalated to full room alight, firefighters don BA and make entry into building, flashover occurs, all materials within room alight. Water damage from firefighting operations cascades into floors below fire. Office is gutted, staff out of work.
or
Alternatively take a sensible approach and do not have a carte blanche 'evacuate on any fire procedure'.
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Posted By Vanessa Moore
John,
Check your fire risk assessment, it should tell you what type, how many etc. Office environments tend to use CO2 around lots of electrical equipment and some places use foam or powder as they can be used on so many types of fires.
First point of call should be your FRA though, it really will give you the answers your need.
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Posted By W. Findlay
John
Have a look at BS 5306-8:2000 "Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises". Whilst it can be heavy reading it give you a good indication as to the requirements.
Regards
W
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Posted By Scott2211
I recently attended the London Fire Brigade training centre to complete my Fire Risk assessors course. During this training they suggested that Powder extinguishers were removed from offices as once discharged internally they make it incredibly hard to find your way out. I asked them the same question and they told me to stick to Co2 extinguishers as there is less chance of using the wrong extinguisher on the wrong class of fire.
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Posted By Iain Cameron
As a former professional firefighter, I recommend that you have Co2 and powder extinguishers for an office environment.
Opinion is divided on the subject of who should use fire extinguishers, but my opinion is that as many people as possible should be trained in their use.
A glib company policy of "raise the alarm and get out" is not helpful, nor practical in my view. If a small photocopier or waste paper fire can be dealt with there and then, then it should be done so. Remember, fire spreads rapidly - and being able to extinguish a small fire quickly is hugely preferable to letting it burn and getting everyone out of the office. Whilst firefighters are trained for the job, why put their lives at risk if a competent office employee can deal with the situation there and then?
I agree that people who don't know what they're doing shouldn't tackle a fire, but a competent person should be able to deal with small fires with a minimum of fuss.
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Posted By mike morland
Might be worth mentioning that people need to be aware that the purpose of a CO2 extinguisher is to replace the oxygen in the fire triangle and if used in a small office/room the user may develop breathing difficulties.
It could be a hidden danger or cause another set of circumstances??
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