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#1 Posted : 07 September 2007 09:18:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Whaley Could someone please help, most of our buildings have a sprinkler system which is tested and maintained. Can we reduce or eliminate the number of portable water extinguishers? Thanks David
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#2 Posted : 07 September 2007 09:27:00(UTC)
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Posted By shaun mckeever The number of fire extinguishers you have should not really be related to you having a sprinkler system. Fire extinguishers are for fist aid firefighting and for securing your means of escape. You should really be looking at using the extinguisher before the sprinklers operate. Sprinklers are heat activated systems so you would have to have a reasonable fire going before they kick in. Fire extinguisher providers often oversell their product to get you to have more extinguishers than you actually need. Generally you should be looking at 1 water based extinguisher per 200m2 with other specialist extinguishers to cover specific risks e.g. 2kg for electrical hazrds.. Maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher is around 30m but depends on the nature of the risk.
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#3 Posted : 07 September 2007 09:28:00(UTC)
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Posted By shaun mckeever oops... that should read 2kg CO2
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#4 Posted : 07 September 2007 09:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian G Hutchings David This depends on many different factors, which are normally all covered in your fire risk assessment. Water hand held extinguishers would normally be used for immediate response to a fire starting or small fire. Whereas sprinklers may be used for property and/or life protection and also if an area is out of site, so a fire could develop without notice. As I said, this really depends on many factors. You need a competent person to undertake a fire risk assessment and advise you. Regards Ian
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