Fire Extinguisher for Office Areas

The major fire risk in an office is usually computer workstations or other electrical equipment. However, this could soon spread to other solid combustibles such as paper, wood and textiles which means a different extinguisher would be needed.

Below we have identified the fire risks associated with the majority of offices and shown the most suitable extinguisher for the different risks.

Electrical Risks - CO2 Extinguisher

For fires involving live electrical equipment such as computer workstations, monitors and electrical cooking appliances, we would recommend a CO2 extinguisher.

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

CO2 extinguishers contains a clean extinguisher agent which does not leave behind any harmful residue or cause secondary damage.

CO2 extinguishers can not be used on solid fuel burning fires, such as wood, paper and textiles.CO2 is an asphyxiant when used in confined spaces.

Other Suitable Extinguishers

Powder Fire Extinguishers

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Powder extinguishers have an ABC rating which means they can be used on solid, liquid and gas burning fires and because they are not conductive of electricity, they can safely be used on electrical fires.

Powder extinguishers cause a lot of mess when used and create a lot of secondary damage. Can also impair visibility when used in small areas.

Textile Risks - Water Extinguisher

For fires involving textiles we would recommend a water fire extinguisher.

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Water extinguishers have excellent surface penetration and cooling properties which helps to rapidly reduce the flames.

Water extinguishers can only be used on solid combustibles, such and wood, paper and textiles. As it uses a wet extinguisher medium it is liable freeze at low temperatures.

Other Suitable Extinguishers

Powder Fire Extinguishers

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Powder extinguishers have an extremely fast knockdown time and can be used on solid, liquid and gas burning fires, as well as electrical fires

Powder extinguishers are not recommended for use in small areas such as offices as they cause a lot of mess when discharged.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Foam extinguishers can be used on solid and liquid burning fires and have excellent surface penetration and prevent the re-ignition of burning substances. Foam extinguisher do not impair visibility

Foam extinguishers cannot be used on electrical equipment or gas burning fires

Paper / Wood Risks - Water Extinguishers with additive

For fires involving wood and paper we would recommend a water extinguisher but because the risk in this particular scenario is close to an electrical risk we would recommend a water extinguisher with additive as this will prevent the risk of electrocution.

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Water extinguishers with additive have excellent surface penetration cooling properties and the additive makes these extinguishers much safer to use around electrical fires.

Water extinguishers with additive can not be used on liquid or gas burning fires.

Other Suitable Extinguishers

Powder Fire Extinguishers

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Powder extinguishers have an extremely fast knockdown time and because they are not conductive of electricity they can safely be used on electrical fires.

Powder extinguishers are very messy and can create a lot of secondary damage. Powder does not prevent re-ignition of flammable liquids.

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