Why You Need a Fire Extinguisher in Your Edmonton Office
It is critical to practice office fire protection if you have an office, including having proper emergency protocols, fire protection equipment (fire extinguisher, smoke detector, etc.), and more.
All office buildings must have a fire extinguisher on the premises. A fire extinguisher can save lives in a fire, prevent a fire from breaking out, reduce the amount of smoke debris going into the office space, and limit the amount of residue that can damage office equipment.
Here’s everything you need to know about fire extinguishers in office spaces and why each office must have one.
It is vital for every office space or commercial building in Edmonton to have a fire extinguisher to protect the health and safety of the people working in the building.
There are many fire extinguishers; the type you need will depend on the electrical wiring in the office space and the materials inside. Employers must train their employees to use the fire extinguisher(s) on the premises.
Fire distinguishers combat several different types of fire classes. What separates each category is the materials that fuel the fire, which is why you must assess your work environment and its materials to identify potential fire hazards.
For example, a space that houses paint carries a Class B fire possibility, meaning that a standard fire extinguisher designed for Class A fires (wood, paper fires, etc.) would not suffice. An office space carrying a Class B fire possibility requires a foam fire extinguisher on the premises.
The size of your office space and its hazard level determines the type, size, and amount of fire extinguishers you need.
Water-Fire Extinguisher
- Used for Class A fires
- Fueled by paper, trash, fabric, wood, plastics, etc.
- Fire sources include wooden furniture, paper recycling bins, curtains, and more
CO2 Fire Extinguisher
- Used in Class C fires to fight electrical fires
- Also used in Class B fires
- Fire sources include printers, speakers, computers, etc.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
- Used in Class K and Class A fires
- Commonly used in commercial kitchens
Foam Fire Extinguisher
- Used in Class A fires and Class B fires
- Fueled by flammable gases and liquids (i.e., paint, gas, etc.)
- Fire sources include furniture polish and cleaner
Powder Fire Extinguisher
- Can extinguish Class A, B, and C fires
- An ideal choice for office spaces that contain materials and sources for all three types of fires
The most common fire extinguishers used in office spaces are water, foam, and CO2 fire extinguishers.
Always store fire extinguishers closest to the area with the most significant fire risk. You must place fire extinguishers no less than 75 feet away from each other in most offices and no more than 75 feet away from where employees are working. It would be best to mount them on walls or in wall cabinets, with the handle approximately 3.5 to five feet from the floor.
It is also critical to train your employees on how to use and locate fire extinguishers. With the proper training and safety protocols in place, you can keep your building and the employees inside it safe. You can also hire a fire protection company to install your equipment and to ensure that the equipment meets all fire codes.
Fire protection in an office building is crucial to ensure the safety of the employees working inside it. AMPTEC’s mission is to keep Alberta residents safe. We protect office buildings from fire, power outages, and more. We also install emergency generators, emergency lighting, and more.
Never underestimate the importance of office fire safety. Whether you are looking for installation, inspection, or service for your industrial building, we are here to help. Call us today for a free consultation.
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