Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace: Which Ones Does My Organisation Need?
The fire extinguishers required at a workplace depend on its specific use. An office, workshop, commercial kitchen and laboratory do not automatically need the same appliances. Selection therefore begins not with a universal quantity, but with the risk assessment. Which materials could burn, which extinguishing agents are suitable and where must appliances be quickly accessible?
The short answer: there is no universal solution
The rating on a fire extinguisher, such as 21A or 113B, describes its tested extinguishing capability. The letters indicate the suitable fire classes.
ASR A2.2 defines basic fire-extinguisher provision for workplaces and distinguishes between normal and increased fire risk. Where the fire risk is normal, the required extinguishing units are calculated from the floor area. The extinguishing capability of the selected appliances must be sufficient for the fire classes present.
Additional measures are required where the fire risk is increased. These may include more or different fire extinguishers, special extinguishing agents, shorter access routes or additional fire-fighting equipment. The specific decision must be derived professionally from the risk assessment.
Step 1: record combustible materials and work areas
Begin with an inventory of each area. Offices are generally dominated by solid materials that form embers, such as paper, wood and textiles. Workshops may also contain flammable liquids, gases, metals or high fire loads. Commercial kitchens need a suitable solution for cooking oils and fats.
Do not consider only normal operations. Maintenance, storage, charging areas, hot work and temporary processes can change the fire risk. Technical systems, sensitive electronics and rooms with limited ventilation also affect the choice of extinguishing agent.
Solid materials that form embers: fire class A
Liquids or materials that become liquid: fire class B
Gases: fire class C
Metals: fire class D
Cooking oils and fats: fire class F
Step 2: determine extinguishing ratings and extinguishing units
For fire classes A and B, ASR A2.2 uses the auxiliary measure of extinguishing units, abbreviated LE in the German rules. The rating shown on the appliance is converted into LE using a table. The total provided by all appliances is then checked against the provision required for the floor area.
Extinguishing ratings for different fire classes must not simply be combined. If both class A and class B fires are possible in an area, the extinguishing capability must be sufficient for each class present. Classes C, D and F have their own suitability markings and are not converted into LE.
Step 3: plan locations and accessibility
A fire extinguisher that is sufficient on paper is of little use if it cannot be reached quickly and safely during an emergency. Appliances must be clearly visible, easily accessible and mounted in suitable locations. Escape routes, exits and hazard areas are typical planning locations.
Distribution should reflect routes through the premises and the way individual areas are used. Several smaller appliances may be more practical than a few large ones in a subdivided area. Weight, ease of operation and the abilities of the intended users must also be considered.
Stored goods and doors must not obstruct access.
Signs must be visible from the usual direction of travel.
Hazardous areas need a suitable appliance within safe reach.
Distribution must be assessed separately for multiple floors and distinct areas.
Step 4: assess consequential damage and risks to people
An extinguishing agent must fight the fire effectively without creating unacceptable additional hazards. Dry powder has a strong extinguishing effect but causes severe loss of visibility and widespread contamination indoors. Foam or water may be more suitable for solid materials, but not for every electrical or chemical hazard.
CO₂ leaves no residue and is therefore often considered for electrical or sensitive equipment. In small or poorly ventilated rooms, however, the concentration required for extinguishing can become life-threatening. The DGUV therefore requires a precise assessment of the room and suitable instruction.
Step 5: document the provision and keep it current
A professional site inspection is recommended for the specific design. This guide does not replace individual fire safety planning.
Document the fire risk, calculations, suitability of extinguishing agents, appliance locations and supplementary measures. Changes to floor area, use, storage or production processes trigger a new assessment. The same applies when new battery technology, kitchen processes or technical systems are introduced. Further workplace training formats are listed under Bitzer Brandschutz training services.
Fire extinguishers must be kept operational and inspected regularly by a competent person. Employees and fire safety assistants must become familiar with the equipment provided. Correct procurement and practical competence therefore belong together. In fire safety assistant training with a practical fire-extinguisher exercise, employees learn to interpret and operate the workplace equipment safely.
Frequently asked questions
How many fire extinguishers do I need per square metre?
Where the fire risk is normal, ASR A2.2 uses a floor-area-based number of extinguishing units. The number of appliances then depends on the extinguishing rating of the selected equipment and its practical distribution.
Is an ABC dry powder extinguisher always sufficient?
No. It may cover a broad range of fire classes, but consequential damage, loss of visibility, electrical equipment, cooking-oil or metal-fire hazards and the workplace environment must also be assessed.
Which fire extinguisher is suitable for server rooms?
CO₂ is often used for electrical and sensitive equipment, but it creates a significant risk to people in confined or poorly ventilated rooms. The room, ventilation, quantity of extinguishing agent and alternatives require a professional assessment.
Sources and technical basis
Fire extinguishers must suit the workplace and the people using them
Equipment and instruction
A professional assessment connects the fire risk, suitable extinguishing agents, accessible locations and practical instruction for employees.
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