Commercial Fire Extinguishers

Office environments present unique fire risks. You've got electrical equipment humming away all day, paper documents stacked high, and often a kitchen area where staff grab their morning coffee. Each of these creates different fire hazards that need a specific office fire extinguisher to tackle them effectively.

Different types of fire extinguishers for office

Most offices are best protected with water mist extinguishers, as they can tackle both common Class A fires (such as paper, wood, and fabrics) and electrical fires, covering the main risks found in office environments. While many workplaces still use a combination of CO2 and water extinguishers, CO2 is really only necessary where there are large volumes of valuable electrical equipment, such as in server rooms.

For office kitchens or canteens, the right protection depends on the cooking equipment in use. A wet chemical extinguisher is only required if there is a deep fat fryer or hob, as it is specifically designed to deal with cooking oil fires. In most other cases, a water mist extinguisher combined with a fire blanket will provide sufficient coverage for typical kitchen risks.

How many fire extinguishers does an office need?

The number depends on the size and layout of your office. As a general rule, you need enough coverage so that no one has to travel more than 30 metres to reach an extinguisher. For most small offices, two or three strategically placed fire extinguishers will suffice. Larger offices may require one per floor, plus additional units near high-risk areas such as server rooms or kitchens.

Where should office fire extinguishers be placed?

Position office fire extinguishers near exit routes so people can grab them on their way out, not on their way in. Mount them at a height where everyone can easily reach them. Keep them visible and accessible, never tucked away behind furniture or in storage cupboards.

CO2 fire extinguishers are ideally located near server rooms and areas with a large volume of electrical equipment. Place water-based extinguishers in general office areas where paper and furniture fires are likely to start. If you have a kitchen with a deep fat fryer or hob, place a wet chemical extinguisher right where cooking occurs.

What size fire extinguisher is best suited for an office?

For most office applications, 6ltr water mist extinguishers are usually sufficient for all office risks. They're powerful enough to tackle typical office fires but light enough for most people to handle confidently.

Do offices need special fire extinguisher servicing?

Yes, all steel fire extinguishers need annual servicing to ensure they'll work when you need them most. This isn't just good practice, it's a legal requirement for most workplaces. During annual servicing, technicians check the pressure, inspect the extinguisher body for damage, and ensure all components are working correctly. 

However, P50 Service-Free extinguishers are an exception. They don’t require annual professional servicing, only simple visual checks, making them a lower-maintenance and more cost-effective option.

Keep records of all servicing and inspections. Many insurance companies require proof of proper maintenance, and fire safety officers will want to see these records during inspections.

Don't leave your office fire safety to chance. Browse our comprehensive range of office fire extinguishers and get the protection your workplace deserves. Our experts can help you select the ideal combination of extinguishers tailored to your specific office layout and risks.