Fire Extinguishers

The first line of defence against a fire and is often overlooked in an office environment until a critical moment. AS2444 is the Australian Standard that lays out the different types of Fire Extinguishers and best locations. A key point to remember is that AS2444 is a minimum guide to your office, business or warehouse requirements to meet fire safety certificates.

FCF Fire Extinguishers

A Fire Service Technician who is a Fire Certifier is the best person to assist with the design to meet AS2444 requirements. They are also able to help with AS1851, which is the Australian Standard for Fire Equipment servicing intervals. AS1851 sets out 6 monthly, 12 monthly and five-year servicing for your Fire Extinguishers. A key point to remember is that the standards differ when it comes to environmental factors and fire extinguisher location. Best practice is to have an FCF Fire Technician come in and give you the right advice for your site.

The most common Fire Extinguishers found in commercial use are Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers, CO2 Fire Extinguishers, Water Fire Extinguishers and Foam Fire Extinguisher. The number one go to Fire Extinguisher for most Fire Technicians is the 4.5kg ABE Fire Extinguisher and with great reason, as it’s a top all-rounder in firefighting capabilities, coverage and weight. Best to select a 4.5kg ABE High Performance Fire Extinguisher from FCF to go the extra distance. Having the correct extinguisher for the right fire is critical. A fatal incident could be caused by using a Water Fire Extinguisher on an electrical switchboard fire. Fire Extinguisher Certifiers assess the risk and factor in human safety. If you are unsure about the requirements or worried that you do not meet State Legislation, call FCF for expert advice to comply with AS2444 and AS1851. Or fill out an online enquiry form

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In addition to the types of fire extinguishers mentioned earlier, there are also specialised extinguishers designed for specific types of fires. For example, there are extinguishers designed for cooking oil fires, which are commonly found in kitchens. These extinguishers use a wet chemical agent that cools the burning oil and creates a barrier between the oil and the oxygen in the air, extinguishing the fire.

All fire extinguishers have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced or recharged after a certain period of time. In Australia, fire extinguishers are required to be tested and serviced in accordance with AS1851. This ensures that the extinguishers are in good working order and will function properly in the event of a fire.

You should ensure that your fire extinguishers are easily accessible in the event of a fire. They should be placed in strategic locations throughout your building, based on the type and size of the building, as well as the potential fire hazards present. This is where a Fire Certifier can help, as they have the expertise to assess the risks and recommend the best locations for your fire extinguishers.

It’s important to ensure that your staff are trained on how to use fire extinguishers safely and effectively. This includes knowing which type of extinguisher to use for each type of fire, how to properly aim and discharge the extinguisher, and when to evacuate the building and call for professional help. Regular fire safety training is essential to ensure that your staff are prepared in the event of a fire emergency.