What is the requirement for fire extinguishers in a office?

[TSS]

We are moving from an office in business centre to a new 2 story office building which only we will occupy.

At the moment there are no fire extinguishers or fire blankets there. There is a proper fire alarm system and fire exit with fire exit signage.

Can anybody advise on the legal requirement for fire fighting equipment (if any) and what size and type of extinguishers we should buy? And should we get fire blankets as well?

Thanks,

TSS

[petros]

If memory serves me correct it used to be 1 extinguisher for every 130 sq. yds. The type will depend on the office. Water very good if no electrics, co 2 if electrics involved, halon [toxic] if computers involved.Dry powder are multi purpose but they do leave a mess. No doubt someone will come on now and say I'm talking boll... Used to work for Nu Swift but that was some 16 years ago.

[sleepezy]

You don't indicate what size/type your business is (i'll assume a fair size office based business).

In general your best bet is to engage a local consultant to assist you and identify your requirements (they'll also supply) as its not something you want to get wrong. there are a whole heap of local and national requirements and i won't even start to claim i can help on any specifics to wherever you are going. There are actually loads of consultancy firms (small independents as well as the likes of chubb etc) - search yell on your location.

Incidentally there are moves afoot by the government to force business to have their own 'fire compliance officer' - i.e. fully trained employee (who can do other work) to ensure your own business in compliant - more forcing of cost/red tape onto the business i am afraid.

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

I recently phoned our local fire brigade who sent an officer around within a couple of days to do an inspection and make recomendations for a new office we are purchasing.

all free of charge.

give them a call.

[TSS]

Thanks for the advice. I've phoned the local fire authority who've said we don't actually have to have any fire extinguishers at all if we don't want to! Apparently they're not required by law in this part of the country. But they have advised me about the best type to get if we want to.

[ali_kat]

TSS said:

Thanks for the advice. I've phoned the local fire authority who've said we don't actually have to have any fire extinguishers at all if we don't want to! Apparently they're not required by law in this part of the country. But they have advised me about the best type to get if we want to.

Is this part of the Nanny State then, in case of injury whilst using one?