Fire extinguishers in the office: obligation, number and maintenance

A small fire in the office can often be put out quickly if a fire extinguisher is nearby. That is why German occupational safety law requires fire extinguishers in every office. Here you can read how many you need, which type is suitable and what applies to maintenance and marking.

Are fire extinguishers mandatory in the office?

Yes. The employer must provide sufficient fire extinguishers. The German technical rule ASR A2.2 “Measures against fires” describes how many are required. Offices are generally considered areas with a normal fire risk.

How many fire extinguishers do you need?

ASR A2.2 calculates with extinguishing units (LE). Every fire extinguisher shows a certain number of LE on its label. For a normal fire risk:

• up to 50 m²: 6 LE
• up to 100 m²: 9 LE
• up to 200 m²: 12 LE
• up to 300 m²: 15 LE
• up to 400 m²: 18 LE
• up to 500 m²: 21 LE
• each additional 250 m²: 6 LE more (from 1,000 m²)

In addition, the route to the nearest fire extinguisher should be no longer than 20 m, and every floor needs at least one fire extinguisher.

Which fire extinguisher suits an office?

• Foam extinguisher: good for paper, wood and textiles. It causes little damage and is often preferred in offices.
• Powder extinguisher (ABC): extinguishes very effectively, but spreads fine dust throughout the room.
• CO₂ extinguisher: ideal for server rooms and electronics. It leaves no residue.

Every location also needs a sign. You will find suitable signs among our fire safety signs.

Where do the fire extinguishers hang?

• Clearly visible and easy to reach, ideally in corridors and at exits.
• The handle should be between 0.80 m and 1.20 m high.
• Every location is marked with fire safety sign F001.

How big the sign must be is explained in the guide Fire extinguisher sign: regulations, size and mounting. In long corridors, flag and angle signs help.

Maintenance: how often must they be inspected?

Fire extinguishers must be inspected by a competent person at least every two years. The date is then shown on an inspection label on the device. After every use, the extinguisher must also be refilled, even if it was only used briefly.

Don’t forget fire safety assistants

A fire extinguisher only helps if someone can use it. That is why ASR A2.2 requires fire safety assistants. As a rule, at least 5 percent of employees should be trained, and the training should be repeated every three to five years.

More fire protection in the staff kitchen

Many office fires start in the staff kitchen. A fire blanket helps with small fires. In addition, according to DGUV Rule 115-401, coffee machines and kettles belong on a non-combustible base. Read more in Fireproof mat for electrical appliances.

Conclusion

Fire extinguishers are mandatory in offices. The number depends on the floor area, and the route to one should be no longer than 20 m. Mark every location with F001, have the devices inspected every two years and train fire safety assistants.