The Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb) has strongly advocated the approval of extinguishing spray cans to fight small fires in companies.
In a letter to Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil, the trade association strongly criticized a decision by the Committee for Workplaces (ASTA) of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which had declared the use of such extinguishing agents inadmissible. The vfdb calls on the minister to adapt the ASTA recommendation to the fire protection expert opinion or to withdraw it immediately.
Extinguishing of spray
ASTA offer rejects the state of science and technology and is made against the express wishes
The ASTA recommendation contradicts the state of science and technology and is made against the express wishes and against the expert opinion of the German fire brigades and the vfdb expert network. At the same time, it contradicts the workplace directive ASR A2.2 “Measures against fires,” which was developed under the leadership of the ministry and published in May of this year.
This directive has brought the necessary clarity and allows the extinguishing of spray cans under defined conditions. This technically sound draft has now been reversed in terms of content and is bringing confusion to a topic where there was already clarity.
Standard fire extinguishers
In its letter to the minister, the vfdb also reiterates its belief that fire extinguishing sprays can be used sensibly in various areas when there is a normal risk of fire. “The reasons for this are simple. Quickly available and easy-to-use extinguishing devices that can be used by almost everyone are used immediately and offer the fire safety necessary in companies while reducing costs. There is no need to discuss the fact that standard fire extinguishers are essential when there is an increased risk of fire,” it says literally.
In addition, fire officials point out that extinguishing spray cans are a cost-effective alternative. “This opportunity to meaningfully reduce costs should not be missed here,” warn the signatories of the letter, vfdb President Dirk Aschenbrenner and Vice President Dr. Anja Hofmann-Böllinghaus.
