Non-Magnetic CO2 Fire Extinguishers for MRI & Specialist Environments
Non-magnetic CO2 fire extinguishers are specialist extinguishers designed for environments where conventional ferromagnetic fire-fighting equipment may create an unacceptable hazard.
They are most commonly associated with MRI scanner suites, NMR laboratories and other specialist medical, scientific and research environments where strong magnetic fields are present.
CO2 is particularly useful around appropriate electrical and electronic equipment because it is electrically non-conductive and leaves no extinguishing-agent residue. Current UK non-magnetic 2kg CO2 products are specifically marketed for MRI and NMR environments and retain the normal Class B performance expected of a 2kg CO2 extinguisher.
Kings Fire can assess the extinguisher requirements for specialist premises, source appropriate equipment, commission it correctly and incorporate it into an ongoing fire extinguisher servicing programme.
Why Are Special Extinguishers Needed Around MRI Equipment?
MRI scanners generate extremely powerful magnetic fields that remain present even when the scanner is not actively producing an image.
Ordinary fire extinguishers can contain ferromagnetic steel components. If unsuitable equipment is taken into a controlled MRI environment, it can potentially be attracted towards the magnet and become a serious projectile hazard.
Specialist non-magnetic or appropriately MR-rated fire extinguishers use carefully selected materials and components to reduce that risk.
Where an extinguisher is intended to be stored or used within the MRI magnet room itself, the specific extinguisher, bracket and accessories should be confirmed as suitable for the MRI environment in which they will be used. Dedicated products are available with defined MR Conditional ratings, including units tested for use at specified magnetic-field strengths.
Where Are Non-Magnetic CO2 Extinguishers Used?
Typical specialist applications include:
- MRI scanner suites and diagnostic imaging departments
- NMR spectroscopy laboratories
- Hospitals and specialist healthcare environments
- Universities and research facilities
- Scientific laboratories using powerful magnetic equipment
- Other controlled environments where magnetic compatibility is a critical consideration
Why Use CO2?
Carbon dioxide is a clean gaseous extinguishing agent that leaves no residue after discharge.
It is suitable for appropriate Class B flammable-liquid risks and is widely used where live electrical or electronic equipment may be involved because the extinguishing medium is non-conductive and does not leave powder, foam or water residue behind. Current BS EN 3 CO2 extinguishers commonly carry Class B fire ratings and are tested for use around live electrical equipment.
CO2 is not the correct extinguisher for every fire risk. It provides little cooling, can allow re-ignition of some materials and creates additional hazards if discharged in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. The overall extinguisher provision should therefore be assessed rather than selecting CO2 purely because electrical equipment is present.
MRI Compatibility Must Be Confirmed
The description "non-magnetic" should not be treated as a blanket guarantee that any extinguisher can be taken anywhere within an MRI suite.
MRI environments are controlled according to the particular equipment, magnetic-field strength and local safety arrangements. Where fire-fighting equipment is required within or close to the magnet room, its suitability should be confirmed against the manufacturer's documentation and the MRI facility's own safety requirements.
Kings Fire can work with the client or facility team to ensure the proposed extinguisher provision is appropriate for the intended location.
Professional Supply, Commissioning & Servicing
Kings Fire can advise on specialist extinguisher provision for MRI, NMR, medical, research and other sensitive environments.
Where appropriate equipment is available, we can supply and commission the extinguisher, ensure suitable mounting arrangements are provided and incorporate the equipment into your ongoing servicing programme.
For wider specialist risks, visit our Specialist Fire Extinguishers page.
Non-Magnetic CO₂ Fire Extinguisher FAQs
Answers to common questions about specialist CO₂ fire extinguishers for MRI, NMR and other high-magnetic-field environments.
What is a non-magnetic CO₂ fire extinguisher?
A non-magnetic CO₂ fire extinguisher is a specialist extinguisher constructed using materials and components selected for environments where conventional ferromagnetic equipment may create a hazard. Typical applications include MRI scanner suites and NMR laboratories.
Why are special fire extinguishers required in MRI rooms?
MRI scanners produce very powerful magnetic fields. Ferromagnetic equipment can potentially be attracted towards the magnet and become a projectile hazard, so equipment intended for controlled MRI environments must be selected carefully.
Does non-magnetic automatically mean MRI safe?
No. The suitability of an extinguisher for a particular MRI environment should be confirmed from the manufacturer's testing and marking and against the requirements of the MRI facility. Some specialist units are supplied with defined MR Conditional ratings for specified magnetic-field strengths.
What fires are non-magnetic CO₂ extinguishers suitable for?
CO₂ extinguishers are suitable for appropriate Class B flammable-liquid risks and are widely used where electrical or electronic equipment may be involved because carbon dioxide is electrically non-conductive and leaves no extinguishing-agent residue.
Are non-magnetic CO₂ extinguishers only used in hospitals?
No. They may also be required in universities, research laboratories, NMR spectroscopy facilities and other specialist scientific or technical environments where strong magnetic fields are present.
Can Kings Fire supply and service non-magnetic CO₂ extinguishers?
Yes. Kings Fire can assess specialist extinguisher requirements, advise on suitable provision, source and commission appropriate equipment and incorporate non-magnetic CO₂ extinguishers into an ongoing fire extinguisher servicing programme.
Need Advice on Non-Magnetic CO2 or MRI Fire Extinguishers?
Fire protection within MRI and other high-magnetic-field environments requires careful equipment selection.
Kings Fire can review your requirements, advise on appropriate specialist extinguisher provision, source and commission suitable equipment and provide ongoing servicing.
Call 01462 337037 or contact Kings Fire to discuss your requirements.