MRI Fire Extinguisher Requirements

Most public buildings, like offices and restaurants, are required by law to have fire extinguishers appropriately placed, easily accessible, and suited to the specific fire risks present. Fire extinguishers in public places must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure functionality, with clear instructions and training provided for staff. These requirements exist to protect occupants and property by enabling a quick and effective response to fires, ensuring safety and compliance with local fire codes.

Standard Fire Extinguishers Unsuitable for MRI Environments

Most fire extinguishers are constructed with ferromagnetic materials, such as steel, which are strongly attracted to the powerful magnetic fields generated by MRI machines. Keeping or bringing a typical fire extinguisher into a room in which an MRI machine is being used, the magnetic fire extinguisher can easily become a dangerous projectile, causing injury or damaging the MRI equipment. Some fire extinguishers also contain components that could interfere with the MRI’s operation, such as electrical circuits or conductive agents that might disrupt the imaging process or pose safety hazards.

Certification of Fire Extinguishers as MRI Safe

Because of the unique circumstances (intense magnetic fields) that exist in an MRI exam room, standard fire extinguishers cannot be stored or used inside the room. Instead, a fire extinguisher designated MRI Safe must be used.

Fire extinguishers go through a certification process to be designated “MRI Safe” or “MR Conditional”. Organizations like Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and ASTM International are the two major bodies that perform tests to certify equipment, including fire extinguishers, as being fit for use in MRI environments.

Here are the factors that make a fire extinguisher suitable for use in MRI environments:

1. Non-Magnetic Materials

• MRI Safe Labeling: The most critical requirement is that the fire extinguisher must be labeled as “MRI Safe” or “MR Conditional.” This ensures that the extinguisher contains no ferromagnetic materials that could be attracted to the MRI machine’s magnet, posing a significant safety hazard.
• Construction: The extinguisher should be made from non-ferromagnetic materials, such as aluminum, brass, or other non-magnetic metals, and plastics. Even small ferromagnetic components can become dangerous projectiles in the MRI room.

2. Type of Extinguishing Agent

• Non-Conductive Agents: Since MRI machines involve high-powered electrical equipment, the extinguisher should use a non-conductive extinguishing agent. CO2 (carbon dioxide) or clean agents like Halon alternatives (e.g., FM-200) are commonly used because they are effective at extinguishing fires without leaving residue or causing harm to the sensitive MRI equipment.
• Avoiding Water-Based Extinguishers: Water or foam extinguishers should be avoided because they can damage electrical components and are not suitable for electrical fires.

3. Testing and Certification

• Third-Party Testing: The extinguisher must be tested and certified by a recognized third-party organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), specifically for use in MRI environments.
• Proper Labeling: The extinguisher should carry clear labels indicating its MRI compatibility, which should include the specific conditions under which it can be safely used (e.g., the maximum strength of the MRI magnet it is safe around).

4. Accessibility and Placement

• Accessibility: The extinguisher must be easily accessible in the MRI room, often mounted near the entrance or other strategic locations where it can be quickly reached in an emergency.
• Training: Staff should be trained on the proper use of the fire extinguisher within the MRI environment, emphasizing the importance of using only MRI-compatible equipment.

5. Regular Maintenance

• Routine Inspections: Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that the extinguisher remains in good working order and continues to meet MRI safety requirements.
• Replacement: Any extinguishers found to be faulty or no longer compliant with MRI safety standards should be replaced immediately.

By adhering to these requirements, you can ensure that the fire extinguisher in an MRI room will not interfere with the equipment’s operation and will provide effective fire protection in this unique environment.