Legionella in fire extinguishers?

[TFEM]

What are the chances?
Nowadays with the advent of water only spray extinguishers usually filled in countries less hygeine conscious than ourselves, is it possible?
Does taking out all the additives create another problem?
John

[AnthonyB]

Haven't a clue, traditionally the guidance on water based fire protection systems says the risk is low - however this is in relation to UK based sprinklers, mains and hose reels.

Depending on the country of origin there are lots of nasty water borne diseases that would be far greater risk than legionella.

I'll pose the query with one of our water hygiene boffins next week.

[lancsfirepro]

The FIA issued guidance on this recently. I suspect this is why you have raised the issue.
http://www.fia.uk.com/download.cfm?docid=ACDF2019-A522-485B-A71654BC40D48C36

Suggests that there is not really a risk as the water droplets need to be 5 microns or less to transmit legionella. Even the water mist extinguishers don't produce droplets that small (allegedly).  The guidance then goes on to suggest that service engineers should wear masks when discharge testing water based extinguishers. Well make your mind up!
I did a bit of digging around to see if a nitrogen rich atmosphere (found in an extinguisher) would support the bacteria but came up with nothing.
Personally, I won't be wearing a mask.

[Psuedonym]

I often wonder about this every time I crack open a fire extinguisher which has blatantly not been discharged since the year dot.
You need more than a face mask when your following some companies standards. ....