Fire extinguishers are effective in slowing down the spread of a fire, which helps to minimize property damage and for the people inside your building to escape the fire.
What are the common causes of fires in buildings? Most commercial fires occur from heating equipment, electrical and lighting equipment, smoking materials, and misuse of a heated source.
This article explores four key things business owners should know about fire extinguishers. Here’s how you can keep your building safe.
Maintenance and Inspection
You can mistakenly assume that you don’t have to maintain or inspect a fire extinguisher once it is installed inside your building. Without regular maintenance, your device can fail when you have a fire accident. It is known that about 30% of fire extinguishers fail to work properly. So, it’s a good idea for you to have your portable fire extinguishers professionally inspected at least once per year.
There are significant damages that you won’t see on your fire extinguishers unless they are properly inspected. A professional can inspect your device for signs of damages or deterioration, potential leaks or hose blockage, and other issues.
Durability
Can you remember the last time you installed your fire extinguisher? Keep in mind that fire extinguishers need to be replaced. A simple way for you to determine if you should replace your fire device is to check for damages. Replace your unit if you discover rust or corrosion, damage to components, or damage to the cylinder.
You should also get a replacement if your fire unit fails a hydrostatic test. Your fire extinguisher must pass a hydrotest every 12 years to ensure its effectiveness.
Their Location
The location of fire extinguishers in your building is important. Your fire extinguishers should be easily accessible to all your employees. So, be sure to place your unit near potential fire hazards. These locations may include the kitchen, near exit doors, mounted on walls in hallways, and other common locations.
Proper Disposal
Fire extinguishers should be properly disposed of. It is advised to dispose of a fire extinguisher at a local hazardous waste disposal facility. You can also contact your local fire department to inquire if they accept drop-offs.
Do You Need a Fire Safety Plan for Your Business?
The installation of fire extinguishing devices can help you whenever there is an accidental fire at your workplace. As a business owner, you have the important duty to protect your employees and commercial property with the best fire extinguishers.
You can also get them professionally inspected. Contact us at Atlantic Fire Protection to learn how we can provide you with exceptional services.