Four Things Business Owners Should Know About Fire Extinguishers

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’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 also pass a hydrostatic test at the interval for its type and shell material, either 5 or 12 years under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 (Table L-1).

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.

Know Your Fire Classes

In the U.S., extinguishers are rated for five classes of fire:

• Class A: ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, drapes, and upholstery.
• Class B: flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline and solvents.
• Class C: energized electrical equipment such as wiring and overheated fuse boxes.
• Class D: combustible metals such as magnesium and sodium.
• Class K: combustible cooking oils and fats, such as those in commercial deep fryers. Class K is distinct from Class B and Class C.

The label on each extinguisher shows its fire classes and rating. A commercial kitchen with deep fryers needs Class K extinguishers, while many offices need mostly Class A with Class A, B, and C or Class B and C units in specific areas. Match the extinguisher to the hazard it protects.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: P.A.S.S.

1. Pull the pin.
2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Sweep side to side across the base of the fire.

Some units have extra steps, such as releasing a lock latch. Only try to fight a fire after everyone has exited safely, and afterward, replace disposable units and recharge the ones that were used. See when to recharge, repair, or replace an extinguisher.

Buying Fire Extinguishers

Understand the fire hazards in your building before you buy, and work with a qualified, licensed provider who can advise on compliance with fire codes. A provider should hold the licenses or certificates that New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or your local jurisdiction requires. Manufacturer authorization is a separate matter, so ask which brands the provider is authorized for. Look for a listing mark from a recognized testing laboratory such as UL or FM, and choose a unit with the classes and rating suited to your hazard. Large buyers such as franchises or retail chains may qualify for service packages that include refills, recharging, and inspections.

More about fire extinguisher sales and service.

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.