In all businesses the fire extinguisher is a common sight, one being present in nearly every room and stairwell. Legally the extinguisher is a necessity, as is the training that staff members should undertake so they can manage fire effectively. While large fires should be left to the professionals, an extinguisher can be a useful tool in fighting a way out of the building. Understandably having the right training to recognise the types of extinguisher as well as the best ways to use them is an essential responsibility of all business owners, legally and morally.
In terms of the types of extinguisher out there, there are four distinct varieties that have specific uses for certain applications. Legislation ensures that a company must have a suitable number of each variety depending upon the operations being performed on the premises. It is down to effective training that members of staff will be able to recognise the type of fire and select the correct extinguisher for the purpose. This is however made easier thanks to the simplistic labelling of the varieties that uses shapes and colours. Once again effective training enables the user to decode the symbols and find the right tool for the job.
As well as the colour and shapes there is a class system that uses the letters A, B, C and D to define the specific application. A, B and C class extinguishers can usually be used in multi purpose situations while D class are used for certain types of fire. The extinguishers are still labelled with the colours and shapes although manufacturers are realising the importance of using simplistic logos to make use easier. Even with these simple logos and diagrams, training should still be conducted as part of any health and safety plan.
The substances used in fire extinguisher varieties means that they will be suitable for certain types of blaze. These fall into four categories.
The dry chemical form of extinguishers are filled with a substance that is suitable for combating most fires. Naturally the compression agent that gives the extinguishing power is non flammable.
Halon extinguishers are deemed as specialist and are used in areas where there is a large amount of expensive electrical equipment. This is due to the fact that halon extinguishers leave no residue and will not damage valuable equipment while being able to put out the blaze.
The oldest form of extinguisher is the water variety, in the past these had to be tipped up and gravity forced the liquid from the canister. Today they are pressurised, although they should not be used on any fires that contain electrical equipment or flammable liquids such as oil.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are some of the most widely used in business as well as domestic premises. These can be used on most fires and put out the fire by starving it of oxygen. Training for CO2 canisters is vital as knowing when the fire is out is hard to judge, as is knowing how far to stand from the fire when extinguishing.
With such a large variety in the different forms of fire fighting equipment out there it is understandable that many businesses feel the need to send their staff members on training courses. Having this vital knowledge really can save lives, helping people control fire in its early stages as well as aiding them in escaping a burning building. As previously mentioned leaving fires to the professionals is always advisable, but any help you can give to them will be gladly accepted.
One example of a fire damage prevention device is a smoke alarm. This is perhaps the most common home device used for fire damage prevention. Installing a smoke alarm in you home can potentially save your life. In fact, studies show that chances for escape and survival are higher if you are able to detect the fire in the first place, and prevent it from becoming full-blown. Moreover, purchasing a smoke alarm is very convenient, since it is inexpensive and can be easily bought from your local hardware shop or supermarket.
You can install multiple smoke alarms in different areas of your home, like the bedroom, hallway, and living room. However, it is not advisable to install a smoke detector near the kitchen area, since this may just cause a false alarm. Also, smoke detectors should not be placed within six inches where walls and ceilings converge, since it may not perceive the smoke caused by a fire.
Another fire damage prevention device is a home sprinkler. What is nice about a home sprinkler is that it provides 24/7 protection to your home. Unlike smoke detectors, a home sprinkler does not detect a fire; it automatically puts out one even without the family knowing that a fire has started in the first place. However, sprinklers may be a little expensive as compared to smoke detectors. One sprinkler head costs around $350, and a typical house needs around seven to ten sprinkler heads. Expensive as it may be, it is highly advisable for houses that had already experienced fire damage, since they need more aggressive measures to prevent fires in the future.
It is also helpful to install a fire extinguisher in your home. In fact, it is very important, since these can put out small fires even before it escalates into a disaster-scale fire. In using a fire extinguisher, you need to keep in mind that you should let the people be whisked into safety first before attempting to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher. Also, call the fire department first before you use the fire extinguisher.
It is advisable to have all the family members learn how to use a fire extinguisher. To help you remember how to use it, use the acronym PASS. PASS stands for pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. Number one step is to pull the pin located at the top of the fire extinguisher. Next, aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, since you need to put out the cause first to stop the fire from spreading and causing further fire damage. Step number three is to squeeze the lever slowly, which will release the extinguishing agent. Finally, sweep the extinguisher from side to side until all the flames had been put out. Stand away from the fire first, moving closer as it starts to diminish.
With the proper use of these simple devices, the risk of fire damage in your home largely decreases. Remember that before using any of these devices, read the instructions first so as not to cause further fire damage.
Both Thomas Pretty & Ramona Weisly are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Thomas Pretty has sinced written about articles on various topics from Formula One, Debts Loans and Interior Design. Regulatory expert Thomas Pretty looks into the importance of in the business world.. Thomas Pretty's top article generates over 1500000 views. to your Favourites.
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