24/7 Emergency Service
Fire can strike even the best-prepared business. Contact us to discuss a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business
11/23/2020 (Permalink)
Who Should Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher? | SERVPRO® of Bryan, Effingham, Mcintosh, & East Liberty Counties
The short answer is—everyone! If you own a business, even a dress shop or accounting office where you never expect anything as exciting as a fire, accidents can happen.
A customer could carelessly sneak a cigarette, for instance, or an electrical spark from a device charger could set some lint on fire.
##Fire Extinguishers—A Business Must
In fact, all buildings except for one- and two-family homes are required by the National Fire Prevention Association code to keep a fire extinguisher on premise. Your fire extinguisher must be:
Accessible. This means it’s not too low or too high to easily grab. Plus, it can’t be more than 75 feet away from any location in your building (closer, if you have hazardous areas such as grease cookers).
Visible. If it isn’t out in the open, its location must be clearly indicated by signage.
Types of Extinguishers
The different hazards in your business indicate the type of extinguisher you need:
Class A is your basic extinguisher.
Class B is good against flammable liquids, such as paint thinner or grease.
Class C is also non-conductive, meaning it’s safer around electrical fires.
Class D extinguishers even put out fires involving burning metal.
Know How to Use
Using a fire extinguisher includes four steps. PULL the pin to release the seal, then POINT the nozzle at the base of the fire. SQUEEZE the handle to release the extinguishing chemical. SWEEP gently back and forth until the fire is out. (Warning: if you have never used a fire extinguisher before, know that you will make a mess.)
It’s a good idea to use a staff meeting to give employees a refresher on fire extinguisher use. You can also use a poster, such as one by OSHA, to illustrate how to use a fire extinguisher.
Fires may be rare, but it’s best to be prepared. To discuss a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, contact us at any hour for assistance.