Here follows a breakdown of the vital information you should know about commercial fire protection and fire extinguishers.
Here follows a breakdown of the vital information you should know about commercial fire protection and fire extinguishers. Business owners and property managers need to stay up to date with the latest information regarding fire protection, so they can ensure that all employees and visitors remain safe in emergency situations.
Types of Extinguishers
Different types of fires require a response from a specific type of extinguisher. Depending on the type of business and materials that you use in your commercial space, one of the extinguisher types will be more useful than another. Multi-purpose ABC extinguishers are the most efficient when responding to ordinary (A), flammable liquids (B), and electrical (C) fires. Water mist extinguishers are best for environments with sensitive equipment while class K extinguishers are for grease fires. Scientific environments would need carbon dioxide while flammable metal requires sodium chloride.
Monthly Extinguisher Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly. Maintain a schedule that can be verified to ensure that the inspection has been completed. During the inspection, check for the location and presence of the extinguisher itself. You should also confirm that the canister is in good condition, all working parts are present, and that it has not been tampered with in any way. Finally, check the pressure gauge and make sure that the directions are legible and easy to find.
Recharging Extinguishers
Has the fire extinguisher been recently used? If so, it needs to be recharged after every use. Recharging ensures that it’s always ready to be used if an emergency should occur. If your extinguisher is reusable, hire a professional fire prevention and protection service to prove that it is ready for its next use.
Replacing and Disposing Extinguishers
Although reusable canisters can last for decades, it’s important that they pass a hydro-test every 12 years. Do you know how long the current fire extinguishers at your commercial property have been in use? The National Fire Protection Association requires that disposable extinguishers be replaced every 12 years. Furthermore, when it comes to disposing of fire extinguishers, you should call your local fire department to check that it is properly handled and taken to a nearby hazardous waste disposal facility.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience with design, installation, service, and inspection of residential and commercial fire protection systems. We service clients throughout the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.