Fire extinguishers are a crucial part of your fire protection plan, so you should choose yours wisely. Before you begin,you should make sure your current extinguishers haven’t expired, so that they will work when you need them most. Aside from that, there are several factors you should take into account when making your decision. Here are the basics of what you should know to choose the best fire extinguisher for your business!
Understand the Labels
First, you should take into account what the label of the fire extinguisher means. Every portable fire extinguisher is labeled with what fire size it can put out. A Class A fire extinguisher is rated between 1-40 and Class B fires are rated 1-640. Class C fire extinguishers won’t be labeled with an easy-to-read, number, but instead a designation that it is designed to extinguish electrical fires.
Know the Room Size
Most businesses need multiple fire extinguishers of different sizes to suit every part of their business. A small, 5-pound fire extinguisher might be perfect for a smaller room, but a large warehouse will need at least a 10-pound fire extinguisher to make a dent in any serious fire.
What Can Your Employees Handle?
This is another consideration that many people forget entirely. If you purchase 10 pound fire extinguishers but your employees cannot handle holding it, it will not be properly used in the event of a fire. Instead, you should purchase a model appropriate for their abilities. If you need a 10-pound fire extinguisher to cover the space but your employees can’t lift that amount, purchase two 5-pound extinguishers and store them side by side.
Work with the Experts
Finally, you should work with the fire experts at Judd Fire Protection to determine the best fire extinguishers for your business and fire protection plan. We work with businesses both big and small to find effective and affordable fire solutions for their fire hazards.
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.