Fire extinguishers are one of the first lines of defense in the event of a commercial fire.
Fire extinguishers are one of the first lines of defense in the event of a commercial fire. Business owners must have the proper extinguishers to keep their property and employees safe from harm. There are many models of fire extinguishers out there, so it is essential to find the right one for your business. Here is a brief guide to choosing the proper extinguisher for your workplace.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
It is essential to distinguish between the different types of extinguishers before choosing one for your workplace. There are five types of fire extinguishers: A, B, C, D, and K. Each type works against different kinds of materials. The kind of business you run will influence what kind of fire extinguisher is right for you. Also, depending on your business, you may need different extinguisher types for other areas. The types are as follows:
Type A: Works against everyday combustibles like paper, wood, fabric, and trash. Best suitable for a bookstore, furniture store, or office space.
Type B: Extinguishes flammable liquids like gasoline, paint, and grease. Suitable for a gas station or mechanic.
Type C: Best on fires in “live” electrical equipment. It would be suitable for an electronics store, radio station, or studio.
Type D: Works on flammable metals. It would be best in laboratory environments.
Type K: Works on kitchen combustibles, like fats, grease, and oils. Suitable for kitchen and food service environments.
Fire Extinguisher Placement
Once you have chosen a suitable fire extinguisher, be sure to follow all fire codes in terms of extinguisher placement around your workplace. OSHA requires that all fire extinguishers should be mounted to brackets on the wall or placed in wall cabinets. The handle must be three and a half to five feet above the ground. If your fire extinguisher is larger, it should be hung lower, with the handle three feet above the floor. If you fail to comply with these regulations, you risk incurring fines to your business.
Employee Fire Safety Training
You must train all your employees on proper fire safety procedures to ensure everyone remains safe in the event of a fire. You and your staff must be comfortable operating a fire extinguisher so it can be safely and effectively discharged in a real emergency. OSHA also provides information on how to use a fire extinguisher correctly. Just remember the acronym PASS:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep it across from side to side
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 designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout 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.