Fire Extinguisher Use
While fire extinguishers cannot prevent fires, they are important fire safety and suppression tools. There are different classes of fire extinguishers. The most common are multi-purpose and contain a multi-class rating that can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than on class designator.
Be sure to read the directions carefully and familiarize yourself with the operation of the extinguisher at the time of purchase. Once you need to use the extinguisher, time will be of the essence.
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FIRE EXTINGUISHER INFORMATION
How to use a Fire Extinguisher:
P A S S — PULL, AIM, SQUEEZE, SWEEP
Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed.
Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop.
Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite!
The Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Business:
The type of fire extinguisher necessary for a business is determined in two ways. First, determine the type of business; whether it’s retail, office, storage, etc. The second identifying factor relates to the materials stored in the buildings.
No matter what type of extinguisher is deemed appropriate, it is important that extinguishers be located in an easily accessible location on every floor. Employees should not have to travel more than seventy-five feet to reach a fire extinguisher.
Retail stores and storage facilities should have a class 2A fire extinguisher available for every 3,000 sqaure feet of building space.
Office buildings and public assemblies should have a class 2A fire extinguisher available for every 6,000 sqaure feet.
Building boiler rooms that contain an oil-fired boiler require a 10 BC fire extinguisher located within thirty feet of the boiler room.
Restaurant kitchens should have a Class 40BC fire extinguisher located in the kithcen area. 40BC extinguishers can contain either wet or dry chemicals. If it is a dry chemical-based extinguisher, make sure it is alkaline-based.
If a business contains hazardous materials, a fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A40BC is recommended and should be located within thirty feet of an additional fire extinguisher.