Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for Business Owners

Fire extinguishers are a critical safety tool that can save lives and property from small fires until firefighters arrive. It is vital for business owners and industries to possess fire extinguishers as they are fundamental safety devices. Selecting an appropriate fire extinguisher that suits your business requirements and understanding the correct usage can avert damage to property and even rescue lives. Some of the essential safety tips for fire extinguishers include periodic fire inspections, the appropriate storage location for your fire extinguisher, creating a fire evacuation plan, and scheduling regular inspections and servicing of your fire extinguisher. Being a business owner, it is essential to have knowledge about these safety measures to ensure the safety of your loved ones and property.

In this article, we will provide some valuable fire extinguisher safety tips that can help you prevent and prepare for fire emergencies.

Choosing the correct Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are labeled with letters and symbols to indicate which classes of fire they can combat. It is crucial to select the appropriate fire extinguisher that can effectively combat the fire. The following are the different categories of extinguishers based on the type of fire:

• • Class A fires result from the combustion of solid materials, such as cloth, paper, and wood.
  • Class B fires occur due to the ignition of flammable liquids like gasoline, petroleum, and oil.
  • Class C fires are caused by malfunctioning appliances, fuse boxes, or electrical wiring.
  • Class K fires are instigated by the burning of cooking oils, animal fats, and vegetable fats.

Safety Tips for Business owners

Conduct Regular Fire Inspections

It is crucial to inspect and identify potential fire hazards in your home regularly. Regular fire inspections can help you identify faulty wiring, overloaded electrical outlets, and appliances that are not working properly. Ensure that your smoke detectors are working correctly and replace the batteries every six months.

Know How to Use Your Fire Extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher is not enough. Knowing how to utilize it correctly is crucial. To simplify the process, an acronym called PASS can assist you in remembering how to use a fire extinguisher:

Pull the pin: Pull the pin at the top of the fire extinguisher to break the seal.

Aim low: Point the nozzle at the bottom of the fire.

Squeeze the lever: Squeeze the lever to release the extinguishing agent.

Sweep from side to side: Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out.

Store Your Fire Extinguisher in the Right Location

Place your fire extinguisher in a visible and readily accessible location. Avoid storing it in areas where there is a high risk of fire, such as near industrial kitchens. Commercial kitchen owners or restaurant owners should place the fire extinguishers in a readily accessible place away from the heat of the stoves. 

Have a Fire Evacuation Plan

Create a fire evacuation plan that includes escape routes and meeting points for your employees. Practice the plan regularly with your employees, so everyone knows what to do in case of a fire. Make sure that the plan is easy to understand and that all employees are aware with it. 

Ensure regular inspection and maintenance of your fire extinguisher

Regular maintenance and inspection of your fire extinguisher are crucial to ensure that it’s in good working condition. Have a professional inspect and service your fire extinguisher annually to ensure that it’s ready to use in case of an emergency. Proper maintenance can also extend the life of your fire extinguisher, saving you money in the long run.

Fire extinguishers are fundamental safety devices that can save lives and property from small fires until firefighters arrive. As a business owner, it is essential to be knowledgeable about these safety measures to ensure the safety of your loved ones and property. By following these fire extinguisher safety tips, you can prevent and prepare for fire emergencies. 

FireMaster offers a wide variety of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, as well as superior service and fire inspection, maintenance, recharge, and correct fire extinguisher sales for your needs. Our technicians offer comprehensive maintenance and service that meet or exceed industry standards, ensuring that your handheld fire extinguishers perform effectively during emergencies. Contact us today to learn more!