Do You Have a Fire Extinguisher? Can You Use It? | SERVPRO® of Rockwall/Rowlett

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fire can strike even the best-prepared business. Contact SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett to discuss a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business

You hear hollering from the break room. One of your employees comes running down the hall—he just caught a bag of popcorn on fire in the microwave, panicked and threw it into the trash can. What next?

Clearly, your first line of defense is to grab the fire extinguisher and use it. But do you have a fire extinguisher? And does anyone know how to actually use it?

You Need Fire Extinguishers in Your Business

In fact, you’re required to have a fire extinguisher in almost every location type, including health care, manufacturing and assembly, day care, hotel or other overnight-stay, shops and storefronts, storage, and more.

Accessibility. Your fire extinguishers have to be accessible, meaning someone can handily grab one.

Visibility. Your fire extinguisher also has to be visible. If it’s tucked under the kitchen sink, signs need to direct people that it’s in there.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Different businesses may need different fire extinguisher types. These include:

1. Type A is used for “ordinary combustibles.” This is fine if you have a typical office or shop.

2. Type B is for flammable liquids, such as paints or cooking oils.

3. Type C is for areas where you may have an electrical fire.

4. Type D is for areas where you may have combustible metals.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher can look scary, but it’s actually pretty simple (though messy) to use. First, pull the pin to break the tamper seal. Then aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire and squeeze. Sweep back and forth until the fire goes out. You may need to watch for a flare-up and use the fire extinguisher again if needed.

Make sure your employees know how to use their office fire extinguisher. A diagram like this one by OSHA can help people master the basics.

Fire can strike even the best-prepared business. To discuss a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, contact us at any hour for assistance.