It’s essential to make sure you have the right fire extinguishers for your commercial property.
When it comes to protecting your business, few things are as vital—or as often overlooked—as having the right fire extinguishers on hand. While most commercial property owners know they’re required by law to install fire extinguishers, many are unsure whether their current equipment actually meets the needs of their space. Fire safety isn’t one-size-fits-all, and using the wrong type of extinguisher can make a dangerous situation even worse. If you own or manage a commercial property, here’s what you need to know to ensure your fire extinguishers are up to code and ready for action.
Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types
There are several types of fire extinguishers, each designed to combat different classes of fire:
- Class A: For common combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.
- Class B: For flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and paint.
- Class C: For electrical fires involving appliances, wiring, and circuit breakers.
- Class D: For flammable metals, typically found in industrial or laboratory environments.
- Class K: For cooking fires involving oils and fats, typically used in commercial kitchens.
The most common extinguisher for general commercial use is the ABC extinguisher, which can handle the three most likely types of fires (A, B, and C). However, that doesn’t mean one extinguisher fits all scenarios. For instance, if you operate a restaurant, you’ll also need Class K extinguishers for your kitchen area.
Is Your Commercial Property Equipped Properly?
There are some useful questions you can ask yourself to gauge whether you believe your commercial property has the appropriate fire extinguishers and is well-protected in the event of a fire.
Do you have the right types of fire extinguishers for your specific hazards?
A warehouse storing flammable liquids has very different needs than an office building or retail store.
Are your fire extinguishers in accessible locations?
OSHA and NFPA require that fire extinguishers be mounted visibly and within easy reach, typically no more than 75 feet apart.
Are they properly maintained and inspected?
Fire extinguishers in your commercial property should be visually inspected monthly and professionally serviced annually. Tags should show the date of the last inspection.
Do your employees know how to use them?
Having the right fire extinguishers is only half the battle. Proper training ensures employees can act quickly and effectively during an emergency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a water-based extinguisher on an electrical fire—This can cause electrocution or worsen the fire.
- Failing to replace or recharge extinguishers after use—Even partial discharges mean the extinguisher needs servicing.
- Letting extinguishers expire—Over time, the pressure inside extinguishers can drop, rendering them ineffective.
Protect Your Investment with the Right Fire Safety Measures
Your commercial property is a major investment, and having the proper fire extinguishers in place is a basic but essential step in safeguarding it. Whether you’re outfitting a new building or reviewing your current fire safety plan, don’t wait until a fire breaks out to find out your extinguishers aren’t up to the task.
Consult a certified fire protection professional, like the amazing team at Fireline, to evaluate your building’s needs and ensure you’re in compliance with local fire codes. A small investment in the right equipment today can prevent a costly disaster tomorrow.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.