When it comes to commercial fire safety, portable fire extinguishers are necessities. A fire can start at any time and knowing what to do at the early stages of a fire could be the difference between life and death. With the right portable fire extinguishers and proper training lessons, employees can be well prepared to take on small fires.
What are the best fire extinguishers to purchase for commercial buildings? It all depends on the materials stored and used at the business.
There are three types of portable fire extinguishers:
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A type fire extinguisher for putting out fire fuels of wood, cloth, paper, rubber and plastics.
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B type fire extinguisher for taking on fires ignited by flammable liquids: gasoline, kerosene, oil paint, or kitchen grease.
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C type fire extinguisher to take on electrical fires.
Fireline Corporation highly recommends purchasing multipurpose extinguishers for the best flexibility in putting out small fires.
How do you operate portable fire extinguishers?
The operation of portable fire extinguishers is quite simple. The user-friendly devices only take a pull, aim, and squeeze/sweep motion.
One must pull the locking pin off to use any type of fire extinguisher. Next, one has to aim at the base of the flames.
Lastly, one must squeeze the fire extinguisher handle and sweep it over all burning areas.
Where should portable fire extinguishers be stored?
The storage area for portable fire extinguishers is the one manufacturer’s recommend.
Employees should be trained on the specific classes of flames they could encounter during workplace fires. Let them practice using portable fire extinguishers on a regular basis.
For Class A fires, portable fire extinguishes should be at 75 feet or less away from employees during any work task. For Class B fires, the travel distance for employees should be 50 feet or less.
Fireline can provide educational programs to your employees on how to operate portable fire extinguishers.
Here are common portable fire extinguishers:
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Air Pressurized Water Extinguishers
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Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
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Dry Chemical Extinguishers
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Multi Purpose Extinguishers
Learn about Fireline’s Fire Extinguishers and Fire Alarm Systems today.
Fireline has provided fire extinguishers and portable extinguisher services for over 60 years. We will help your commercial business identify the proper type and size of your extinguishers to make sure your business meets the codes.
Ask us about our Fire Extinguisher Service, Fire Extinguisher Testing, Fire Extinguisher Training, and Fire Extinguisher Inspections.
Fireline a Maryland corporation founded in 1947 by John S. Waters. Fireline remains a pioneer in the fledgling fire equipment distribution business and we have grown to encompass all facets of fire protection. We can design, install, inspect, or service any type of fire protection system. From fire alarm to fire extinguishers, we do it all.
Have your flame detectors and other fire alarm systems installed today by calling 410.247.1422or click here today!
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Source: http://www.live-safe.org/2012/09/26/importance-of-knowing-how-to-use-portable-fire-extinguishers/
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9811&p_table=STANDARDS
http://www.toolingu.com/definition-850110-63007-portable-fire-extinguisher.html