Is Your Business Protected With Fire Extinguishers?

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your business has fire extinguishers and your staff knows how to use them.

It doesn’t happen often, but when a fire breaks out at a place of work, employees are often the first line of defense to keep a small fire from becoming a large disaster. It’s best to be prepared for fires that are manageable with the use of a fire-extinguisher. 

Every type of building except a one- or two-family house is required by the National Fire Protection Association to have fire extinguishers. Whether you have a simple seamstress shop or a tool making business, it’s important to know how to use one.

Your fire extinguisher must be located where people can easily get to it. It also needs to be visible. If it’s in a cabinet or under a sink, signs must clearly indicate where to find it. 

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Depending on the kinds of fire hazards in your business, you may need one or more of the following types of fires extinguishers:

Type A: For combustible solid materials such as wood or fire. If you have an office or shop with a low level of fire hazards, a type A extinguisher is probably enough.

Type B: For flammable liquid or gas. If you run a business that includes or kitchen or uses flammable liquids like paint or grease, you need a type B extinguisher.

Type C: For energized electrical sources. Businesses ranging from server farms to welding shops that use a large amount of electricity or electronics need type C fire extinguishers, which can be used for electrical fires.

Type D: For combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium and sodium. Businesses like factories, auto body shops and industrial companies need type D extinguishers.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are not difficult to use.

1. Pull the pin.
2. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Swing back and forth until the fire is out.

It’s recommended that a how-to infographic is displayed near your fire extinguisher and that training is provided for office staff with regular reviews.

If you own a business in Boone or Story County, contact SERVPRO of Ames to help your business prepare for a disaster like a fire with a free SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile. And if you do experience a fire, call us anytime, day or night, to help restore your business so it’s “Like it never even happened.”