If you have a sprinkler fire safety system in your business premises, you might not think a fire extinguisher is needed. However, there was some research completed by NFPA. Their research found that 84% of the time that fires occur in buildings with sprinklers, the sprinklers don’t operate. This is because the fire never grows large enough for the sprinklers to activate. Most of the fires that occurred in these buildings were put out by portable fire extinguishers.
This got us thinking, when should portable fire extinguishers be used?
Every minute that a fire is present, is a minute’s more damage to the building and extra risk those within the building. When a fire is present, every minute really does count. Therefore, it is important for people within your business to know how to use a fire extinguisher. They also need to know when a portable fire extinguisher should be used.
There are times when a portable fire extinguisher should be used. There are also times when a fire extinguisher should not be used. For example, if there is a fire in a small and contained area then a portable fire extinguisher can be used to put the fire out. However, if it is a larger fire than the emergency services needed to be aware so they can be on route in case you are unable to put out the fire with the extinguisher.
If the fire has grown to dangerous levels, do not try and fight it yourself with a fire extinguisher. Instead, call the emergency services and arrange for everyone to evacuate the building safely and quickly. If you are unable to put out the fire with one portable fire extinguisher, then you need to notify the emergency services and evacuate the building.
It’s important that your portable fire extinguishers are installed in the right locations and are in good working order. Here at Jensen Security and Fire Systems our fire extinguisher specialists can visit your business premises. Based on this visit they can recommend the best fire extinguishers and locations for the safety of your business. They will also test, maintain and replace any fire extinguishers as required too.
