A fire extinguisher is one of the most important pieces of equipment owned by any business. The quality and condition of your business’s fire extinguishers can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a catastrophe involving injuries, loss of life and property damage.
The best way to cut down and even eliminate the danger of fire in the workplace is to have fire extinguishers that are properly installed and maintained by a professional.
Basic requirements for a fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers in a place of business are used as the first line of defense in an early response to a developing fire. They can put out a small fire or help to control a fire until help arrives.
There are many things that can take your business’s fire extinguisher out of commission without you even knowing it. In order for them to do their job properly in case they are needed, they must be taken care of and even replaced when necessary.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) require monthly inspections of portable fire extinguishers. They also recommend adding these steps to your monthly inspection.
Easy access. The fire extinguisher in your business must be accessible and visible. Make sure there are no obstructions blocking access.
Seals. The safety and tamper seal must be intact.
Pressure. Most fire extinguishers come with a pressure gauge which will indicate if it remains in the correct range of operation. Press the test indicator (if there is one) to see if the pressure reading is in the correct range.
Physical damage. A fire extinguisher may become corroded or there may have been a leak and the nozzle may become clogged. If this is the case you will need to have the equipment replaced.
Keep records of fire extinguisher inspections
As an employer, you will need to keep records of your monthly inspections and maintain them for 12 months. You have the option of keeping a master record at the business or include the testing information on a tag attached to the fire extinguisher.
Inspections that take place in your business must also be followed up by experts and their recommendations need to be precisely followed.
Fire extinguishers must be used properly
As an employer, you need to keep the work environment safe for workers. In order for your employees to understand the correct way to use a fire extinguisher, educational training must be provided in the correct way to use the fire extinguisher.
The Jay L Harman Fire Equipment team understands your firefighting needs and is ready to help
The team at Jay L Harman Fire Equipment understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes to choosing the right fire suppression system for your business. Jay L Harman is the best and one of the biggest firefighting equipment suppliers and servicers in the region, specializing in fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire fighting protective gear, fire hoses and more. Serving El Paso TX, Las Cruces NM and the surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible.
Contact Jay L. Harman Fire Equipment in El Paso TX at 915-533-7021 or Las Cruces NM at 575-523-8880. Since 1925, we have protected businesses throughout the area from the harms and hazards of fires. Every Jay L Harman technician is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office. Each of these technicians continually receives the most up-to-date factory training and certifications by our manufacturers. Contact Jay L Harman Fire Equipment today. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff tell you more about our fire suppression systems and help you find the ideal fire suppression system for your needs. Learn more about our full offering of fire extinguisher training, firefighting services, firefighting products, request a quote, ask a question or request additional information.