Do your employees know how to use a fire extinguisher?

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have a fire extinguisher in your business?  Have you asked your employees if they know the correct way to use the extinguisher?  A fire extinguisher is one of the most essential pieces of life-saving equipment in your commercial property.  While your fire suppression system is excellent for your overall facility, and alarms will ensure the safe evacuation of your employees or tenants, extinguishers provide a direct line of defense and allow for immediate response to manageable fires.  With this being said, there is a four-step process known as the P.A.S.S. technique.  Let's take a look at them all;

1. Pull- The first step is to pull the pin form the extinguisher handle.  This will allow the handle to be fully compressed.
2. Aim- Aim the flexible rubber hose attached to the nozzle and extend away from the handle toward the fire.
3. Squeeze- Squeezing the handle will release the extinguishing agent. The mixture will come out quickly and somewhat powerfully, so be prepared and keep firm aim on the blaze.
4. Sweep- Focus on extinguishing the mixture at the base of the fire, you will want to use a sweeping motion. After the fire is out, watch the area and ensure that there are no remaining embers.

Keep everyone in your work place safe with the knowledge of proper procedure of fire extinguishers.  If you have any questions regarding the proper technique, you can contact your local fire department for guided help.