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In any workplace, safety regulations are crucial to ensuring the well-being of employees. A critical aspect of these regulations is having adequate fire safety measures. This includes installing fire extinguishers in strategic locations within the facility.
Installing fire extinguishers is not enough. Regular maintenance and servicing of this equipment is important in meeting safety regulations.
We will discuss the role of fire extinguisher service in meeting safety regulations. Read on to learn more.
Compliance With Regulations
It requires employers to provide proper fire protection equipment. This includes having functional fire extinguishers. Failure to follow these regulations can result in fines and penalties.
They will ensure that businesses meet OSHA guidelines to avoid potential legal consequences. This not only protects the company but also ensures the safety of employees.
Ensuring Functionality
As with any equipment, fire extinguishers can experience wear and tear over time. This can lead to malfunctions and render the extinguisher ineffective in a fire. Regular service and maintenance help identify and address any issues.
We need to check the functionality of all fire extinguishers. Employers can be confident they are functional and ready to use in emergencies.
Detection And Prevention Of Potential Hazards
During a service visit, fire extinguisher technicians check the equipment’s functionality. This can include identifying areas at a higher risk of fires.
Employers can prevent potential fires and ensure the safety of their employees. Regular service visits also allow for any necessary equipment upgrades or replacements. If you are looking for a safety inspection, visit this link.
Employee Training
Fire extinguisher technicians can also train employees on using and handling this equipment. This ensures that employees know how to use the extinguishers. It also increases their confidence in case of an emergency.
This can reduce the risk of injuries and property damage in a fire. Employers need to schedule regular training sessions with their service providers. This is to ensure that all employees are up-to-date on safety procedures.
Promotion Of A Culture Of Safety
Regular fire extinguisher servicing can foster a culture of safety in the workplace. Keeping the equipment updated sends employees a message.
It underscores the importance of safety practices. It encourages employees to be vigilant about potential hazards.
Cost-Efficiency
Regular servicing of fire extinguishers can lead to cost savings in the long run. You can avoid the high costs of extensive repairs or replacements. The potential fines resulting from non-compliance with safety regulations can be significant.
Thus, investing in regular fire extinguisher service is a safety measure. It is a cost-effective business practice.
Insurance Requirements
Many insurance companies need businesses to follow fire safety regulations. Failing to meet these requirements can increase premiums or even policy cancellations. Regular fire extinguisher servicing can help businesses meet their insurance requirements.
History Of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers have been found as early as 200 BC when Ctesibius of Alexandria came up with a hand pump to put out a fire. Captain George William Manby was the first ever to invent a prototype of a fire extinguisher. It was a pressurized fire extinguisher that was made of a copper vessel that had three gallons of potassium carbonate. Fire extinguishers have since then come a long way. It is known that fire ignites from many different sources, which means each fire type will require a different fire extinguisher. There is no one-type-fits-all for fire extinguishers.
Fires, therefore, are divided into “classes,” and the fire extinguishers need to be installed according to the class of fire they might be most at risk of. Fire extinguishers are mainly divided into four types. They can be identified by their names, hose/nozzle, as well as label color.
Water extinguishers: These are used for class A fires, the source for which is solid (wood, paper, textiles)
Foam extinguishers: These are suitable for Class B fires that occur from flammable liquids. They are recommended for Class A-risk areas as well.
CO2 extinguishers: They carry a B classification. However, CO2 units are used in cases of electrical fire wherein they leave no residue, and the pieces of equipment can suffer the least amount of damage.
Dry powder extinguishers: Also called ABC fire extinguishers, they are suitable for Classes A, B, and C fires. These can be used to tackle solids, liquids, and gases.
Maintenance, Inspection And Reviews
The fire extinguishers on any premise must be kept within easy reach. They must be visible and identifiable in any given emergency. Positioning of these fire extinguishers is also worked out based on the class of risk and fire extinguishers. The maximum distance a person must travel from the site of fire to the fire extinguisher needs to be as follows:
Class A: 30 metres
Class B: 10 metres
Class C: 30 metres
Class D: defined case by case
Class F: 10 metres
You will need someone in charge, competent enough to maintain fire extinguishers once a year. This is to stay in compliance with BS 5306-3: 2017. Regular inspections done by a qualified technician help ensure that the equipment remains in working condition and stays fit for use. The technician can also take action in case the fire extinguisher is damaged, discharged accidentally, or even vandalized. BS 5306-3: 2017 recommends that the person in charge on the premises must at least visually inspect the fire extinguisher once a month. If possible, it can be done even more frequently. Fire extinguishers should never be used to open doors, and using them should be a practice taught to all.
Wrapping Up: Understanding The Role Of Fire Extinguisher Service
Fire extinguisher service is crucial in meeting safety regulations. It maintains a safe working environment. Employers can ensure the safety of their employees and avoid any legal consequences.
Companies must schedule regular service visits with a professional provider. This ensures that their fire extinguishers are always in proper working condition. If you are a business or property owner, the law states that you are responsible for the provision of all the necessary fire equipment on the premises. You must also ensure that there is regular maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers present around the premises.
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