Did you know that October is Fire Safety month? That means now is a great time to check on your fire monitoring, prevention, and mitigation tools! For this month’s Safety Corner, we’re offering reminders and a checklist on fire extinguishers, so that you can be fully prepared in the event of a fire.
Fire Extinguisher Checklist:
-Do you know the location(s) of your fire extinguishers in the workplace?
-Are the extinguishers properly marked for quick access?
-Do you inspect your extinguishers on a monthly basis (and sign off the tag)?
-Do you know how to use properly the fire extinguisher?
– Are the fire extinguisher locations marked on your site emergency map?
-Is your facility emergency map posted throughout your building?
Fire Extinguisher Fast Facts:
- Fire extinguishers should be located within a 75’ travel distance from one another, on all forklifts, and in company vehicles.
- Fire extinguishers should be located at least 4” off the ground (they are a pressure
vessel). - Did you know: The earliest known and patented fire extinguisher was invented
by Ambrose Godfrey, a German chemist, in 1723 in England. It used gunpowder
and fuses for expelling the liquid. - Multi purpose (ABC) dry powder fire extinguishers are the most common types
used in businesses, they can be used on class A,B, or C fires.
Classes of Fire:
Class A: Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, textiles.
Class B: Flammable liquids like gasoline, oils, grease
Class C: Electrical equipment like wiring, generators, motors.
Class D: Combustible metals like chips, turnings
Fire Extinguisher Operating Procedures (PASS):
Pull: Pull the pin
Aim: Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire
Squeeze: Squeeze the trigger
Sweep: Sweep from side to side
You can never know when a fire emergency may occur, so it’s always crucial to have fire extinguishers prepared and properly maintained. Follow these tips to ensure your work facility, home, or vehicle are well equipped with functioning fire extinguishers, and follow Triad Machinery’s Safety Corner blog for more info!
