Checking Your Fire Extinguisher Could Save a Life

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Fire extinguishers are a valuable tool in the fight against smaller fires in your workplace or at home. They can also be used to protect evacuation routes in the event of a larger fire when emergency personnel have to be brought in.

According to OSHA, the most common emergency occurrence that small businesses should plan for is fire. We are sharing tips here that will help in the event of a fire.

OSHA requires employers to train workers thoroughly on how to use a fire extinguisher correctly and to accurately assess the situation if a fire is to occur, properly determining when evacuation is the safest course of action. The organization has established annual training for employees as a minimal requirement for all places of business.

The PASS training technique can be used, and is outlined here:

P: Pull the pin on the extinguisher.

A: Aim the nozzle of the hose at the base of the fire.

S: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.

S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side, directed at the base of the flames, until the fire is extinguished.

Once an employee knows how to properly operate a fire extinguisher, they should then also be trained to follow fire safety protocol. An employee should know how to:

Locate and activate the fire alarm.

Call the fire department and emergency responders immediately.

Determine a safe evacuation route that will direct people away from flames, excessive heat, and smoke. They should know how to keep the route from becoming blocked, as well.

Use the PASS technique for discharging a fire extinguisher and know to back away from the area if the fire flares up again.

Evacuate the area immediately if the fire is still going and the extinguisher is empty, or if the fire grows beyond what can be safely handled without fire department personnel.

Fire extinguishers are made to handle small fires only. If a fire grows too large or the environment becomes too dangerous, employees should know when and how to evacuate. Excessive smoke and heat, impaired evacuation routes, and poor visibility are all conditions that can arise quickly, and employees need to be trained in safety first and foremost.

SERVPRO of Waycross, Hinesville and Douglas specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration, and we are an IICRC Certified Firm.

A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important.

SERVPRO of Waycross, Hinesville and Douglas is here to help in the event of cleanup after fire. We also handle water damages and mold remediation. Call us today at (912) 285-0724.