Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Use Of Fire Extinguishers Is Important Staff Knowledge

By Peter Thomas

Are you comfortable with the knowledge that you have installed fire extinguishers in your workplace or meeting place. By that I mean, rules and regulations force us to have fire extinguishers, but how many business owners talk over with their staff, the issues of fire safety. Do you know how many of your staff would not know how to use a fire extinguisher, and which fire extinguisher to use for what purpose?

Fear drives people to do all sorts of weird and wonderful things and being in a fire is one of peoples greatest fears. In a workplace where there are numerous people in a small space, panic can set in very quickly when there is a fire.

Not all fire extinguishers are for the same purpose. Many people do not realise this and this lack of knowledge could be life threatening. Have you ever taken the time to show your staff individually, or in small groups, exactly how to use a fire extinguisher and what fire extinguisher to use under what circumstances?

A WATER FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Just as it says, there is a water fire extinguisher, and this is used for putting out fires with paper, cloth, wood or cardboard. Nothing like rubbish bin contents catching from a cigarette butt.

CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER

A 2Kg weight CO2 fire extinguisher is idea for most situations where are fire may start near electrical wiring. This could be in a kitchen, a work station with technological equipment, a meeting room, and also great for a home environment. These are very suitable for shops and warehouses.

Showing new staff, especially young staff, should be part of new staff initiation.

It is pointless having an extinguisher if you are not going to have the Instructions near by. Situate your fire extinguisher in an obvious place, and have the Instruction Sign right beside it. Near the exit door always seems to be a good place because people will see it as they start to leave the building, or will be passing it every time they go outside.

Every couple of months bring the attention of the staff to your fire safety strategy and make sure that your extinguishers are checked within their due date. Each and every fire extinguisher needs to be kept in top order.

We all tend to believe it will not happen to me. But a fire is just like drowning, you know the problem is there, you know you should be aware of it, and you know you need to know how to prevent it.

It is each and every persons responsibility to have this knowledge of safety, and it is each and every persons responsibility to know how to use fire extinguishers before there is a fire.

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