Train your office staff on how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

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Fire Extinguisher Tips for your business.

Designating employees to become educated on fire extinguisher use may help protect property and life. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides an online training video to help familiarize you with proper use of extinguishers, but they remind you that it is supplemental and does not replace hands-on training. Fires are classified by the type of material burning and extinguishers are clearly labeled for their use:

• Class A. Items in this category include paper, some plastics, and wood. Since this class uses water, you would not use this extinguisher on any flammable liquid fires, oil, combustible metals, or electrical fire.
• Class B. These are suitable for flammable liquid fires, like those from solvents, gasoline, and oil.
• Class C. When electrical equipment is involved in the fire, you need a Class C extinguisher.
• Class D. A specialty class for metals like potassium, magnesium, and sodium. These metals react with the oxygen in water and combust dramatically.
• Class K. These are especially designed for a kitchen fire from oil and grease.
• CO2 Extinguishers. Effective for Class B and Class C fires.

Be safe when using portable extinguishers. Many extinguishers are rated for multiple classes of fires but using the wrong class of fire extinguisher can cause a fire to spread or react explosively. A good example of this is spreading a grease fire by using water. When using a CO2 fire extinguisher, take extra care to protect your hands from the super cooled nozzle, which can cause frostbite, and use only in a well-ventilated area to prevent too much loss of oxygen for your safety. Be sure only to use portable extinguishers on fires that have just started, not large fires.

After fire damage to your building in North Dallas, TX, you may not be sure how to begin the cleanup process effectively. Fortunately, a professional fire mitigation company is knowledgeable and efficient at handling all the details. One company to help with your recovery and restoration will save you a lot of trouble and get everyone back to work in a timely manner. For more information, call 972-446-0383.