Fire Extinguisher Use & Maintenance

Workplace fires account for over 5,000 injuries and nearly $1 billion in property damage each year. Being able to prevent a fire from becoming life threatening is the main purpose of equipment like fire extinguishers. Below we will review important steps you should take to train employees on the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers.
 
Location & Placement
Fire extinguishers are great tools to help prevent fires from spreading. Two key factors in extinguishers being effective for a fire are location and placement. While there are many types of extinguishers based on hazards in the workplace, most common extinguishers (Type A) are required to be:

• Readily accessible, typically located on a normal path of travel
• Visible without any obstructions; if obstructed, indicator lights/signs are used to provide location
• Placed on the wall via cabinet or hook and no more than 5ft from the ground
• Located so the travel distance is no more than 75ft between extinguishers

 
PASS Method
When using a fire extinguisher, the preferred method for proper use is the PASS method. This training procedure stands for:
Pull the pin from the extinguisher handle
Aim the extinguisher hose at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle to release the chemicals
Sweep the base of the fire until extinguished
 
Be sure to only use an extinguisher if you are properly trained and able to safely without putting yourself further in danger. If the fire cannot be contained from the use of an extinguisher, continue to follow proper evacuation procedures and allow emergency fire services to respond and handle the fire.
 
Inspection & Maintenance
Monthly visual inspections are required for all types of extinguishers to make sure they are in proper condition for emergency responses. Visual inspections should be done by a competent person and include:

• Confirming extinguisher is in proper location
• View is not obstructed, indicator lights/signs are working and properly placed
• Pressure gauge on the extinguisher is in the operable range
• Checking weight by lifting extinguisher to confirm chemicals are present
• Sign off on tag/label to indicate inspection has been completed

 
Internal inspections may be required annually as part of the maintenance requirements of extinguishers. These inspections should be completed by a qualified person as they review the mechanical parts, extinguishing agent, expelling means, and physical condition of the extinguisher.
 
Fire extinguishers are the front lines to any life safety plan as they give you a chance to stop fires before they spread. Making sure your employees are trained to properly locate, use, and maintain these tools can make sure they are ready and available when an emergency arises. To keep the conversation going, download the Fire Extinguisher Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

Fire Extinguisher TBT