The Use Of Fire Extinguishers Is Important Staff Knowledge
Do you hide behind 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.
In a workplace where there are numerous people in a small space, panic can set in very quickly when there is a fire. Fear drives people to do all sorts of weird and wonderful things.
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 CO2 fire extinguisher is ideal for most situations where a fire may start near electrical wiring. This could be in a kitchen, a work station with technological equipment, a meeting room, and it is also great for a home environment. These are also very suitable for shops and warehouses.
You can see how your staff may not know which extinguisher to use, especially younger staff coming into the workforce. Showing these to new 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.
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.
In a workplace where there are numerous people in a small space, panic can set in very quickly when there is a fire. Fear drives people to do all sorts of weird and wonderful things.
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 CO2 fire extinguisher is ideal for most situations where a fire may start near electrical wiring. This could be in a kitchen, a work station with technological equipment, a meeting room, and it is also great for a home environment. These are also very suitable for shops and warehouses.
You can see how your staff may not know which extinguisher to use, especially younger staff coming into the workforce. Showing these to new 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.
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.
About the Author:
Fire safety is much more than only have fire equipment, it is about education and have the right fire equiment. Do read much more about fire extinguishers here
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