Making sure your business has multiple fire extinguishers in case of an emergency is the first step to protecting your staff and building. The next is ensuring the devices are properly maintained and ready for use in case of a fire. To help you ensure your protection system is reliable, here are a few tips for workplace extinguishers.

Do: 

Make sure you have the right types. 

Not all fire extinguishers are the same. A grease fire from a commercial kitchen will require a unit that dispenses wet chemicals, while an electrical fire can be controlled with foam.

Since using the incorrect extinguisher may fuel the flames, it’s essential to check your building code requirements or talk with fire protection specialists when purchasing these devices.

Have inspections performed.

In Wisconsin, buildings are required to receive fire safety inspections. A certified professional must inspect your company’s fire prevention devices at least once every six months, or more often if ordered by the fire department. Some workplaces, including offices that are less than three stories in height, may only require this annually.

Don’t:

Forget to train employees on how to use them. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all employees have fire safety education, which may include hands-on training.

It’s important to ensure your employees know how to handle fire extinguishers in case of a fire. The more people are equipped to operate these devices, the higher the chances that someone may be able to control the flames and prevent a large-scale incident.

Ignore any signs of damage. 

Visually inspect your fire extinguishers monthly to look for signs of damage. A dented or corroded extinguisher may not work when you need it to, so it’s imperative to call an inspector if you spot an irregularity. During your visual inspection, make sure the seals are still intact and that the hoses aren’t blocked or broken. 

If you need a certified fire specialist to help you maintain the fire extinguishers in your office, turn to Fire Protection Specialists in Bangor, WI. Their team of certified technicians provides a wide variety of fire protection services, including hands-on training with extinguishers and fire alarm installation and inspections. Learn more about their training and other services online, or call them today at (800) 658-9463 for assistance in Bangor, Eau Claire, and La Crosse.