What Fire Extinguisher Do I Need For My Business?

You have worked all your life to achieve the success of your business, and now that you are on the top or almost there, you would want to protect everything you have worked for against possible threats such as a fire accident.
As you probably know, fire in the business is quite a common scenario particularly for those that handle combustible items and flammable chemicals. However, even if your business does not do that, it is still imperative that you protect it against the possibility of a fire outbreak by equipping it with a high-quality fire extinguisher. Now, before you go out to buy a couple of these fire fighting devices, you first have to know what types are ideal for your business. Here are some examples to give you an idea.

Businesses with Multiple Areas

If you have a large business that has different areas, it is necessary to examine and study the fire risks and hazards of each room for you to determine the ideal types of fire extinguishers to install. For example, if you have a car dealership business that has a manager's office, workshop, store, showroom and storage for flammable materials, you would have to put different kinds of fire extinguishers for these rooms. For example, for the office, you can install a dry powder extinguisher, whereas a foam extinguisher can be ideal both in the office and in the chemical storage room as this is ideal for paper fires and flammable liquid fires.

Businesses with Multiple Risks

For businesses that have multiple risks such as auto repair shops, you would want something that can cover most of the risks present such as a powder fire extinguisher that can put out Class A, B and E fires (solid fuels, flammable liquids, and gas). In addition to this, you would also want to install a CO2 extinguisher for electrical fires, which is also a risk in auto repair shops. Another type of multi-risk business is a construction site. Here, it is also advisable to have a powder fire extinguisher and a CO2 fire extinguisher for maximum protection against fire accidents.

Other Types of Businesses

Offices, hotels, schools, nursing homes, salons, retail stores, and shopping centres can be equipped with powder fire extinguishers as these are multi-purpose. However, the downside to this is that it creates a dust cloud that may make it difficult for people to find fire exits. Because of this, many business owners prefer a combination of water extinguisher (for general fires) and CO2 fire extinguisher (for electrical fires). A restaurant or fast food kitchen should be equipped with wet chemical extinguishers for cooking oils fire as well as CO2 extinguishers as most of these kitchens utilize electrical equipment. Furthermore, you should also fit your company vehicle with a suitable car fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers can surely give ample protection to your business. However, you also have to keep in mind that finding the ideal type is not the only thing you should do. In addition to this, you need to have monthly inspection and maintenance of the extinguishers and fire drills and emergency preparedness training for your staff to ensure maximum protection not only of your business but more importantly your employees as well.

From Fire Protection Online https://fireprotectiononline.co.nz/what-fire-extinguisher-do-i-need-for-my-business/