Fire extinguishers are essential for any business and are the first line of defense against a fiery workplace disaster. These devices are common in many businesses across the nation, and they must be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
As a business owner, you must ensure your employees are equipped with a suitable commercial fire extinguisher in New Jersey. Consider these crucial factors as you’re looking for the most appropriate fire extinguisher for your business.
Different Fires Require Different Fire Extinguishers
Any given business contains various materials that require various types of fire protection. Extinguishers may be similar in size, shape, and color, but the contents inside are formulated for specific fires. For example, you wouldn’t need the same device to extinguish a stairwell fire as you would a paint factory fire.
Each fire extinguisher is labeled with a different classification code, indicating what type of fire it will contain:
- Class A: Standard combustible materials
- Class B: Flammable liquids
- Class C: Electrical equipment
- Class D: Combustible metals
- Class K: Cooking substances, including oils, fat, and grease
You may see a combination of letters on a particular fire extinguisher in Kenilworth businesses, indicating they can be used for several fire classifications.
Fire Extinguisher Size
Before investing in a fire extinguisher, you must consider the size of the rooms in your business. Average-sized rooms with minimal combustible materials should be manageable with the minimum five-pound fire extinguisher.
Larger buildings or warehouses with significant amounts of combustible materials may need a device upwards of 30 pounds. If you’re unsure which size you need, you can ask the ABC Fire & Safety team to help determine what’s suitable for your business.
Employee Abilities
Fire extinguishers are relatively simple to operate, but if your employees can’t lift a 30-pound device, they may not be able to handle the equipment confidently. Some locations, such as commercial kitchens or industrial facilities, require a cumbersome extinguisher. In these cases, consider investing in a wheeled fire extinguisher to make it easier on your employees.
Employee Training
Along with understanding your employee’s abilities, you must train them on how to use the device effectively. Schedule formal training with a qualified instructor to teach the four-step PASS procedure, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association.
The operator should stand six to eight feet away and follow these steps:
- P: Pull the pin and aim the nozzle away from you
- A: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
- S: Squeeze the trigger slowly and evenly to spray the extinguishing agent
- S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side, carefully inching toward the fire
Always keep the extinguisher raised while aiming at the base of the fire.
Device Construction
As you search for the best fire extinguisher for your business, consider the device’s construction quality, including the condition of the gauges, pull pins, and tamper seals. The extinguisher should be easy to maintain, inspect, and recharge.
Routine Inspection and Maintenance
Schedule a routine fire extinguisher inspection in NJ to ensure all of your company’s fire safety equipment works properly. They should be inspected after the initial purchase and at a minimum of once a month. You may consider more frequent inspections when your fire extinguishers are in an area that is predisposed to rust, frequent impacts, or tampering.
Where to Buy a Fire Extinguisher
You can purchase a portable fire extinguisher from many larger online and in-person retailers. If your business requires several, however, or if you have unusual requirements or questions, it’s best to speak with a fire protection equipment specialist, like those at ABC Fire & Safety, before you start shopping.
