Do your employees know how to use a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency? While most people have seen a fire extinguisher before, many aren’t familiar with the proper way to use one. This lack of knowledge can lead to mistakes that could make a fire even more dangerous.
Here are some common fire extinguisher mistakes that employees may make and how to avoid them.
Using the Wrong Type of Extinguisher
There are different classes of fire, and each requires a specific type of extinguisher. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can be ineffective or even dangerous.
It’s important to educate your employees on the different classes of fire and which type of extinguisher they should use for each. For example, they should use a water-based extinguisher to put out a Class A fire (caused by ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, or cloth) and a foam or dry chemical extinguisher for a Class B fire (caused by flammable liquids like oil or gasoline).
Not Knowing How To Use It
Even if your employees know the type of extinguisher to use, they may not know how to properly operate it. This can lead to wasted time and further spreading of the fire.
To avoid this mistake, train all employees on how to use a fire extinguisher. This training should include how to hold and aim the extinguisher, pull the pin, squeeze the handle, and sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is completely out.
Using It in the Wrong Situations
Do your employees know when they should use a fire extinguisher for a workplace fire? Fires can vary in strength. Your employees may be able to put out a smaller fire using other methods, like smothering it with a blanket. And bigger fires may require evacuation rather than attempting to fight it with an extinguisher.
Make sure your employees know when they should use a fire extinguisher and when they should evacuate the premises. In general, if the fire is spreading rapidly or is too large for a small extinguisher to handle, it’s best to evacuate immediately and call for professional help.
Ignoring Regular Maintenance
Unfortunately, fire extinguishers aren’t immortal. They have an expiration date and need regular maintenance to remain in good working condition. If an employee tries to use a faulty or expired extinguisher during an emergency, they may be putting themselves and others at risk.
To avoid this mistake, regularly inspect and maintain all fire extinguishers in your workplace. This includes checking the pressure gauge, making sure the pin is intact, and replacing or recharging expired extinguishers.
Blocking Access to Extinguishers
In an emergency situation, every second counts. If your employees have to search for an extinguisher or can’t access it quickly due to clutter or other obstructions, the consequences could be devastating.
Make sure your employees know where to find the fire extinguishers and keep the areas around them clear. This may involve regular reminders to keep the workplace clean and tidy or routine fire drills that ensure employees know the quickest route to the extinguisher.
Don’t let employees make these fire extinguisher mistakes! Their safety—and the safety of your workplace—depends on it. Regular training and proper maintenance can help prevent these mistakes and ensure your employees know how to handle a fire emergency.
