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Fire Extinguisher Employee Training
The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Employee Training
Fire extinguishers are a vital component of a comprehensive fire protection system. They don’t have the drama of fire alarms or the overwhelming impact of fire sprinklers, but they are usually placed at the right place at the right time to make a big impact. According to the National Association of Fire Equipment Dealers, fire extinguishers are 95% effective when used properly at the early stages of a fire. When they do not extinguish the flame, they are usually instrumental in slowing the spread of a flame, giving time for further fire suppression measures and evacuation.
The key to interpreting the statistics is “when used properly at the early stages.” The troubling fact is that most people have never used a fire extinguisher and cannot be expected to use one effectively without basic training. In-service Fire Extinguisher Employee Training is in everyone’s best interest. Here are a few more reasons to provide training on fire extinguisher use:
Fire Extinguisher Employee Training Might Be Required
- OSHA, the agency responsible for placing fire extinguishers in the proper locations for best results, also requires routine training in fire extinguisher use for new employees in most industries. Other agencies may also have such regulations.
- Companies develop fire safety plans that include emergency response policies that determine the course of action for staff members. These plans may require employees to use a fire extinguisher as part of that plan. Not following the fire safety plan might create liability issues in the event of a fire emergency.
Fire Extinguisher Employee Training: Proper Application
Training in fire extinguisher use helps an employee to both recognize the proper fire extinguisher for each type of fire and to deploy the stream of propellant in the right location.
- A fire requires three components to begin and spread—fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source, such as a spark or intense heat. Extinguishing a fire necessitates separating one or more of these components from the other two. It could mean smothering the fire by removing oxygen, cooling the fire by removing the ignition source, or separating the fuel by establishing a barrier.
- The source of ignition and fuels determine the type of fire extinguisher needed. Wood or paper fires require type A extinguishers (which might contain water, a dry powder, or a wet chemical), and oil and grease fires require type F extinguishers (containing a soapy foam). Flammable gases require a different extinguisher than flammable liquids. Electrical fires (an ignition source) can be extinguished by separating oxygen or fuel, but not with water or chemicals that can carry an electric current. Training will help staff to deploy fire extinguishers properly.
- Separating a fire’s components required for a fire is also different depending upon the fire type. Separating the ignition source from fuel and oxygen requires the extinguisher stream to be aimed at the base of the flame. Separating the fuel and oxygen requires the extinguisher stream to cover the fuel in a smothering movement. Fire extinguisher use training will help the staff to employ the correct extinguisher properly, for the best results.
Fire Extinguisher Employee Training: Fire Protection Goals
The goal of the emergency response plan is the safety of people, the protection of property, and avoiding the spread of a fire. Fire extinguishers are extremely effective at stopping a fire during the early stages when used effectively but can be an ineffective distraction with a fully engaged fire. Training is the first line of defense for staff and guests, for the building and infrastructure, and for products and supplies stored on site.
Fire Extinguisher Employee Training from the Experts at Fire Safe
Call Fire Safe Protection Services today at 713-722-7800 or visit our online form, and we will be in contact as soon as possible about your Fire Extinguisher Employee Training questions.