How to Ensure Fire Safety in the Workplace

Fire safety should be a top priority for any business, as even the smallest fire can escalate very quickly and cause significant damage to company property, not to mention pose a very real risk of loss of life.
To help your business maximise its safety procedures, we provide a wide variety of high-quality and affordable fire protection equipment that includes fire extinguishers, fire signage, arc flash clothing, fire blankets, burns first aid kits and much more.

Why you need commercial fire extinguishers

All commercial settings need suitable fire extinguishers, as they’re extremely effective at stopping small fires from growing into huge infernos. Having fire extinguishers placed in key areas across your premises also shows that you’re a responsible employer that looks after the safety of its staff and visitors, plus your business will remain compliant with current fire regulations.

Types of fire extinguisher

Due to there being different sources of fire, there are six types of fire extinguisher to choose from. Common examples include powder extinguishers, water extinguishers, CO2 extinguishers and foam extinguishers,
Below are the six classifications. If you’re not sure which you require, our customer service experts are available to help you decide which will best suit your commercial premises.

• Class A: Combustible carbon-based solids, such as paper, wood or textiles

• Class B: Flammable liquids, such as paraffin, petrol, diesel or oil (but not cooking oil)

• Class C: Flammable gases, such as butane, propane or methane

• Class D: Burning metals, such as aluminium, lithium or magnesium

• Electrical: Fires caused by electrical equipment require a fire extinguisher with an electric spark symbol (rather than the letter E)

• Class F: Fats and cooking oils

 

Signs your fire extinguishers need to be serviced

A fire extinguisher will only remain effective against flames if it’s properly monitored and looked after, which includes regular servicing. For instance, if the fire extinguisher has been used, it needs to be recharged immediately, otherwise the pressure will drop.
Other things to look out for include:
·       Low pressure reading
·       Illegible operating instructions
·       Broken or missing safety seals
·       Clear physical damage
·       Corrosion
·       Leakage
·       A clogged nozzle
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to have your fire extinguisher serviced so that it remains operational. There’s a high chance that if some of the above factors apply, it’s time to fully replace the fire extinguisher. Though this comes with a small expense, the alternative is far more costly.

Risks of not having these items inspected

As with any type of machinery or equipment, lack of inspection can result in a fire extinguisher failing when you need it most. The first few seconds of a fire are the most crucial as they offer the largest chance of you being able to put out the flames, so having your fire extinguishers regularly inspected brings an exceptional return on investment and complete peace of mind.

Arc flash protection

If your employees work in settings that can experience electrical discharge, they need to wear reliable arc flash clothing. This type of safety workwear is specifically designed to protect the individual from arc flashes, which can travel from a conductor to the ground and also via air between conductors.
By equipping your workers with arc flash and flame-resistant clothing, they’re protected against this very serious and potentially lethal workplace hazard.

Order your fire safety equipment today

To find out more about how we can help you to maintain fire safety across your workplace, give our team of safety specialists a call on 01 8499 100 or email sales@safetycare.ie.