How to use and maintain fire extinguisher.

Fire fighting equipments are very important at our workplace and in factory, is not enough to have fire fighting equipments like fire extinguisher at place but we must know how we can utilize it and the protection of that extinguisher and whether it having the enough amount of pressure of not. Pressures in fire extinguishers differ between models and manufacturers but can range from 6.9 bars to 55 bars. Wall mounting by a capable person or storing on purpose made stands can help to prevent extinguishers being damaged.

On vehicles, rightly fitted transport brackets or extinguisher cabinets should help to shield from any physical damage. The dependable person when checking extinguishers as part of their weekly or monthly checks should always inspect for any damage and record any defects in a fire log book and if necessary or uncertain report to their fire extinguisher serviceprovider who will be able to advise further.

Protecting extinguishers from interfere and theft is also important as tampering could cause injury to the individual or lead to a fire extinguisher not working correctly or not being available when necessary if missing completely. It could also result in extra costs during a yearly fire extinguisher service which is to be avoided and prevented if possible. Anti tamper tags are fitted as part of the servicing procedure to British Standards but extra measures in problem areas can be used ranging from extinguisher covers to battery operated anti tamper alarms.

Extinguisher covers are good cheap way of reducing the incidence of tampering and misuse and are popular options in schools and free time centres. Preventing theft is a harder problem as extinguishers need to be readily available if and when required. Anti theft alarms can be purchased for each extinguisher a risk, sounding an easy to hear alarm if moved from its fixing point or base. This also offers a visible deterrent.

The environment is also something that can cause problems for fire extinguishers. Individual fire extinguishers should offer guidance on the appropriate storage conditions such as temperature range. Water based extinguishers are not usually appropriate in conditions below freezing. This should be considered when selecting and identify suitable fire extinguishers.

Adding a low freeze additive such as ethylene glycol is advised if an extinguisher is likely to be subject to freezing temperatures. This can offer protection at temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. It is important to think about the effect this can have on the fire ratings of the extinguisher particularly if adding to AFFF foam fire extinguishers as it lowers the B rating. Refer to the individual manufacturer for recommendation or a qualified extinguisher service technician.

With most extinguishers being steel they are subject to corrosion and rusting if left outside in moisture conditions and if left to go rusty will be soon condemned and need replacing. At the time of specifying and buying, it is worth considering the environment they are going in and a stainless steel choice may be worth the extra cost. Caravan sites often have stainless fire extinguishers to help keep them from the elements, but they will still need storing in cabinets or extinguisher boxes to protect them. Another feature is for locations by the seashore where the salt air helps along the rusting process. In these areas a stainless steel fire extinguisher could work out cheaper in the long term.

Whilst some of the extra measures to protect fire extinguishers can add to the initial upfront costs, they can help to avoid future extra costs of replacing damaged extinguishers or refilling interfere extinguishers. They will also help to prevent the possible dangers posed from damaged or misused fire safety equipment.