Make Sure To Have The Right Fire Extinguishers For Your Commercial Buildings

When it comes to protecting a commercial building, having the right fire extinguishers is essential. Fire extinguishers provide a crucial first line of defense against a fire, and having the right type and number of extinguishers on hand can help ensure the safety of your building and its occupants.

When selecting the fire extinguishers needed for a commercial building, the first step is to determine the size of the building and the type of fire risks it poses. Depending on the size of the building and the number of occupants, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires a minimum number of fire extinguishers to be present in commercial buildings.

Types Of Extinguishers Needed

Commercial buildings should have fire extinguishers that are suitable for the types of fires that are likely to occur in the building. For most commercial buildings, a combination of ABC and BC extinguishers should be on hand. ABC fire extinguishers are rated for Class A, B, and C fires, which involve ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires, respectively. BC fire extinguishers are used to fight fires involving flammable and combustible metals, and they are usually used in workshops, machine shops, and other areas where metalworking is done.

Special Extinguishers

In addition to the standard ABC and BC fire extinguishers, there are a few other types of extinguishers that may be needed in some commercial buildings. For example, K extinguishers are used for fighting fires involving cooking oils and greases, and D extinguishers are used for fighting combustible metal fires. CO2 extinguishers are also often used in commercial buildings because they are effective at fighting electrical fires without leaving behind a messy residue.

Placement of Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible areas throughout the building. At least one extinguisher should be located on each floor of the building. Fire extinguishers should also be placed near exits, elevator landings, and other exit paths. It is important to note that in some jurisdictions, additional fire extinguishers may be required in areas such as computer rooms, medical facilities, and hazardous material storage areas.

Maintain the Extinguishers

Finally, it is important to make sure that all fire extinguishers in a commercial building are properly maintained. This includes regular inspection and testing to ensure they are in proper working condition. Additionally, the fire extinguishers must be properly labeled, and the staff must be trained on their proper use.

Having the right fire extinguishers in a commercial building is essential to ensuring the safety of its occupants. Make sure that your building is properly equipped with the right type and number of extinguishers. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that the fire extinguishers are in working order and ready to use in the event of a fire.

Contact a professional to learn more about fire extinguishers.