Do Your Employees Know How To Use a Fire Extinguisher?

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure all your employees know how to use a fire extinguisher

Do Your Employees Know How To Use a Fire Extinguisher?

It's your responsibility as an Austin, TX, business owner to make sure your workplace is a safe place for employees and customers. With this in mind, you may have a fire extinguisher, or several, located throughout your property. It's also required that you provide training for your employees on how to use the device. Most training include the simple-to-remember PASS method:

P for pulling the pin that breaks the tamper seal.
A for aiming low at the base of the fire.
S for squeezing the handle that releases the extinguishing agent.
S for sweeping the device side to side slowly until the fire goes out.

Repeat the PASS technique as often as needed until the fire no longer reignites. Many employees and customers may already feel comfortable with this part of your fire safety training classes, and there are other skills and facts to include throughout the year.

Cover All Areas of Extinguisher Usage
The PASS method is just one part of using a fire extinguisher appropriately. It's also important that employees alert other of the fire, especially if alarms haven't already gone off. There should be a designated member of the staff with the responsibility of contacting the fire department. Everyone in the building, including the person using the extinguisher, must have access to a safe path of evacuation. It's imperative that heat, flames, or smoke do not get between this person and the exit.

Make Sure You Have the Right Extinguisher
There are several types of extinguishers, so you must be sure to have the right device for the type of work you're doing. The best way to determine which device is right for your situation is to ask your local Austin, TX, fire department. For example, the Class K device is specifically meant for a kitchen fire, especially if grease and oil are present.
Workplace safety is an important responsibility. Fire damage cleanup and remediation professionals may also be a source of information. Be sure to provide routine training on the use of the PASS technique, evacuation routes, and your updated fire safety plan, in addition to installing the correct fire extinguisher.