Fire extinguishers are critical for all businesses and are the first defense against a workplace catastrophe or disaster source. The devices are ubiquitous in many businesses nationwide, and they need to be operational at a moment’s notice.
Now, as the business owner, you need to be sure your employees have proper access to the right commercial fire extinguisher for your New Mexico business. Keep these key factors in mind when you’re searching for the right fire extinguisher for your business.
Different Fire Extinguishers for Different Types of Fires
A typical business premise has several materials that need different versions of fire protection. Though extinguishers may be of different sizes, shapes and colors, the insides are designed for specific fires. You wouldn’t need the same tool to put out a fire in a stairwell as one in a paint factory, for instance.
Each fire extinguisher comes labeled with a different classification code to indicate when what type of fire it will contain:
- Class A: Ordinary combustible items
- Class B: Liquids that are flammable
- Class C: Electrical flammable material
- Class D: Metals that burn
- Class K: Cooking fluids, such as oils, fat and grease
A particular fire extinguisher in some Kenilworth businesses may have a combination of letters, which means they can be used for several fire classifications.
Fire Extinguisher Size
You need to consider the size of the rooms in your business before you invest in a fire extinguisher. Room with a small amount of combustible material should be manageable with the minimum five-pound fire extinguisher.
In a large building or a large warehouse containing a significant amount of combustible materials, a device of this upward of 30 pounds may be needed. If you’re not sure what you need, you can ask the ABC Fire & Safety team to help you determine what’s right for your business.
Employee Abilities
Depending on the type of class of extinguisher, there are a variety of different types of fire extinguishers available. There are certain locations, such as commercial kitchens or industrial facilities, which need a cumbersome extinguisher. In these scenarios, a wheeled fire extinguisher may create a world of difference for your employees so think about investing in one.
Employee Training
In addition to knowing your employees’ strengths, you have to prepare them to use the device correctly. Make sure to schedule formal training with a qualified instructor, who teaches the four-step PASS procedure, as encouraged by the National Fire Protection Association.
Stand six to eight feet away from the structure, and the operator should:
- P: Pull the pin, point the nozzle away from you
- A: Use the nozzle at the bottom of the fire
- S: Squeeze the trigger slowly and steadily to spray the extinguishing agent
- S: Move the nozzle in a side to side motion while slowly advancing toward the fire
While pointing the extinguisher at the base of the fire, keep the extinguisher raised.
Device Construction
When looking for the right fire extinguisher for your business, pay attention to the device’s build quality, including the state of the gauges, pull pins and tamper seals. The extinguisher should also be of a design that allows for easy maintenance, inspection, and recharge.
Routine Inspection and Maintenance
Have routine fire extinguisher inspection if you’re located in New Mexico to check the proper usage of all your fire safety equipment of the company. They must be inspected following the promote purchase and, at least, once a month.
If your fire extinguishers are placed in areas that are particularly prone to rust, frequent impacts or tampering, you might want to consider sending them out for inspection more often.
Where to Buy a Fire Extinguisher in New Mexico
You can buy a portable fire extinguisher from most major online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
If your business needs multiple ones, though, or if you have unusual needs or questions, it’s best to consult a fire protection equipment professional, like those at Brazas Fire, before you begin shopping. Call us today at 505-889-8999!