Fires are a scary topic, more so when they happen and your workplace isn’t prepared. Have a read below to familiarise yourself with the more common equipment installed as part of a business emergency plan.

Fire Extinguishers

Often the first option when encountering a fire in the home or workplace, fire extinguishers are pressurised tanks that spray fire retardant substances to extinguish a fire. Not all extinguishers are the same. In fact, there are a wide variety of extinguishers that are for specific types of fire.

Some of the common types include ABE Powder extinguishers for wood, paper, flammable liquids, gases or electricity, or carbon dioxide extinguishers for electrical fires. Get to know what fire threats are in each area, and make sure the extinguishers are appropriate.

Click here to see Fire Safe ANZ’s information sheet on extinguishers and suitable fire types.

Smoke Detectors

Many fires happen out of sight, getting out of hand long before people nearby are aware of the threat. Smoke detectors are designed to raise the alarm early, allowing either evacuation or prompt intervention.

Keep batteries up to date, and have serviceability checked regularly. Smoke alarms can be the difference between a small incident and a life threatening one.

Fire Hose Reels

Where automatic sprinkler systems are good, and smoke detectors crucial, a Fire Hose Reel is invaluable in responding to a fire quickly. A fire hose reel will have a hose, wall valve and nozzle. The benefits include being attached to mains water (unlike the limited capacity of extinguishers), directed spray maximising effective fire suppression, quick response, and limiting water damage.

Being manually operated, fire hose reels help to maximise the effectiveness of your fire emergency procedures in the workplace.

Fire Blankets

Great for kitchens or small office fires, fire blankets are effective but must be used correctly. Fire blankets work by starving a fire of oxygen, very similar to how carbon dioxide extinguishers work and are brilliant for a quick end to a kitchen grease fire.

Two things influence the benefits of fire blankets, location and technique. First, when you take home your fire blanket, don’t keep it too close to the stove or other potential areas of danger. You don’t want to be leaning over or getting dangerously close to the fire when trying to put it out.

Secondly, correct technique for fire blankets include holding the blanket away from your body, protecting your hands with folds of the corners, and confidently laying the blanket atop the fire away from your body. Don’t start and pull back, you may spill the grease and spread the flames.

Fire safety is a real concern for taller buildings and offices. While no-one wants to have to deal with a fire in the workplace, you will never regret being informed and prepared should the worst happen.

For the most comprehensive workplace fire safety plans available, call Fire Safe ANZ today and protect your business, staff and customers today.