Installing fire extinguishers is inevitable for adequate fire safety in a building. These devices are necessary to prevent small fires from growing into catastrophic incidents. Proper fire extinguisher installation in Sydney by professionals is highly recommended, as the experts help prevent the following mistakes.
Mistake 1: Placing in the Wrong Spot
Never place fire extinguishers away from potential fire hazards in a building. Electrical rooms, workshops, and kitchens are some areas prone to fire incidents, therefore fire extinguishers must be placed near them. Additionally, they must be easily visible and accessible for everyone to use.
Mistake 2: Getting the Wrong Type of Extinguisher
Just in case you didn’t know, there are different kinds of fire extinguishers available in the market to deal with specific kinds/classes of fires, which are listed as follows:
- Class A fires involving materials like paper, wood, rubber, etc
- Class B fires involving flammable liquids and gases
- Class C fires involving electrical equipment
- Class D fires involving combustible metals like titanium, sodium, potassium, etc.
- Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats.
Each of these classes require their respective extinguishing agent, so make sure you have the appropriate fire extinguishers in place.
Mistake 3: Little to No Visibility
When installing fire extinguishers, you should ensure that they are clearly visible and identifiable. Placing them in areas behind furniture or other obstacles cause difficulties in accessing them quickly during fire incidents. Besides ease-of-access, installing clear signage is also necessary to help everyone locate the equipment.
Mistake 4: Lack of Proper Training
Installing the required number of fire extinguishers doesn’t matter if no one knows how to use them properly. This is why it is important to provide proper training to your occupants, so that they know how to respond during emergencies.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Expiry Dates
Every fire extinguisher only has a limited lifespan, so it is important to keep note of their expiry dates. Continuous use of fire extinguishers over time reduces their effectiveness to supress fires. So, hire a fire extinguisher service Sydney to regularly inspect and replace the fire extinguisher ahead of their expiration date.
Mistake 6: Not Considering Local Regulations
Codes and regulations relating to fire safety typically vary by jurisdiction. When installing fire extinguishers, enlist the help of a professional to prevent potential legal issues. The experts will inspect the property and suggest the right measures to comply with the regulations.
Be sure not to make these mistakes while installing fire extinguishers, so that they provide maximum safety. Fire safety is not just about purchasing the right fire extinguishers, but also installing them correctly to combat fire emergencies. Get in touch with an extinguisher service Sydney today if you need assistance in creating and maintaining a robust fire safety plan.