Stay safe by having a fire extinguisher handy! ... Fire extinguishers are an essential piece of safety equipment. In the event of a fire, they are your first line of defence and can be used to quickly eliminate the threat of a fire. Fire Extinguishers minimise property damage, reduce injuries and prevent death. Childcare Centres are busy places where fire protection plays an important role in keeping students, teachers, and visitors safe.
Are you aware there are different types of fire extinguishers depending on the type of fire?
The most common types of fire extinguishers likely to be found in Child Care Centres are Water Fire Extinguishers which work by removing heat from the fire; and Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers are tanks of foam or dry powder with compressed nitrogen as the propellant. They work by smothering the fire. When you put a layer of powder or foam on the fire, you cut the fuel off from the oxygen around it, and the fire goes out.
Fire extinguishers should not be used by people who have not been trained. Before tackling a fire with a fire extinguisher make sure you or someone else has sounded the fire alarm and that you have a safe evacuation route. You need to also ensure you are using the correct type of extinguisher for the fire.
Using a fire extinguisher incorrectly or without taking the proper precautions can actually put you and everyone around you at serious risk.
Fire extinguisher training has been the law since 2005 and every business needs at least one person who has been adequately trained and appointed as the fire warden.
Full maintenance checks must be conducted on all fire extinguishers within the business on an annual basis, according to WHS Legislation requirements.
Are you and your staff educated on the use of fire extinguishers? Are your extinguishers easily accessible in the event of an emergency? Are your extinguishers properly maintained?
For further information and any assistance Contact Matthew at AFS Group on (02) 9531 7839.