04/01/2024
Fire safety is everyone's responsibility, and the first step is understanding the facts from the myths. Let's debunk some common misconceptions about fire extinguishers to ensure you're equipped with accurate knowledge in case of an emergency.
🔥 Extinguishers can be used on large fires
Extinguishers typically only last for around 20-30 seconds, depending on their size. They are designed to be used on small, developing fires ONLY. Attempting to use them on larger fires could put you at a serious risk of toxic smoke inhalation and severe burns.
🔥 CO2 are the best type of extinguisher for any fire.
CO2 extinguishers whilst versatile, do have their limitations. They extinguish the fire by displacing oxygen which the fire needs to continue to burn. But when oxygen is reintroduced, if there is still sufficient heat, and fuel, reignition is likely to occur. Fat fires are a great example... it is perfectly safe to use a CO2 extinguisher on a fat fire, but the fat will likely retain its heat, so once the extinguisher is empty the fire is likely to reignite!
🔥 Extinguishers don't need to be serviced
In a workplace, there is a requirement for all extinguishers to be serviced every 6-months.
Whilst there is no such requirements for this in a domestic setting, we recommend getting yours tested regularly, and replacing it after 5 years.
🔥 Any extinguisher can be used on a fire
Actually, it can be incredibly dangerous to use certain types of extinguishers on some fires! So it's important you have the right ones. For example, water should never be used in the kitchen, as it is dangerous with electrical fires, and especially with cooking fat fires. Instead you should use a fire blanket, a dry chemical extinguisher or a CO2 extinguisher. Commercial kitchens should have 'wet chemical' extinguishers specially designed to manage a cooking fat fire in a deep fryer.
🔥 One extinguisher is enough for my workplace
There are a number of factors that determine the number and type of extinguishers that you should have in your workplace, including
-size and layout
-the type of business you operate
-presence of flammables or other hazards
-stairwells and the number of levels
Workplaces must adhere to adhere to Australian Standards, building codes, and relevant legislation to ensure they are meeting all of the requirements. It is best to ask an expert 'fire service maintenance' company to conduct an assessment of your workplace requirements.