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3 Most Important Fire Fighting Equipment In An Office

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Investing in the right fire fighting equipment can mean the difference between life and death in some cases, as well as millions of dollars in unnecessary fire damage. It is important for each and every office and home to have the right type of fire equipment make available to every person when there is a time of emergency! Portable fire extinguishers are appliances which can be used as a first line of defence against small fires.

Regardless of how varied each business is and how different each fire threat is, every firm has an ethical and legal obligation to have the proper firefighting equipment on the premises. Companies handling combustible liquids such as gasoline, petrol, or other chemicals, for example, may require more and more extensive firefighting apparatus or even fire suppression systems. Regardless of whether you work in an office, a warehouse, or a factory, there are some pieces of firefighting equipment that are required in any organization.One of the leading causes of fires and fire-related deaths is cigarettes and smoking. It is a legal requirement that smoking be restricted to designated smoking areas with ashtrays and are normally free of fire dangers. At the smoking area, there should also be firefighting apparatus, such as a 2.0 kg Dry Powder fire extinguisher.

Fireplaces are another fire hazard that must be kept in good working order. Keep in mind that chimneys must be structurally sound and constructed of non-combustible materials. This naturally does not happen frequently in Singapore due to the hot and humid weather. This applies more for cold countries. To light fireplaces or barbecues, do not use gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fuels. To prevent sparks from burning carpets or drapes, a screen or glass must be placed in front of the fireplace. Place the fire extinguisher close to the fireplace so that it is easy to reach in the event of a fire.

Many fire-related mishaps are caused by paraffin heaters, which must also be properly maintained and used:

  • A safety or shut-off valve is required on these heaters.
  • Only use paraffin that has been approved.
  • While sleeping, never leave the heater on or unattended.
  • Fill the unit only when it's cool outside.

Faulty Electrics: Faulty electrics are a leading cause of workplace fires, with unsecured wires, obsolete equipment, and overloaded plugs all posing major fire risks.Cooking safety is a home habit that everyone should be taught and explained. Here are some helpful hints for preventing fires:

  • Never leave a stove on while you're cooking, especially if you're using oils.
  • Do not use the stove to heat the room; instead, use it for cooking.
  • Be wary of catching fire with loose garments, drying towels, dishcloths, and hand gloves.
  • Oil or grease fires should not be put out with water; instead, use a fire blanket or CO2 extinguisher to smother the flame.
  • Turn the pot or pan handles away from the front of the stove to avoid hot water or oil spilling and igniting, or causing severe burn damage.
  • If something ignites inside a microwave, do not open the door. Keep the door shut and the unit turned off, as opening it will oxygenate the fire and make it larger.

The following are some of the more common reasons of fire hazards:

  • Machines and equipment that generate heat
  • Cooking implements (oil fryers, etc.)
  • Smoking in close proximity to combustible materials
  • Handling and storing flammable and/or combustible materials
  • Flammable liquids (hot flames)
  • Vehicles and equipment that aren't well-maintained
  • Electrical board or wire short circuits
  • Leakage of water onto live electrical appliances

Health and safety compliance, proper authorized firefighting training courses, and appropriate equipment should all be top priorities in every business. Many fire-related deaths and injuries occur as a result of poorly maintained buildings that are not fire safety compliant, people who are unaware of and untrained in proper fire prevention measures, and the lack of appropriate firefighting equipment. Since no one anticipates a fire to occur in the workplace, it is the responsibility of every employer and health and safety committee to guarantee that their personnel are always equipped with the right training, expertise, and firefighting equipment to confidently attempt to extinguish flames.

Every office should have the following firefighting equipment:

 fire extinguishersFor the most part, fire extinguishers are unseen red cans on walls that are rarely glanced at or considered. We never know whether or not they work or how they work. In the event of a fire, this will be the first piece of firefighting equipment you reach for. They truly are the difference between a little fire problem and a catastrophic blazing inferno. If there are no working fire extinguishers, a little electrical fire might cause a building to burn to the ground. Make sure your building's fire extinguishers have been serviced annually and are in good working order, and that you and your coworkers know how to use them.

Smoke Detector: We all know that where there is smoke, there is fire. Smoke, on the other hand, is often a precursor to fire, and if smoke can be noticed early, so can a fire. In a call center or security room, a smoke detector can save the day by detecting a fire hazard and sounding the Alarm Bell automatically when there is a fire. The majority of fire victims die through inhaling smoke and harmful chemicals, rather than from burns. When it detects smoke, a fire alarm emits a harsh siren, alerting the health and safety and response team, as well as bystanders who can utilize firefighting equipment.

Evacuation Alarm: When there is a fire hazard, it is critical that personnel leave the facility as soon as possible. Employees should also be familiar with a fire drill and evacuation plan so that they do not panic in the event of a true emergency. There are centralized building fire alarm systems and wall-mounted Loud and Clear alarm horns that should be put around the workplace. These early warning devices enable building evacuation and the dispatch of a health and safety and response team to the alarm site.

Fire Hose Reel: Fire hose reel are an important backup for a building's sprinkler system in the event of a fire. Tenants and firefighters will use the fire hose reel to put out the fire and manual call point to alert other tenants in the event of a fire. With this high-pressure water system, a big fire may be put out. This fire hose reel must be serviced annually in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

First Aid Kit: If any employees are injured by fire, your first responder can help with burn protection, burn creams, and bandages until an ambulance arrives and transports the patient for medical treatment. All companies are required by law to have equipped regulation 7 first aid boxes in all buildings or offices.

To find out more about fire fighting equipment or services, you can go to Firetronics’ website or send them an email to find out more!

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