Probably the most important thing to keep in mind when considering the use of a fire extinguisher is the kinds of fire that each one is amiable to fight. Using a fire extinguisher on the wrong type of fire can kill you or cause an even bigger fire to put out.
For example, as you will learn in the following video, it’s important that you apply the fire extinguisher powder at the base of the fire, otherwise you can actually spread the fire and make it far worse than it was. Keep in mind that the average time actually spent fighting a fire will be 10 or 12 seconds, so you don’t have a lot of time to learn on the job, so to speak.
Because you cannot afford a learning curve when it comes to fighting a fire, it’s important that you and your staff know up front how it’s done. For that reason, ESC presents the following video on how to use a fire extinguisher. Be sure to read about the health issues after the video is over.
Potential Health Issues
Firstly, fire extinguishers typically contain a powder that, although approved for use in homes and businesses, can agitate the skin. After use, cleanup must be immediate and you must take precautions not to leave this powder on your hands or other parts of your body for any length of time.
Secondly, if inhaled, the powder can cause health issues. The dust from a normal fire will most likely not be a problem, but if you happen to inhale a good bit of it, you will need to go to the Emergency Room when the emergency is over, if not before. The powder can actually coat the lungs, preventing oxygen from reaching the rest of the body.
For more information on fire extinguishers or their use, contact ESC at 614-754-1393, also visit our fire extinguisher page at http://bit.ly/2BPHcKG.
Have a question or comment? Please use the form below: