In the more effective type of office fire fighting there are several lines of defense. Every person in a facility has a job in a fire emergency and everyone needs to do their part in fighting and preventing casualties.
Every single year fires kill 5000 people, injure countless others and cost business over 10 billion dollars. The best way to fight fires is to prevent them from starting in the first place but once they do there a various lines of defense that are implemented. Following proper safety procedures in the office will help your facility avoid the tragic circumstances of a fire.
Once a fire begins the first line of defense is usually a sprinkler system. Fire extinguishers are an effective way to stop the growth of a fire or to put it out altogether. There are different types of sprinkler systems but the one in most offices quenches class A fires with water. The heat sensors on the sprinkler system detect when the room has become to warm and it releases a valve. Sprinkler systems are not specifically designed to put fires out. They are designed to beat down the flames and keep them from spreading until help arrives.
Employees who are trained to deal with fires are the next line of defense. Their weapon is usually a fire extinguisher. They should be trained and ready to use the extinguishers in your office. There are many types of extinguishers but the most common use water, carbon dioxide and dry chemicals. These employees should be trained to know what type of extinguisher to use. The extinguisher needs to be compatible with the type of fire that needs to be put out. If its marked with "A, B & C" it will put out most every fire you come in contact with.
Employees should learn to use the PASS system with fire extinguishers - pull the pin, aim the nozzle, squeeze the trigger and sweep from side to side. The extinguisher will probably only last 15 seconds. If the fire is not out by then, leave the area and wait for professional help.
Some of the misconceptions about putting out a fire can be dangerous. For instance, never use a coat or a blanket to smother a fire. They will often ignite making the situation worse. Also, never beat down the flames as this fan the fire with oxygen causing it to flare up.
Preventing fires in the first place is the best way to fight them, if they start know the lines of defense in your office. Don't be part of one of the thousands of tragic fires that occur every year. Follow safety prevention guidelines and keep you and your coworkers safe.
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