5 Things Businesses Should Know About Fire Extinguishers
1. There are different classifications and types of fire extinguishers that should be used for different types of fires.
- Fire Extinguisher Classifications
- Class A– Ordinary flammable materials (paper, fabric, cardboard, lumber, etc.)
- Class B– Liquid combustibles (grease, paint, gasoline, etc.)
- Class C– Electrically energized materials
- Class D– Flammable metals
- Class K– Kitchen combustibles (fats, grease, and oils)
- Types of Fire Extinguishers
- Dry Chemical– Multipurpose use for Classes A,B,C
- Halon– Often used to protect electronics because it leaves behind no residue to clean up
- Water– Use on Class A fires
- Carbon Dioxide– Most effective on Classes B and

2.When using a fire extinguisher, remember P.A.S.S.

3. Fire Extinguishers must be visually inspected on monthly basis and inspected by a licensed fire protection companyon a yearly basis.
- During visual inspections, the following should be checked
- Proper placement
- Easily accessible
- Fully charged
- Pin and seal are in place
- No damage
- Nozzle has no blockages
- During the yearly inspection by a licensed fire protection company, the following is done by the technician
- Technician conducts a full visual inspection.
- If needed, technician will perform necessary maintenancein order to ensure that the extinguisher will perform properly.
- Once the extinguisher is up to NFPA standards, the extinguisher is tagged to show that it has been inspected by a licensed fire protection compan
4. Fire extinguishers must be installed according to NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
- According to NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, fire extinguishers must be placed no more than 75ft* apart on regularly traveled routes. *Distance varies by hazard classification
5. Employee training services are available.
There is not a lot of time for mistakes when fire occurs, so it is important that employees are properly trained to use a fire extinguisher. Having a licensed fire protection company properly train employees can be the difference between a little damage and a catastrophe.

If you have any questions, or want to learn more about this topic, please feel free to give us a call, (973)560-1600.