When a fire breaks out, it is essential to put it out before it can spread. While a fire extinguisher is one of the first lines of defence, many people do not fully understand how these devices work, and this can lead to them believing dangerous myths. In particular, there are two myths about fire extinguishers that you should not believe.
Myth: All Fire Extinguishers Are The Same
While you may think that all fires are the same, this is not true. For example, electrical fires and grease fires must be extinguished differently than paper fires. If you make the mistake of attempting to put out grease fires with water or the wrong type of fire extinguisher, it can cause the problem to escalate.
Unfortunately, it may not be practical to keep a fire extinguisher for every type of fire in your home or business. As a result, you should anticipate the most likely causes of fire, and ensure that building occupants or employees are fully trained on which types of fires your chosen extinguisher can handle. This simple step can help keep minor fires from spreading throughout the building. .
Myth: Fire Extinguishers Do Not Need Maintenance
If a fire breaks out and your extinguisher is in disrepair, you may have to helplessly watch as the fire burns your building to the ground. Yet, many people do not make it a point to inspect their fire extinguishers on a regular basis, and this can lead to the device failing at a critical moment.
To prevent this problem, you should inspect the extinguisher at least once a month. During this inspection, you should check the pressure gauge, look for signs of corrosion and ensure all the parts of it can freely move. If you notice any of these problems, you should replace the fire extinguisher as soon as possible.
Once a year, you should have the extinguisher professionally serviced. Over time, dirt and dust will accumulate on it. Unfortunately, these materials can cause it to become clogged or jammed, and these problems can prevent it from working. Luckily, either the contractor who supplied the extinguisher or your local fire department will be able to perform this vital maintenance.
Keeping your home or business safe from fires starts with ensuring you have access to equipment to extinguish the most likely types of fires. Sadly, there are dangerous myths and misconceptions surrounding fire extinguishers. By disregarding these two common beliefs, you can help ensure your property is prepared for a fire igniting.
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