The safety of employees and the public should be one of the most important concerns any business owner has on their mind. Fire Extinguisher Regulations are an important consideration for businesses because fire is a risk everyone shares.
Being properly protected is the easiest way to avoid any non-compliance issues. Because the laws do occasionally change, it is a good idea to be aware of the most recent requirements.
Fire Extinguisher Requirements
Portable Fire Safety is something everyone in residential homes and commercial locations should have on hand
Portable Fire Safety is something everyone in residential homes and commercial locations should have on hand. However, the law only requires businesses to have extinguishers on their premises.
Currently, at least one extinguisher should be available in every business location, and multiple extinguishers are required for larger locations. If hazardous cargo is transported in commercial vehicles, an extinguisher will also be needed for those vehicles as well.
Fire Extinguisher Classes
Fire extinguishers are classed based on the type of fire they can extinguish.
Below are the standard classes for Australian Fire Extinguishers:
- Class A: For basic fires.
- Class B: Used on flammable and combustible liquids.
- Class C: Required for businesses where flammable gases are in use.
- Class D: For controlling fires started by combustible metals.
- Class E: Extinguish electrical fires.
- Class F: Used in kitchens where grease fires are the greatest risk.
Fire Extinguisher Servicing And Maintenance
Businesses are expected to perform their own regular inspections to be certain all extinguishers are charged and easy to reach in the event of an emergency. They should be professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. If problems arise, only parts genuine to the manufacturer should be used for repair.
If generic parts are used or the extinguisher is recharged with powder not specific to that brand of extinguisher, it will no longer be compliant with legal standards.
Debunking The Myths
Another dangerous myth is that recharging is the only service an extinguisher should need
One of the most dangerous myths about fire extinguishers is that by following the basic guidelines, the workplace will be safe enough. This is not always the case, and every business owner should choose to err by having too much protective gear available rather than risk having too little.
Another dangerous myth is that recharging is the only service an extinguisher should need. In reality, the reason the recharge is needed is often more important. Is it just losing its charge or was it used? If the extinguisher is not holding a charge, and the reason why is not discovered and resolved, it can easily become disabled again.
Business fire safety
Fire protection in Townsville is essential for business fire safety. Avoid failing safety inspections or, even worse, not being prepared in the event of an emergency. Anyone without the proper equipment should begin shopping for their extinguishers.
Those who have the gear but have not serviced them as required should establish a maintenance schedule immediately and do what is necessary to ensure they will operate as expected should the need arise. Contact FCF for great advice and service.
