It is common knowledge that portable fire extinguishers are a basic firefighting apparatus in workplaces. What many people tend to forget is the importance of investing in it.
In the hopes of achieving workplace fire safety at its highest point, there is a need to know more about why it is important to invest in workplace portable fire extinguishers.
Importance of portable fire extinguishers
Did you know that fire extinguishers put out more fires in the workplace than the fire brigade does? This fact changes the value on fire safety equipment and the way to approach fire safety in the workplace.
Explained below are some of the most important reasons on why to invest in workplace portable fire extinguishers.
- 1. It is the first line of defense
The extinguisher serves as the first line of defense, as it functions to confront fire in its early stages
The duty of businesses points to the utmost safety of all the employees and building occupants, which gives more importance to the supply of portable fire extinguishers. The extinguisher serves as the first line of defense, as it functions to confront fire in its early stages.
Once a fire breaks out, anyone who witnesses it first will need to use a fire extinguisher to prevent further damages. As part of the essential fire safety equipment, it is advisable to provide staff with fire safety training by learning the uses of these extinguishers.
Make sure the appropriate training is provided to teach them how to identify the different types of fire and their corresponding extinguishing agent, when to abandon a fire, where to evacuate and who to call for help.
- 2. Here is what the law says
The workplace is considered a commercial establishment, which is under the Australian Standard 2444-2001 requiring the installation of portable fire extinguishers, as governed by the National Construction Code of Australia 2012.
This particular standard sets out criteria for the selection of portable fire extinguishers and their specific locations for the best safety measures.
- 3. It contributes to environmental protection
The first stages of the fire are the best times to extinguish it, in order to minimize damage
The first stages of the fire are the best times to extinguish it, in order to minimize damage. It is all about a matter of how and what tools are readily available.
Managing fire incidents with the use of portable fire extinguishers can significantly increase the chances of putting it out in its first stages.
On the other hand, it decreases the bad effects on the environment, aside from the business damages. Looking at the environmental aspect, fire releases a huge amount of greenhouse gases that affect the atmosphere. The bigger the amount, the more damage it can do.
Implementing responsible business fire safety practices
With the implementation of responsible business fire safety practices, there should be lesser to no carbon emissions from fire incidents. The use of basic and strategic fire safety practices may help through committing to the building’s scheduled fire safety measures, regular maintenance checks and staff training on the use of this equipment.
The next time anyone thinks twice on whether to invest in portable fire extinguishers or not, consider all these significant points. After all, it is a legal obligation to install them in the workplace.
