Fire extinguishers are a vital aspect of fire safety for both homes and businesses, and everyone should be aware of their maintenance, care, and use. Since most people never need to use them, it’s extremely easy for fire extinguisher myths to grow over time as they sit there waiting for their time of need. But fire extinguishers usually operate the best when you understand how they work.
Hopefully, this article can debunk five of the most pernicious fire extinguisher myths out there. If your business requires maintenance or training on your building’s fire extinguishers, the expert technicians of Ontario’s All Protect Systems, Inc. are ready to serve you. They’ve been offering fire safety products and services to their community since 1996.
Myth 1) Only one extinguisher is necessary for each building.
While the Ontario Fire Code does require a fire extinguisher in every building, one may not be enough. Each hazardous occupancy within a building must have its own extinguisher as well as every hazardous operation or process located outside the building. If you have any doubt, one of All Protect’s experts or the Ontario Fire Marshal can instruct you as to where you need to furnish extinguishers.
Myth 2) Fire extinguishers don’t need service.
The Ontario Fire Code requires that portable Fire extinguishers require regular inspections and periodic maintenance. Each month, a representative of the property should perform a visual inspection to ensure that the extinguishers are in the designated spot, accessible, free from physical damage and rust, and have clear, legible labels and unbroken seals.
Portable fire extinguishers need to be inspected annually in accordance with NFPA10 and Ontario Fire Code. In addition to regular inspections fire extinguishers also require maintenance every six years and every twelve years from the date of manufacture.
Every six years dry chemical extinguishers are required to be discharged, all components thoroughly examined and the extinguisher recharged. Every twelve years from the date of manufacture the extinguisher cylinder requires hydro-static testing (pressure testing with water) and internal examination. This ensures that the cylinder is free of defects and can withstand pressure. If it fails the test, then it would have to be replaced.
Myth 3) Fire extinguishers should be periodically tapped.
This myth comes from experience with older extinguishers that had chemicals that could cake and harden inside the tank. With these models, it was advisable to tap them with a mallet or turn them upside down and shake them to keep the mixture primed to operate correctly.
With the modern chemicals used in today’s foam-based extinguishers, tapping or shaking them is not only unnecessary, it can even be detrimental. No fire extinguisher manufacturer recommends agitating the contents of its products. Performing these sorts of actions on your extinguishers can damage them and make them less effective.
Myth 4) Fire extinguishers don’t need mounting on a bracket..
Fire Extinguishers shall be mounted securely on a hanger intended for the extinguisher, it is required that they be mounted so they are readily accessible in the event of an emergency. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires extinguishers to be mounted at specific heights depending on the size of the extinguisher. As an example an extinguisher having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so the top of the extinguisher is not more than 5 feet above the floor.
Myth 5) Any fire extinguisher can put out a fire.
Even though most fires look the same, several combustible items could potentially cause it, and fire extinguishers are equipped with different extinguishing agents to put out various types of fires. Your fire extinguishers must be the right kind for the type of fire hazard nearby. Fire types are divided into five basic categories: A-D and K, please see Kidde extinguishers for more information.
The Ontario Fire Marshal or trained professionals, such as the expert technicians at All Protect Systems, Inc. can help you choose the appropriate extinguisher for your location. Besides fire extinguishers and fire hoses, All Protect also offers fire alarm systems, gas detection, fire safety plans, emergency and exit lighting, and annual and monthly inspections. Call us today to find out what we can do for you!