Although it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about car safety, a fire extinguisher could be the difference between life and death. In the UK, although accidental car fires are declining in number, arson car fires are on the rise, but on average 100,000 cars catch fire every year! There are a few reasons a fire extinguisher in your car can be helpful, such as: Cars can catch on fire very easily The thing with vehicle fires is that many people never expect them to happen. You may have your car regularly serviced…
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Although this is not something which is commonly thought about, fire extinguishers, like many pieces of health and safety equipment, have a lifespan. Over time, fire extinguishers which are non-gaseous will eventually corrode. That is, the contents of the extinguisher itself will eventually corrode the canister or body and also, the extreme pressure of the contents will eventually weaken the seams of the body, despite the fact that it’s made of robust metal. Fire extinguishers also require proper maintenance and if this isn’t carried out properly, then things such as valves, seals and levers can become stuck during use, posing a…
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Here at Protect & Detect, on our blog, we feel it is our duty to make sure you understand the various applications of the different types of fire extinguishers. Just as important, though, we want you to understand the differences between the types of fires which they were constructed to fight. However, in this article, we will be shining a light on foam fire extinguishers, ensuring that, by the end of this article, you understand how to identify a foam extinguisher, what fires they able to fight and how to properly operate one. How to identify a foam extinguisher Firstly, before…
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In the event of a fire, safety is paramount. Building evacuation plans should be well-known and followed and fire alarm systems and fire fighting equipment must be present. The most common fire fighting equipment is the fire extinguisher, and within your workplace or commercial building you’ll find one closeby. Although easily identifiable, it is not unusual for an individual to be unable to effectively use a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire. In this article, we shall be explaining how and when to use a fire extinguisher. How to use a fire extinguisher In order to be able to…
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Once you have bought a fire extinguisher and ensured that your premises meet fire safety standards, you might forget about regularly checking your extinguisher. Unfortunately, fire extinguishers do eventually expire, meaning you need to keep an eye on them and have a professional check them at regular intervals. Ensuring that your fire extinguishers are in full working order is of the utmost importance, and knowing how long they last is pivotal in this. Generally, fire extinguishers last between 5 and 15 years, according to manufacturers, though this can vary depending on the circumstances. In this month’s article, we’ll be running you…
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A fire extinguisher is an invaluable tool when it comes to fighting fires, but if you don’t know how to use it properly it could exacerbate the problem or simply prove useless. This month, we’ll be looking at the correct way to use a fire extinguisher, both in terms of the types of fires you should be using them on and how to appropriately go about using it. Don’t Blindly Rush In – Stop and Think Absolutely central to fighting a fire is stopping and thinking about whether or not the fire is worth risking injury (or worse) over, namely in…
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Unfortunately, senses and mobility deteriorate slowly as people get older, making it increasingly difficult to do the things they found easygoing in their youth. Ultimately, this puts the elderly at greater risk of injury or worse if a fire started than the youthful. As such, it is of the utmost importance that we prepare our properties and businesses for the potential outbreak of fire adequately and thoroughly to ensure the elderly we care for remain in the safest hands at all times. In this article, we will be discussing the fire safety methods you should employ to increase the safety…
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Ensuring fire extinguishers are properly mounted in your property is essential in order to meet British Standards regulations for businesses and rented properties. The right location, the correct height and the appropriate accessories are all paramount when installing fire extinguishers. Where? Choosing the right location for installing your fire extinguishers can make all the difference further down the line, so getting it right is key. Ideally, fire extinguishers should be placed in a visible and easily reached location and along, but without obstructing, the evacuation route. By doorways and corridors, landings and lobbies are all excellent positions for your fire extinguisher….
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The ability to operate a fire extinguisher is an important skill to have should you ever be faced with an uncontrolled fire. If you are likely to be required to use a fire extinguisher at work due to responsibilities as a fire marshall or where you are located in your workplace, it is recommended that you receive professional hands-on training first. However, if you do discover a fire that looks out of control, the first thing you should do is call the emergency services. You can then tackle small fires with an extinguisher but know that, if you cannot put…
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Having the correct fire safety equipment in top working order is a legal requirement for any commercial environment to ensure everyone within the building is protected from the threat of a fire occurring in the property. There are 5 main types of fire extinguishers, each designed to target specific fires so that any potential breakouts can be dealt with effectively. For further information, also take a look at our article on how to correctly use a fire extinguisher. Firstly, it is important to take note of which category the nature of a fire belongs to: Class A: these fires consist…
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