Why is Fire Extinguisher training for employees is important?
A quick-thinking team member could quickly become a hero with the right training. With fires frequenting businesses all around New Zealand, fire extinguisher training for employees has never been more important. In fact, staff members tried to control a blaze at a Frankton car franchise earlier this month. With the help of professional firefighters, the fire was under control in half an hour.
The actions of the staff in the first moments of the fire helped to minimise damage and get the flame under control faster. They also knew when to seek professional help and remain out of harms way.
Fire extinguisher training for employees will help you keep your staff members safe, and ensure they are prepared to protect your property during an emergency.
Fire Extinguisher Servicing
Imagine being ready to fight a small fire, extinguisher in hand. You squeeze the nozzle, but nothing comes out. Now you’re in harms way with no fire protection equipment.
Before you invest in any staff training, you need to make sure your fire extinguishers are working properly. Through regular professional inspections, your extinguishers will be ready to use during an emergency.
According to the NZS 4503:2005 standard for Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment, all types of extinguishers need to be tested at least once every 12 months.
This includes visual inspections, pressure tests, and recharging.
At Jim’s Fire Safety, we are safety inspection professionals. We test and inspect all types of fire extinguishers for businesses across the nation. Contact us now for more information about our maintenance services.
When to Use a Fire Extinguisher
An important part of fire extinguisher training for employees is knowing when to use a fire extinguisher in the workplace.
There are a few basic guidelines that will help you know when to act. Please note that you should seek more information through a professional training course.
- make sure the fire is contained
- if the room has filled with smoke, evacuate
- make sure that everyone is aware of the fire
- if your escape route is compromised, find a way out
- check that the class of fire is appropriate for fire extinguisher use
You can find out more about the different types of fire (and their matching extinguishers) in our other blog post on fire extinguisher usage.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Once your employees know when to use a fire extinguisher, they need to learn how to operate one safely. We have a simple guide for fire extinguisher operation available on our website.
It is important to consult with your local fire brigade for more professional advice, and seek hands on training for your employees.
People respond well to practical learning. Get your staff on their feet and get their hands on a real extinguisher so they can be confident during an emergency.
Minimize Damage
Proper fire extinguisher training for employees will help to minimize all kinds of damage within your business. Get a fire under control before it ruins your whole building, or causes any harm to a team member.
If you’d like to know more about our fire equipment inspection services, call us now or fill in the online form for a free quote.
Your fire safety journey starts today.
