Electrical malfunctions accounted for over 9% of all workplace fires in 2020, and fires come with costly economic and safety impacts.
According to the US Fire Administration, there were 16,500 office and store fires in the US in 2020, resulting in $932 million in direct property damage.
For the safety of employees and customers alike, all staff needs training on how to use fire extinguishers to put out small fires, and the P.A.S.S. system is a helpful way to do that in safety meetings. We recommend encouraging employees to practice this method with their peers, as it is a great way to build trust while instilling personal responsibility in safety.
· P-pull the pin.
· A-aim at the base of the fire.
· S-squeeze the handle.
· S-sweep side to side.
RS Safety TV has videos demonstrating the proper use of a fire extinguisher.
Expired fire extinguishers, while no longer adequate for a fire emergency, can be excellent training or practice tools for staff to get hands-on experience.
When a fire does break out, the first few minutes of the blaze are of the utmost importance. Fire extinguishers are often able to stop small fires before they can grow into large, life-threatening blazes. They should be spaced regularly throughout the business and signposted for quick, easy access. Maps showing extinguisher locations and evacuation routes should be posted, so all staff members know where they are. The most common fire extinguishers are the A-B-C type. These can be used on all types of fires, including combustible materials, electrical, and flammable liquids.
Inspect exposed wires for damage regularly and take damaged electrical equipment or wires out of service or replace them. And remember, limit extension cord use and only use them for non-permanent solutions.
Our safety team is available to help members take their safety program from compliance to quality safety practices. Contact us 360.943.9198 x122, or [email protected] to learn more.
