Fire extinguishers are one of the most essential pieces of safety equipment in any business, but owning one isn’t enough. Proper maintenance, training, and usage are key to ensuring that your fire extinguisher will perform effectively when it matters most. Unfortunately, many businesses make simple but costly mistakes when it comes to fire extinguisher upkeep. These errors can lead to serious consequences in an emergency. Below are some of the most common fire extinguisher mistakes—and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Having Enough Fire Extinguishers
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is not having enough fire extinguishers to adequately cover the entire workspace. A single fire extinguisher won’t do much good if it’s located far away from the fire or if the fire spreads quickly. You should have fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout your facility so that they’re easily accessible in different areas.
How to Avoid It:
Ensure your workplace has fire extinguishers installed according to the square footage of your facility and the types of hazards present. Place extinguishers in key locations such as kitchens, workshops, and near electrical equipment, as well as along exit routes.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Fire Extinguisher
Not all fire extinguishers are designed to combat every type of fire. For instance, a standard water-based extinguisher won’t work on electrical or grease fires—it could even make the situation worse. Using the wrong type of extinguisher is not only ineffective but can also put the user in danger.
How to Avoid It:
Identify the specific fire risks in your business and choose the appropriate fire extinguisher for each area. There are different classes of extinguishers (A, B, C, D, and K), each designed for specific types of fires such as wood, electrical, or flammable liquids. Make sure employees are familiar with which extinguisher to use for different hazards.
3. Failing to Perform Regular Inspections
A fire extinguisher that looks fine on the outside may not function properly when needed. Over time, extinguishers can lose pressure, become damaged, or even expire. Many businesses neglect regular inspections, assuming their extinguishers will be ready when needed, only to discover too late that they aren’t.
How to Avoid It:
Schedule annual inspections with a certified fire safety professional to ensure your extinguishers are up to code and fully functional. In addition, perform monthly visual checks to look for any obvious damage, ensure that the pressure gauge is in the green zone, and verify that the extinguisher is easily accessible.
4. Blocking or Obstructing Fire Extinguishers
Another common mistake is allowing fire extinguishers to become blocked by furniture, equipment, or clutter. In an emergency, quick access to fire extinguishers is crucial. If an extinguisher is hidden or difficult to reach, valuable time is wasted, increasing the risk of the fire spreading.
How to Avoid It:
Keep all fire extinguishers in clearly visible and easily accessible locations. Avoid placing items in front of or around extinguishers, and make sure there is always a clear path to them. Consider marking the areas around your extinguishers with signage or floor markings to prevent obstruction.
5. Inadequate Employee Training
Having fire extinguishers on hand is not enough if no one knows how to use them. Many businesses overlook the importance of training employees in proper fire extinguisher usage, which can lead to panic and misuse in a real emergency.
How to Avoid It:
Provide regular training for your employees on how to use fire extinguishers effectively. Ensure they understand the basics of fire safety and know how to operate an extinguisher using the P.A.S.S. method—Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. Consider scheduling refresher training sessions periodically to keep fire safety top of mind.
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers are a vital part of any business’s fire safety plan, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial to ensuring they work when needed. By having the right extinguishers in place, performing regular inspections, keeping them accessible, and training your staff, you can reduce the risk of a fire disaster. At Fire Team One, we specialize in fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, and training to help you stay prepared and protected. Contact us today to learn how we can support your fire safety needs.
