Buying Fire Extinguishers

One can’t deny the fact that fire extinguishers are important safety devices for home and office space. If a fire extinguisher is used properly, it can save millions of lives and even avert property damage. However, it’s crucial to remain informed that there are different types of fire extinguishers in the market and each has a specific role to play.

 

Just like there are different classes of fire, in the same way, there are different types of fire extinguishers. So, just installing a fire extinguisher for home inside the school premises won’t serve the purpose of suppressing fire caused in school kitchen or laboratory. Hence, installing the right type of extinguisher at the right place is important.

 

In the remainder of this blog post, we will discuss the pointers that must be followed when buying fire extinguishers.

 

Fire Type 

 

When buying a fire extinguisher for home or school, it’s important to consider the class of fire and its source before extinguishing it. Depending on the class of fire, an extinguisher must be picked. For example, BC fire extinguishers help extinguish kitchen fires. Similarly, ABC fire extinguishers are helpful to douse fires in an industrial and business environment.

 

Location

 

It’s essential to figure out where a fire extinguisher should be placed. Ideally, it should be placed near the exits of the premise. However, in the case of schools, fire extinguishers should be placed in multiple locations. For instance, it should be located inside the laboratories, server room, pantry, etc. In each of these places, the fire extinguisher for school should be easily accessible. 

 

Portability

 

No matter whatever may be the extinguisher types, it should be portable. It should be easy to carry on a trolley or it can be easily hung on the wall.

 

Size & Weight

 

No matter whether you are buying fire extinguishers for residential spaces or schools, the weight and size of the extinguisher should be considered. The weight and the value of the suppressing agent are usually displayed on the canister. For instance, one can get a 1kg ABC Fire Extinguisher and even a 5kg Fire Extinguisher. However, depending on the place of use, the size should be picked. This means opting for a 2kg or a 5kg fire extinguisher for school would always be a better option; rather, than a 1kg one.

 

Pressure Gauge

 

Just like checking the fire extinguisher price is important, the same could be said for the pressure gauge. Well, the pressure gauge on a fire extinguisher’s spout can tell if the equipment can battle a fire or not. So one should check the pressure gauge is working for the extinguisher. In the event, it doesn’t supplant with another extinguisher.

 

Keeping a fire extinguisher handy would indeed help to fight any class of fire. However, one should consult an expert while buying fire extinguishers for home or school.