Teaching Employees The Proper Handling Of Water Fire Extinguishers

Simple and effective, water fire extinguishers do not require complex operations or servicing and can be depended on with one's business assets, especially the human factor. Nonetheless, even with a simple device such as a water fire extinguisher, it is necessary that all employees be provided with proper training in handling and operating water fire extinguishers so that 1) he or she will not panic in case there is a fire and 2) he or she will not get hurt through the improper use of a water fire extinguisher.

Before proceeding to actual handling, it is essential that employees be taught how they work. Let us examine its structure. On top of the casing, there is a small container which is full of compressed gas. This gas is not released until a safety pin is pulled and the lever or handle is squeezed. This lever then triggers a rod which pushes down on the valve so that the compressed gas escapes, applying a downward pressure on the water which then sprays out of the nozzle at high pressure.

In terms of handling the extinguisher, the first thing that employees must be taught is to read instructions carefully. They must not put off learning to use this common fire fighting device until there is an actual fire. To operate, pull out the safety pin and then squeeze the handle. The jet must be aimed at the burning material itself-not the flames-and continually moved across the area. In cases a fire moves upwards, do not attempt to stop it from the high point. Instead, direct the water fire extinguisher at the base of the fire and then move upwards. The water will cool the burning material. Before moving on to another area on fire (if any), the handler of the fire extinguisher must check that the main fire is already completely extinguished

As a business owner, or the individual legally designated as the person who will be held liable for the safety of people within a specific business establishment or workplace, the reality of tight finances may only allow you to secure one type of fire extinguisher. Since water is a conductor, water fire extinguishers should not be used to deal with electrical fires. Likewise, they are not recommended for grease fires, because they will only spread the substance and exacerbate the situation. This is why proper education as to the proper usage of different types of fire extinguishers must be provided to one's employees. Although water fire extinguishers are simple and cost-effective, remember that different types of fires require different types of extinguishers.