Hydrospray Fire Extinguishers – When Less Means More

This new technology in this type of extinguisher is a welcome addition to the list of Fire Safety Equipment already available in the market. Like all equipment, it must be used properly and for the purpose it is designed: Extinguishing fires involving freely burning and combustible materials such as wood, paper, rubber, fabric, and some plastics.

Even with a more efficient type of fire extinguisher, it is still very wise to adhere to best practises recommended in Fire Protection guidelines. Successful fire prevention requires is a conscious thought, backed by action, to assure that measures are followed faithfully. In the case of the aforementioned fire extinguisher, homes and offices are the places it can prove most useful.

A fire detection device is an effective device that alerts home occupants when fire has broken out even before the fire elevates to hazardous and fatal levels. There are even models of this type of device that is integrated to a fire alarm system that sends a signal to the local fire authority, aside from the occupants. This device has proven its worth in saving lives. But it still quite lacks in the aspect of preventing or minimising damages and even loss of properties. A scenario that comes to mind is a family of five living in a nice home equipped with a fully functional fire detection device. The ideal flow of events would be that after fire is detected, the alarm activates, alerting the family members to vacate their home. But if the fire can be contained, the father or any of his children who is old and capable enough to handle a compact fire extinguisher will be able to put out small fires before they grow into a blaze, devouring the whole house. It is strongly recommended that fire extinguisher be installed in highly visible locations and no more than 30 metres away from a fire risk location.

Another location to consider is an office workplace where people work with materials that are freely burning and combustible materials such as paper and wood. In a common office workplace, one can find various forms of paper that may easily catch fire then spread it to other combustible materials like furniture. Having fire extinguishers conveniently distributed in key locations becomes a necessary investment in the effort to prevent loss of lives and destruction of properties if accidental fires aren't managed from the start.

In a regular office environment, a good smoke detection alarm and a working fire extinguisher may be installed. It is equally important to guide the people, by using Fire Exit Signs , where to proceed when an accidental fire does break out, and also where to collect the fire extinguisher in case the fire is still in its manageable size. One of the means to do this is to install informative safety signs that use large letters, diagrams, icons, or even various combinations of these components in highly visible areas. These signs are ideally printed in a lively, eye-catching colour combined with black. Posting Fire Extinguisher Signs in key locations must be a part of this awareness campaign. Knowing where to get the nearest fire extinguisher is not the only objective of posting signs. These signs also serve as reminders for people not to crowd the area with matters that may slow down a man who is going for the extinguisher in crisis situations.

Keeping the equipment in excellent shape is also necessary, and that they are reliable when it really counts. Smoke alarms must be kept clean, and must be cleansed after it goes off in emergency crises; or its consumables and batteries be replaced straight away. The smoke particles it detected may clog the system if not properly maintained. As for the fire extinguishers, they must be filled up after usage regardless of the amount of its content was used, since it is always considered wise to be ready when the situation calls for it.

Fire prevention principles and practises don't stop there. It is also important to note that fire prevention equipment deteriorate when not in use. This is where inspection and maintenance must be considered and implemented.

An inspection is a quick check to make assure the availability of the equipment and that they are fully charged, and operable or operational. It is important to be conscious about the frequency, regularity, and thoroughness in conducting an inspection of the equipment.

Maintenance is a thorough check performed at regular intervals. For fire extinguishers, maintenance must be performed at least once a year, or at least, when specifically indicated by an inspection. For fire detection systems, at least once every six months interval is recommended.

Fire prevention need not be confined to trained experts whom people will expect to prevent and fight fires for them. It is everyone's responsibility to help prevent fires and also to learn the right manner to fight fires with minimal or no risk to oneself.