Every building, whether commercial or residential, would be better with a fire extinguisher within reach during emergencies. At the same time, many people choose to hide their extinguishers, especially in residential settings. In most commercial buildings, the fire extinguisher needs to be accessible with proper installation. There are a few mistakes that you should avoid when it comes to installing a fire extinguisher in your building, and here are some of the worst ones:
Not Reading the Labels
Fire extinguishers usually come with instructions as to where you should place them or how you would be mounting them. You should read the instructions before placing your fire extinguisher in your desired location. You should also study the labels and note the weight of the fire extinguisher and how you would use it in case of fire. It will help you determine where it would be best to mount or install it so that it will not prove inconvenient for you in emergencies.
Not Considering the Weight
Before installing the mount for your fire extinguisher, you should always check its weight first. For example, if your portable fire extinguisher has a mass of 4kg or higher, its carrying handle should be 1 meter above the floor. It should be approximate. If your extinguisher weighs less than that, you add a .5-meter difference. You should also learn more about your area’s regulations to ensure that you are not going against protocol and creating hazards instead of safety options when installing your fire extinguishers.
Choosing A Random Location
When you plan to install your fire extinguisher, the first thing you need to do is find a good place for it that is up to standard and does not violate any building or fire prevention codes. You must inspect the building for a suitable location. Make sure that the spot you choose is close to an exit just in case you cannot control the fire and need a quick escape. The next thing you need to look out for is a place that isn’t blocked or has many obstacles like air conditioners.
Lastly, consider placing it in places that are not only familiar places where fire can start but also places that are commonly safe and suitable for fire extinguishers. These places are kitchens, utility or janitorial cabinets, and hallways. Another thing to note is that if your building has a valve cabinet Where a firefighter can access your plumbing systems or the fire hose, it would be best to have the fire extinguisher close to it.
Not Consulting with an Expert
Another mistake that you can make is not consulting with an expert. Did you know that some professionals are licensed to handle and learn more about fire extinguishers? If you want to keep yourself safe and ensure that your fire extinguisher is functional and not fake, you need to call in an expert. Doing so will provide a safer and more comfortable place for your tenants, employees, and customers.
Not Having Answers to The Following
There are many factors to consider when installing a fire extinguisher, and only an expert can answer some of these questions. Some things that an expert might ask or consider before choosing how and where to install your fire extinguisher are:
- What type of fire extinguisher to install
- Is the fire extinguisher rating sufficient for the premises along with its fire risk?
- Will the fire extinguisher be on a mount? On what type of wall?
- How heavy is the fire extinguisher?
- Is the wall empty, or is there pipework behind it that can potentially get damaged due to mounting?
- Will it become an obstacle or hazard for people walking or running in the area?
- Is it accessible enough?
- Does it need to be behind a door or cabinet to prevent misuse?
If you want to make sure that you are not only following standard protocols when it comes to fire extinguishers, it would be best if you hire an expert to do the installation for you. There are many subtle mistakes that an amateur can make that will compromise the safety of your building. A fire extinguisher should never be a substitute for firefighters, especially if the fire is intense and your installation is close to another facility because there is no firewall.
