Every building or facility is required by law to have portable fire extinguishers accessible for use in times of a fire emergency. However, even if you have one or more fire extinguishers in your office or other type of facility, do your employees know how to use them effectively? In order to be able to answer yes to this question, it is vital that your employees undergo fire extinguisher training. IL businesses and organizations can benefit from a company that has the resources and personnel to provide this type of training.
Requirements
Of course, it makes sense to have your employees trained to use a fire extinguisher. However, this training is also required by the National Fire Prevention Association. The Association requires employers to have portable fire extinguishers to provide educational programs to help employees gain familiarity with the principles of a fire extinguisher and the hazards associated with fighting emerging fires. This type of training is required when employment begins and thereafter annually. Certain local authorities may require that your facility provide training on a more frequent basis.
Covering the Basics
A fire extinguisher training program should go over the basics of how to use a fire extinguisher and the types of fire extinguishers that are applicable to different classes of fire. The training should help give employees confidence about identifying fire sources within the building and the ability to know how to deal with various fire emergencies.
The training program should be tailored to the potential fire risks your employees will face within your building.
Identifying Fire Risks
It is vital that employees have the ability to identify potential fire risks within the structure in which they work. Often this will include the kitchen area or any other locations that may have sources of electricity. Other potential risk may involve outside locations of the building regarding arson.
A fire extinguisher training program must explain the different types of fires and that only certain extinguishers will work to quash certain fires. Using the wrong fire extinguisher may make the situation even worse due to the wrong application of a material upon a particular fire. You can find out more information about the various types of fire extinguishers and training available by contacting an experienced fire equipment company.
