How to Read a Fire Extinguisher Tag

Fire extinguishers are an important part of any fire safety plan, but they are only effective if properly maintained. Fire extinguisher tags provide a quick and easy way to check that an extinguisher is up to date. In this blog post, we’ll go over how to read a fire extinguisher tag.

Look for the Type of Fire Extinguisher

The first thing you should do when looking for a fire extinguisher is to find one designed for the type of fire you are dealing with. You can find the class of fire extinguishers on the tag. Use Class A extinguishers for wood and paper fires, Class B extinguishers for flammable liquids, and Class C extinguishers for electrical fires.

Once you have found the right class of fire extinguisher, make sure to read the instructions carefully so that you know how to use it properly.

Check the Dates

It is important to check when the fire extinguisher’s date of manufacture and expiration. The date of manufacture will help you ensure that the extinguisher has not been sitting on the shelf for too long, while the expiration date indicates when you need to service or replace it.

To find these dates, look at the tag on the extinguisher. The date of manufacture may be listed as “Date Purchased” or “Date of Manufacture.” The expiration date may be listed as “Date Inspected” or “Date of Expiration.” Regularly checking these dates lets you know that the fire extinguisher is always in good working condition.

Locate Information About the Last Inspection

In addition to the inspection date, a fire extinguisher tag should feature other information about the last inspection. You should be able to find the name of the company and/or person who performed the inspection, the certification or license number of that person, and the validation of the inspection. For the validation, you should be able to find a hole punch under the word “serviced”.

Remember: A Fire Extinguisher Is Only Effective If You Maintain and Use It Properly

You need to know how to use and maintain a fire extinguisher properly if it’s going to be effective. Take the time to read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the different types of fires that can be put out with each type of extinguisher.

Remember, always aim at the base of the fire, not the flames, when using a fire extinguisher. With a little preparation, you can be confident that you know how to use your fire extinguisher effectively in an emergency.

Conclusion

Reading a fire extinguisher tag may seem confusing at first, but with a little practice, it can be easy to understand the information printed on them. By knowing how to read a fire extinguisher tag, you can be sure that you are using the right extinguisher for the job. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when fighting fires, so read and follow all instructions on the fire extinguisher tag.

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Fire extinguishers are among the most important tools you can have in your home. If a fire breaks out, for example, it’s critical to be able to quickly and effectively put it out before it spreads. The key is finding a place to store your fire extinguishers that makes sense given where you live and the layout of your home and somewhere that’s easy to get to if there’s an emergency. In this blog post, we’ll discuss where to store your fire extinguisher for best results.

1) In the Kitchen

The kitchen is the most dangerous room in your home. After all, it is where you will likely have the most fires. This is also a high-risk area for fires because of all the explosive things there, like cooking oils and gas stoves. Having a fire extinguisher in your kitchen can save lives and property!

2) In the Living/Dining Room

Another great place to store your fire extinguishers in the living and dining rooms. These areas have many valuable items that could catch fire and are also frequently used for entertaining guests or hosting parties. Hence, having all the fire extinguishers you need readily accessible in these rooms is important.

Really, you should store at least one portable fire extinguisher on every floor of your house, including the basement. You should put portable extinguishers near exits and areas that see a lot of traffic, like hallways or staircases, where they can be easily accessible in an emergency.

3) In the Garage

Your fire extinguisher should be stored where it is easily accessible and not exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. The garage is a good choice because it’s usually located near your car, so you can keep an eye on both simultaneously (the car shouldn’t be left running unattended).

4) Under the Stairs

Storing your fire extinguisher under the stairs is a great place to keep it. Under the stairs is out of the way, and there are not many places for people to trip on it. The only downside is that if you are on a second floor and need to get downstairs quickly in case of an emergency, you will have some extra steps to take when you run down with your extinguisher.

Other Considerations

There are a few other things you should consider when deciding where to store your fire extinguishers:

  • Ensure that the area where you’re storing your fire extinguishers is dry, as any moisture can damage them over time and make them ineffective when needed.
  • If you have pets or small children, try not to store your fire extinguisher within their reach; they may look like toys!

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use your residential fire extinguisher, but knowing where and how to store it properly is just as important as having one in the first place. By keeping your extinguishers properly maintained, stored, and set up you’ll be taking steps towards protecting your home and its assets. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Need fire extinguisher services for your home? Learn about our residential fire extinguisher services at Fire-Alert here.

 

Fire extinguishers are an important part of any business, no matter how small or large it is. They can help to prevent fires from spreading and causing extensive damage, and they can also help to save lives. But many business owners don’t consider getting a fire extinguisher until it’s too late. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why small businesses need fire extinguishers.

Why Are Fire Extinguishers Important?

Fire extinguishers can help save lives, property, and money. They are easy to use and should be maintained regularly by an expert. Fire extinguishers are relatively cheap and readily available online or from local hardware stores. Small business owners who purchase fire extinguishers should know how the device works, where it is stored in their building, how often the extinguisher needs servicing, and what maintenance they need (usually a yearly checkup).

3 Main Reasons Your Small Business Needs a Fire Extinguisher

Fires are a serious threat to businesses and can cause immense damage. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in 2022, there were over 8,000 civilian deaths from fires and thermal burns. That’s why small businesses need to have the right fire suppression equipment in the event of an emergency. There are several main reasons why your business should have fire extinguishers on hand:

1) Reduce Potential Brand Damage, and Reputation

Fire extinguishers can help reduce the potential damage to your business. If you have a fire extinguisher, you can quickly and easily blast any fires on your business premises. This is important because if a fire breaks out, it could cause severe damage to your property and goods. By having an extinguisher, you can prevent this by putting the fires out before they get too big or damaging.

2) Provide Employees with Fire Suppression Equipment

The most important reason small businesses need fire extinguishers is to provide employees with the knowledge and equipment necessary to contain a fire. If you or your employees are not trained in how and when to use a fire extinguisher, the likelihood of successfully putting out a small fire decreases dramatically. Additionally, employees should know where all the fire extinguishers are located so they can access one quickly if needed.

3) Mitigate Potential Injury Cases

Fire extinguishers can be a good safety measure for employees. They are a good way to mitigate injury cases from occurring in case of an accident. For example, if you or an employee start a fire and you do not have a fire extinguisher on hand, nothing stops the fire from spreading further. This could cause serious damage to property and result in costly repairs or worse: serious injury or death.

Conclusion

All businesses, no matter the size, need fire extinguishers. While the chances of a small business experiencing a devastating fire are slim, the potential damage is high and can easily put a company out of business. Fire extinguishers are an important line of defense against fires and should be considered by any small business owner.

Interested in mobile fire extinguisher services for your small business? Contact Fire-Alert today to discuss your needs!

Whenever it comes to fires, it’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s why using a mobile fire extinguisher service is such a smart idea. By having a professional come to your location and make sure your fire extinguishers are in good working order, you can be sure that you and your property are safe. This blog post will discuss the benefits of using a mobile fire extinguisher service.

Advantages of Using a Mobile Fire Extinguisher

After that, there are many benefits of using a mobile fire extinguisher service, such as: 

Convenience

A mobile fire extinguisher company comes to your home or business. This means you don’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to get the service that you need. If you have been avoiding your fire extinguisher-related issues because you can’t fit it into your schedule, then then convenience factor of using a mobile service is a major win!

Save Money

A mobile fire extinguisher service could potentially save you money in the long run. Since they come to you, you don’t need to worry about driving over there. This can save you gas money and maybe even wear and tear on your car. You also don’t have to take time off work to make the trip, saving you even more.

Increase Safety

A fire extinguisher isn’t any good if it’s outdated or needs to be recharged, so it’s important that you get them serviced properly. By hiring a mobile service, you can help make sure that the fire extinguishers at your home or business are ready to go in case of an emergency. You don’t need to wait around until you have the time and energy to make the trip.

Improve the Overall Efficiency of Your Systems

A fire extinguisher service can help you improve your systems’ overall efficiency. With a mobile fire extinguisher service, you can be sure that your equipment is ready to go in the event of an emergency. Any damage or loss from a fire will be minimized, saving you money in repairs and maintenance costs. 

Save Lives and Property

Property fires claim countless lives worldwide annually. A minor fire is not dangerous to people, but when a blaze ignites beyond control, it becomes more complicated for individuals to get away. If fully-serviced fire extinguishers are available and ready for use, the fire is much more likely to stay contained and less prone to spread wildly. At the end of the day, this can save lives and property, which is the most important thing.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to improve your fire extinguisher system or maintain it, we recommend contacting a mobile fire extinguisher service. They can help you with everything from checking the expiration dates on your current equipment to installing new systems in buildings that don’t yet have them. So if you want to ensure that your business has the best possible safety precautions available, then this is something worth it.

Interested in mobile fire extinguisher services? Contact Fire-Alert today to discuss your needs!

Fire extinguishers may be the only difference between a close call and a deadly accident when it comes to fire emergencies. You can see why there is a need to ensure that your fire extinguishers are in good working order is such an important priority. In this blog post, we’ll go through how to recharge a fire extinguisher, and give you some reasons for doing so. Comparable to changing the oil in your car, recharging a fire extinguisher entails draining it completely or refilling it with the appropriate firefighting agent or refilling it.

Reasons to Recharge Fire Extinguishers

An undercharged, expired, or depressurized fire extinguisher might put your employees and assets in danger. Trained firefighters must recharge fire extinguishers to meet state regulations, OSHA standards, and insurance company recommendations.

Only a qualified fire protection company has the necessary tools, training, and knowledge to maintain fire extinguishers properly. They should also be refilled with the right extinguishing agent and maintained in good working condition. A reputable provider will have deep expertise in recharging all types of fire extinguishers, including:

  • Carbon dioxide
  • ABC dry chemical
  • Water
  • Wet chemical
  • Foam

Fire Extinguisher Recharging Process

A trained professional should always perform fire extinguisher recharge and refilling, as they have the tools and experience necessary to do so. Fire protection companies know how to properly maintain your fire extinguishers to work at their best in the event of a fire. A fully charged fire extinguisher will behave as follows. It’s simply an illustration of the procedure for you to comprehend it better.

  • Ensure that the extinguisher is completely depressurized and that the chemical has been removed from the cylinder.
  • Remove the discharge valve from the cylinder.
  • Remove the spring and valve stem, as well as the siphon tube and valve stem.
  • To clean the valve and reassemble it with a new stem, meaning proper seating and preventing future pressure loss.
  • Fill the unit with the respective extinguishing agent (water, carbon dioxide or dry chemical) by following its dimensions and instructions.
  • To recharge the unit, follow the instructions for pressurizing it with the appropriate gas and at the correct pressure.
  • The technician completes the following steps to detect a leak: They perform a leak test and then reinstall the discharge nozzle/ hose.
  • To ensure that the extinguisher’s weight is within the specified limits, manufacturers weigh it a second time.
  • The old tamper seal is replaced with a fresh one. Each unit is equipped with a recharge tag that indicates the total weight of the device as well as the technician’s name and responsibility.

It’s as simple as ensuring your fire extinguishers are in good working order to avoid fires in the early phases of their development.

Summary

Having someone else recharge your fire extinguisher is a good idea. It is preferable to visit for repairs and maintenance of your fire extinguisher. A fire department or a certified fire extinguisher specialist are the ideal places to recharge your extinguisher. It may be performed regularly or whenever you need to ensure that it is fully prepared in an emergency.

Need a hand with your fire extinguisher? Contact Fire-Alert today to discuss your needs!

A fire extinguisher is an essential piece of equipment for any business. It can help you put out a small fire before it becomes a significant disaster. But how do you know what size fire extinguisher to buy? This blog post will discuss the different factors that you need to consider when sizing your fire extinguisher.

5 Classes Of Fires And The Extinguishers

This section explains the different classes and the kinds of fires they’re suitable for:

  • A – Common combustibles include cloth, wood, paper, rubber, cardboard, and certain types of plastics.
  • B – Lighters and other flammable items are also present, so these fires need a foam barrier to be put out.
  • C – This can include everything from electrical equipment such as an electrical panel, wiring, and motors to simply the wires themselves.
  • D – All metals, including synthetics and alloys, that are combustible.
  • K – This chemical is used in commercial kitchens to combat fires involving cooking oils and animal fats.

Fire Extinguisher Size Ratings

You can measure the capacity of a fire extinguisher in gallons. A “Class A” fire involves combustibles, such as an office or factory. The rating determines how much water it can put out. For Class A fires, the rating is measured in integers from 1 to 40. Class B fires are measured in integers from 1 to 640. The higher the values, the larger the fire that can be put out.

Class A Size Ratings – Water Equivalency 

The Class A Size ratings on the extinguishers tell us how much water the extinguishing agent in the canister is equivalent to, which usually ranges from 1 to 40. The equivalent of 1 and 1/4 gallons of water gets a 1A rating, while a 2A rating implies that the extinguishing substance involves 2 and 3/4 gallons of water; and so on.

Class B Size Ratings – Range in Square Footage

On the other hand, Class B ratings tell us how big an area the fire extinguisher may cover, ranging from 1 to 160 square feet. A 20B rating indicates that you can extinguish a fire with up to 20 square feet of surface area, while a 100B rating suggests the capability of extinguishing a fire covering 100 square feet; and so on.

Size of the Room and Fuel Load

Do you have a modest-sized room with minimal combustible materials or a central warehouse or business location where the fuel load is more significant, and a fire has more area to spread? The difference between a 5-lb extinguisher and a 30-lb extinguisher depends on the room size and fuel load.

Capabilities of Employees

A large, high-capacity fire extinguisher is useless unless your staff is physically capable of lifting and operating it. If your extinguisher is too heavy or bulky, depending on the abilities of the average employee, you could be creating a hazardous situation. Most non-disabled individuals will probably have no trouble utilizing a 5-pound fire extinguisher as a general rule. However, using anything heavier than 5 pounds may become more complex for some people.

When purchasing a fire extinguisher for your home, business, apartment, restaurant, warehouse, or other location, it’s essential to think about the size of the unit. There are numerous variables to consider in each scenario, and we hope this post assists you in making your selections.

Need some help finding the right fire extinguisher? Contact Fire-Alert today to discuss your needs!

While many people may not know everything about fire safety, they can almost certainly recognize one essential piece of equipment: the fire extinguisher. Indeed, this red fire-fighting device is often the first line of defense against small fires in many homes and businesses. However, it’s only going to be effective if you know how to use it properly.

 

While you can take a course in fire safety if you really want to get comfortable with a fire extinguisher, it’s not necessary. The next time you go to use a fire extinguisher, all you need to remember is PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Let’s learn more about the PASS method and other fire safety basics below.

 

What are the Different Classes of Fire Extinguishers?

Before you use an extinguisher, you need to make sure you have the right one for the type of fire. The following are the different classes of fires and extinguishers.

 

  • Class A: ordinary combustibles, like wood, paper, and cloth
  • Class B: flammable liquids like gas, paint, and oil
  • Class C: electrical fires
  • Class D: combustible metals and metal alloys
  • Class K: cooking fires with oils and fats

 

Look for one of these classifications on the label of a fire extinguisher to determine if it’s appropriate for the job.

What is the PASS Method in Fire Safety?

The PASS method is an easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher in an emergency. After verifying that you’re using the correct extinguisher for the type of fire, follow these steps:

 

1. Pull

The first thing you need to do is pull out the pin that prevents you from pressing the handle on the fire extinguisher. This is a safety feature that helps ensure the extinguisher won’t accidentally go off in someone’s hands.

 

Look for the pin near the top of the extinguisher. After you locate it, just pull it out to unlock the handle.

 

2. Aim

Standing from a safe distance, aim the nozzle low, toward the base of the fire.

 

3. Squeeze

Once the nozzle is pointing in the right direction, squeeze the handle. Try and squeeze it slowly and evenly for best results. Then, to stop the stream, simply release the handle.

 

4. Sweep

While squeezing, sweep the nozzle of the extinguisher from side-to-side. Make sure you’re always pointing toward the base of the flames as you sweep the area.

 

Can a Child Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Though the steps are fairly basic, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) doesn’t believe that children shouldn’t use portable fire extinguishers. This is due to many reasons, such as:

 

  • It’s against NFPA’s message to get out and stay out if they encounter a fire
  • They may not be able to judge whether the fire is small enough for an extinguisher
  • Children may not be physically capable of handling the extinguisher safely and effectively
  • They may not know what to do if the fire spreads

 

If an adult is around, they should always be the one to operate a fire extinguisher. Children should be taught to leave the situation as soon as possible.

 

Looking for fire extinguisher services for your home or business? Click here to contact Fire Alert today!

If you ask someone where to find a fire extinguisher in their home or workplace, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. However, if you try asking a follow up question about how to use the fire extinguisher, then…well…they may be less helpful.

 

This isn’t surprising, as many people go their whole lives without ever having to use a fire extinguisher. While it’s great that they haven’t been put in such a dangerous situation, this also means their inexperience with fire extinguishers could work against them in an emergency situation.

 

If this sounds like you, then you’ve found the right article. Let’s go over the basics of fire extinguishers to help keep you and everyone around you safe in a dangerous situation.

 

Fire Classes

A fire extinguisher isn’t a one size fits all deal – you have to use different ones for different types of fires. There are 5 common classes of fire, including:

 

  • Class A is for freely burning combustibles, like paper, wood, and cardboard.
  • Class B is for burning liquids or gasses, like kerosene, gasoline, oil, and grease.
  • Class C is for electrical fires, like those involving appliances, circuit breakers, and outlets.
  • Class D is for fires involving combustible metals, like potassium, sodium, titanium, and magnesium
  • Class K is for cooking-related fires, like cooking oils and fats

 

A lot of fire extinguishers found in homes and businesses are labelled as Class ABC, so they can be used for multiple types of fires. You can typically find the remaining two types, Classes D and K, in factories and commercial kitchens respectively.

 

Fire Extinguisher Types

There are various types of fire extinguishers available, but the following are the most common ones.

 

  • Dry chemical extinguishers are filled with powder or foam. They’re appropriate for Class A, B, and C fires. 
  • Water extinguishers contain water. They’re suitable for Class A fires.
  • Carbon dioxide extinguishers are filled with carbon dioxide. They work best on Class B and C fires.
  • Wet chemical extinguishers contain a potassium solution. They are best for Class K fires.
  • Dry powder extinguishers typically contain either a sodium chloride or a special graphite base. They are ideal for Class D fires.

 

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Portable fire extinguishers tend to be quite effective. In fact, a survey by The National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors reported that they were able to extinguish fires nearly 95% of the time. This may be because they have been designed so that anyone can use them – all you have to remember to do is PASS.

 

  • Pull the pin and release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire while maintaining a safe distance.
  • Squeeze the trigger slowly to release the extinguishing agent.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side until you are certain that the fire is out.

 

Keep in mind that portable fire extinguishers are only meant for small fires, so they only contain so much of the extinguishing agent. Therefore, you should always have an escape route ready to go in case the extinguisher runs out before the fire does.

 

For more on fire extinguishers, and to take advantage of our mobile extinguisher services, click here to contact Fire-Alert today!

Fire extinguishers are a handy and effective way of dealing with small fires in your home or business. All you have to do is just spray away in the direction of the flames and you’ve changed a potentially disastrous situation into a manageable one.

While that’s great, of course, all that spraying can leave quite a mess! Before you go back to business as usual, you’re going to want to clean up all that residue. And depending on the type of fire extinguisher, some cleaning methods are certainly better than others.

Check Your Fire Extinguisher

Before you start cleaning up, make sure you know what chemicals are in your fire extinguisher. Check the tag or label for information about the type and class of the agent inside. 

If you find that you have a pressurized water or CO2 extinguisher, then you don’t need to worry about cleaning up any chemical residue. Just thoroughly dry the area and it should be fine.

For foam fire extinguishers, first dilute the residue before allowing it to dry. Afterward, you may also consider sanitizing or spot cleaning if there’s any remaining residue.

Cleaning up Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue

These are the most common fire extinguishers out there because they can put out class A, B, and C fires. Dry chemical extinguishers typically contain agents such as monoammonium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate, which will leave you with a corrosive powder.

  1. Remove any excess residue by sweeping or vacuuming.
  2. Combine 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% warm water and spray the area. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
  3. For sodium and potassium bicarbonate residue, mix 98% hot water with 2% vinegar and wash the area. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
  4. For monoammonium phosphate residue, mix hot water and baking soda. Let it soak for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water.
  5. Clean the area again with soap and water, and then use a fan to help it dry.

Cleaning up Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue

These are typically found in commercial kitchens and restaurants, as they are used to put out grease fires.

  1. Put on goggles and gloves to protect yourself from the residue.
  2. Make sure all fuel sources in the area are turned off.
  3. Using hot water and soap, scrub the area with a cloth or sponge.
  4. Thoroughly rinse all affected surfaces, and then allow the area to dry.

Cleaning up Dry Powder Extinguisher Residue

You’ll often find these in warehouses and factories as they can be used to put out fires involving titanium, magnesium, and other combustible metals.

  1. Put on goggles and gloves to protect yourself from the residue.
  2. Remove any excess residue by vacuuming or brushing the area.
  3. Put all of the collected residue in a sealed bag and throw it away in the trash.
  4. Clean any remaining residue with a damp cloth.