Have you contacted a fire extinguisher service lately? That long neglected fire extinguisher in the hallway or back room may not seem like a high priority now, but with fire damage and fatalities still exceeding average figures every year it’s never been a better time to double-check. A fire extinguisher recharge will ensure your safety devices are in proper working condition all days of the year, all the better to keep you and everyone else safe from harm should the worst come to pass. Let’s take a look at fire damages in the United States and what you can do to be more proactive this year.
How Common Are Fires?
Fires large and small occur all throughout the year in the United States. Studies have shown over 8,000 commercial kitchen fires reported annually alone, which is nothing to say of additional high-risk locations — these include, but are not limited to, warehouses, hospitals, clinics, hotels and motels.
How Are Fires Generally Caused?
A few of the commonalities linking high-risk locations together are a lack of proper ventilation, constant activity and regular exposure to smoke, flammable objects and chemicals. Nearly 60% of restaurant fires involve some form of cooking equipment — cooks are regularly cautioned to properly dispose of excess food and combustible products to discourage the already high risk of mild and severe fire.
What Are Combustible Items Or Products?
Fire protection is a constant effort. People who work in kitchens are advised to regularly remove ashes from both wood and charcoal burning ovens at least once per day — these are later stored outside in metal containers at least 10 feet away from any and all buildings, combustible materials and flammable chemicals. Deep fryers, ranges and miscellaneous kitchen equipment are some of the leading causes of sudden ignition in nonconfined restaurant fires.
Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Located?
Before you seek out a fire extinguisher recharge, first assess the status of your building or establishment. Commercial kitchens should have automatic extinguishing systems both inspected and serviced every six months by a qualified contractor — anything less could compromise both your safety as well as the safety of consumers or residents. A recent study of over 2,000 fire incidents showed portable fire extinguishers successfully eliminating 80% of fires.
Where Do I Get Started?
Fire extinguisher inspections should be done frequently, at least once per year, to minimize the chance for error should a fire occur. Even a discarded cigarette or minor air conditioning issue can increase a building’s chances for severe fire. Fire extinguishers services will assist with everything from establishing a fire extinguisher recharge to choosing prime locations for easy handling. A majority of the country at 35 states require the replacement of non-UL 300 systems when any cooking equipment is changed, repositioned or replaced. Overall, fires in restaurants and dining establishments cost over $245 million in property damage. When it comes to fires, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
