A fire is something no company wants to face, but the reality is that fires do happen. As a business owner, you want to make sure that your company is prepared in case of a fire emergency.
One of the most important tools for fire safety is a fire extinguisher, but there are many myths surrounding these life-saving devices that can lead to confusion and even danger. We’re here to debunk the most common myths about fire extinguishers and ensure that you have accurate information to keep your business safe.
All Fire Extinguishers Are the Same
One of the most dangerous myths surrounding fire extinguishers is that they’re all the same. In reality, there are different types of fire extinguishers designed for specific types of fires. The three main types are:
- Class A: For fires involving common combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth.
- Class B: For fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline or oil.
- Class C: For electrical fires.
It’s important to have the correct type of fire extinguisher for each potential fire hazard in your business. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can actually make a fire worse.
Beyond the class differences, understanding the types of fire extinguishers and their components helps employees identify and operate the right one quickly.
Fire Extinguishers Last Forever
Unfortunately, fire extinguishers don’t last forever. The typical lifespan of a fire extinguisher is about 10–12 years, depending on the type and usage. After that time period, you should replace them even if they’re unused. This ensures that you have fully functioning extinguishers in case of an emergency.
Only Trained Professionals Can Use Fire Extinguishers
While it’s always best to have trained professionals handle a fire emergency, that doesn’t mean only they can use fire extinguishers. In fact, OSHA mandates that all employees receive training on the use of fire extinguishers and safety practices. This empowers your employees to take action in case of a small fire, potentially preventing fire escalation.
Pyrosoft's fire extinguisher training simulators make it easy for any employee to practice correct technique in a safe, controlled environment.
Anyone can learn how to use a fire extinguisher - our complete guide walks through every step in plain language.
You Can Fight Any Fire With an Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are fantastic tools, but they have limitations. They’re effective for small, contained fires but not for large, spreading fires. If a fire is too big or if the environment becomes unsafe, the priority should be to evacuate and call the fire department. Knowing when not to use a fire extinguisher is just as important as knowing how to use one.
Fire Extinguishers Are Not Essential for Small Businesses
Regardless of the size of your business, fire extinguishers are a fundamental safety measure. Smaller businesses may assume they’re less likely to experience a fire, but fires can happen anywhere at any time. Every workplace should be equipped with appropriate fire extinguishers and train its employees on how to use them.
Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common myths about fire extinguishers, don’t let misinformation put your business at risk. Understanding how fire extinguishers work and when to use them can save lives and protect your business from potential disasters.
But you’re not the only one who should know this information—your employees should, too. Fortunately, the digital fire extinguisher training system from Pyrosoft Inc. is an innovative solution that allows companies to train their staff without the dangers or inconvenience of live demos. It’s eco-friendly and produces no emissions; it’s also portable, and you can use it anywhere, whether in a small meeting room or a sprawling warehouse. We offer multiple models to meet your training needs—contact us today to learn more!
Our fire safety training and support team is ready to help you design the right program for your team size and workplace type.
Still wondering why this matters- Read more about the importance of fire extinguisher training and what it means for your business's safety and compliance.
Pyrosoft's office fire extinguisher training solution is compact, portable, and easy to deploy in any small or medium business.
Believing this myth is itself one of the fire extinguisher training mistakes to avoid - read the full list to protect your business.