If you run a business or manage an organization, you have to think about the safety of everyone in your facility. Fire safety is one of the most important things you can promote, and it’s vital to make sure you have fire extinguisher cabinets or other forms of storage. This makes them easier to find and get to in times of emergency. Here are some extinguisher storage tips to improve your safety program.
Installation
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, you must protect your extinguishers from damage or from easily being moved about. That’s why they should never be sitting on a floor or shelf in your building. You should consider using special brackets or fire extinguisher cabinets made specifically for storage.
Smaller extinguishers should be mounted from 42 inches to 60 inches above floor level. This makes them easier to see and to get to. When they speak of height, they are talking about the carrying handles. Large and heavy extinguishers can be mounted lower, as long as the handles are at least 36 inches from your floor.
Don’t Use These Products
You should not mount certain types of extinguishers in special brackets or fire extinguisher cabinets because they are prohibited. Here are kinds to avoid:
- Brass or copper construction with rivets or solder
- Cartridge models – this is the kind of extinguisher you must turn upside down to break a cartridge.
- Halon type products – Halon has proven to be a known cancer-causing toxin and can be dangerous to use.
Maintenance
Your fire extinguisher cabinets, brackets, and the extinguishers must be inspected on a regular basis. This ensures they will work properly when needed. Here are things to check for:
- Make sure the storage area is clear.
- Inspect the pin assembly and pressure gauge reading.
- Look for signs of damage or leaks.
