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requiring multiple fire extinguisher types. The life of a fire extinguisher Let’s face it, most fire extinguishers will never do a day’s work in their lives, and that’s the way you want it! However, should you have need of them you want them ready to work at a moment’s notice.To ensure they work, they need to be serviced every twelve months or after each use. They must be replaced at the end of their lives which is ten years for CO 2 extinguishers and 15 years for all others. Even if your extinguisher hasn’t been used or is new, check it regularly and get it replaced if you notice any of the following characteristics. The hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped, or blocked with debris The locking pin on the handle is missing or unsealed The handle is wobbly or broken The inspection sticker or hang tag, with a record of check-ups and maintenance, is missing If you do have to dispose of your extinguisher, then do not put it out with your rubbish. If you have small premises with just a couple of fire extinguishers then you could take them to a local recycling centre where staff will know what to do with them, but do check with you council first. By far the easiest option is to arrange for disposal by a recognised and licensed disposal company, who will make it safe before removing it and make sure you get a Waste Transfer Note as proof. Using Your fire extinguisher Of course, it’s not just your fire extinguisher that needs to be ready in the event of a fire – you do too. The good news is that fire extinguishers are easy to use, mostly with the P.A.S.S. method: P. Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher to interrupt the tamper seal A. Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire S. Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to unleash the DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 AFTERMARKET 19 www.aftermarketonline.net Wet Chemical (yellow label): Class A & F At present, UK rules require you to have a minimum of two water extinguishers on each level of the building, typically located by exits and fire alarm call points. However, with a range of potential fire sources in a typical workshop, a combination of one water and one CO 2 or foam fire extinguisher is a common approach as the latter can be used to safely extinguish fires involving flammable liquids and electrical fires without any damage to electrical equipment. While dry powder extinguishers on the surface look suitable to cover a range of fires, it should be noted that these are not ideal for enclosed spaces as the powder is easily inhaled and the residue is not easy to clean up. If you are, however, looking for a fire extinguisher that covers all the standard fire types then Water Mist extinguishers are for you. One of the newer technologies on the market, Water Mist extinguishers release microscopic particles of water that suffocate a fire rather than douse it. As they can be used for all fire types, they are ideal for using in areas that have multiple fire risks, rather than o x ide i i 2 Chemical t We on: or use on: F trical iles etc , r d, es Oil Fir Cooking extiles etc T , r ood, WPape Below: It is vital to get fire extinguishers tested on a regular basis termination agent S. Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the bottom of the fire until it’s extinguished If the fireplace re-ignites, repeat the last three steps. Ultimately, for maximum safety, convenience and to ensure you fully execute your duty of responsibility, employing the services of a professional fire company to deal with your fire extinguisher needs is the sensible approach and one that most organisations take. Look for a accompany that is accredited with Fire BAFE SP203-1, NSI Gold and ISO 9001 which prove they have been trained and regulated in all areas of fire system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance. STANLEY Security is fully accredited and also provides 24/7 monitoring for fire systems through our NSI Gold Approved Monitoring Centre located in the UK. For more information visit www.stanleysecurity.co.uk/solution s/fire-detection If you are responsible for fire safety, you must have a basic understanding of fire extinguishers ”

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