Importance of fire extinguishers in the workplace

Do you own or operate a business in New Zealand? Maybe you’ve heard that fire extinguishers are a requirement in your business under national legalisation. Maybe you haven’t. Either way, if you’re wondering about the importance of fire extinguishers in the workplace, we’ve got you covered.

At Jim’s Test & Tag, we are experts in both electrical and fire safety. This means that we provide expert safety services to businesses across the nation. While you’re here, take a look at our fire extinguisher servicing options and get in touch if you have any questions.

The Importance of Fire Safety at Work

Aside from the need to be compliant with local legislation, there are a number of reasons that fire protection equipment is important. You need to make sure your employees have adequate protection when they need it. A fire extinguisher is a great option because they are small and easy to operate. This means that most of your employees will be able to use it. If you have working fire extinguishers available on your property, this will increase the chances of small fires being contained before they cause significant damage. This will save you money in repairs and replacements in the future.

The importance of fire extinguishers in the workplace has been highlighted recently in a string of workplace incidents across the nation. This month, firefighters were concerned by the staff response to a fire that broke out in Middlemore Hospital. The fire was eventually controlled by firefighters with extinguishers, but they were worried that staff did not seem to be trained in how to deal with a fire.

You need to make sure you have an emergency plan as well as fire safety training for your staff. Make sure they know how to operate a fire extinguisher as well as your other equipment.

Image via stuff.co.nz

We’ve seen some great fire safety training in action this month in the Port of Tauranga when a fire started in a workshop and spread into a building next door. The Chief Executive was impressed by the actions of staff who attempted to control the fire with an extinguisher and then retreated when the blaze grew out of control.

“Everything they were trained to do, they did,” he said. “They didn’t put their lives at risk.”

Image via nzherald.co.nz

Fire Extinguisher Inspections

The importance of fire extinguishers in the workplace is clear – now that you know why you need to have an extinguisher, let’s chat about maintenance. You are required to service your extinguishers regularly. This will ensure that your staff have a functional extinguisher when they need it and you will be compliant when the WorkSafe inspectors make a visit.

It is very important that you ask a reputable provider to test and inspect your fire safety equipment. Last year, a company in Auckland and Hamilton was conducting fraudulent fire extinguisher servicing. They were claiming to refill, test, and recharge fire extinguishers and then charging customers without doing any of the work. Unfortunately, in the safety testing industry, fraudulent testing companies are out there.

You can be sure that with Jim’s Test & Tag, you are working with professionals that do the work according to the national standards. You will receive a detailed report upon the completion of each test and we are happy to be observed or audited. All of our technicians are fully qualified and happy to take the time to do the job properly.