Should your employees choose to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire in your workplace, it is important that they use the correct fire extinguisher as incorrect use may enhance the fire and cause further damage to your property and potentially individuals. For example, Class D fire extinguishers in Iowa will perform an entirely different task to Class A fire extinguishers.
Fire Extinguishers Are Not All the Same
Your Fire equipment company will provide Class D fire extinguishers in Iowa. These are only to be used on combustible metal fires. Aluminum, titanium, and magnesium are the most common types of metal fires that may exist within a workplace.
Once a metal is on fire, you should never use water in your attempt to extinguish the heat and smoke. Class D fire extinguishers in Iowa contain a dry powder that is specifically designed to smother the fire, which reduces the oxygen which helps the fire build. The extinguisher also absorbs some of the heat from the fire which reduces the danger in the area.
Through training from your fire equipment company, your employees will be able to understand the fire, what causes the incident and how it can be extinguished. You may already know, for example, that adding water to an oil fire causes the flames to spread and reach elsewhere.
Where any of your employees are unsure about which type of extinguisher to use in an emergency, there may be time to read the label to find out which model should be used, but it may be better to train all employees in all the extinguishers so they can react properly in the event of a fire.
Working closely with your fire equipment company, they will provide professional trainers who can introduce your employees to the entire range of extinguishers that are relevant to your property.
