A guide on fire hazard safety signage

Fires are an ever-present danger for property-owning businesses of all sizes. There are several causes of fire outbreaks in the workplace, any one of them could happen on your premises at any moment. As such, it is essential that you stay prepared in as many ways as possible. One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to invest in fire signage.

What is fire signage and why is it crucial?

There are a few signage options your business can invest in for its premises, we’ll get to those in a moment. In a nutshell, fire safety signage can be pasted on walls or placed in different areas that serve the purpose of informing employers and visitors about several things.

This information can range from fire safety tips, evacuation point demarcations, evacuation directions, and flammable area warnings or entry prevention. When used together, fire signage can save the lives of your employees in the case of a fire outbreak.

Types of fire signage and their uses in the workplace

Posters

Posters allow you to inform people about fire safety tips that should be adhered to at your place of work. These kinds of signs need to be easy to read and interpret, they should also have tips that are easy to remember and implement. There are a few kinds of posters you can opt for, contact us today to learn more!

SABS Signs and fire guards

Your premises will need bright signage that people can see through dense smoke so that they find the right routes and exits. South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) certified signs need to be simple, elaborate and easy to interpret for anyone.

While fire guards aren’t considered as signage, they’re still crucial for fire safety. Fire guards prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing areas where they can cause fire hazards, such as engine or server rooms. They also serve the purpose of preventing incidents in the case of an evacuation; fire guards can block access to hazardous areas, provide detailed escape routes and display which areas should be avoided.

IMO signs

International Maritime Organisation sanctioned signs also come in handy in the case of a fire outbreak when you’re working or travelling on a body of water. These kinds of signage show people important things during a fire, such as the location of safety items (life boats, ladders etc.) as well as safety points.

All in all, fire signage are important features for any business to have in its premises. Do you need a couple of new posters or perhaps some SABS certified signs? No problem! Contact us today for a free quote.

Today, there are several types of fire hoses available to firefighters as well as businesses that need reliable fire safety measures in their buildings. This blog will look at 3 different types of fire hoses and their uses. But first we need to answer this question:

Why are fire hoses so important?

As with other kinds of fire safety equipment, fire hoses are an important tool to have in your building, as well as essential tools for firefighters when combatting infernos. For businesses, fire hose reels are convenient and effective pieces of equipment. We spoke about them in depth in a previous blog post, check it out here.

Fire hoses are the vessels that deliver water and other fire retardants into active flames. They’re made using strong fabrics and materials to ensure that fire retardants are properly and voluminously delivered to uncontrolled fires. Different fire hoses have different functions, take a look!

3 Typesof fire hoses

Suction hose

Flexible suction hoses are designed to be used in situations where drafting is needed. Drafting is the process in which static water, such as in pools and lakes, is sucked from their environment and onto a fire.

They can also be used on a fire engine that has its own portable water supply and is built to withstand vacuums as wells pressure abrasion and heat. This is important as it allows the hoses to suck and spray large amounts of at a time from both pressurised and unpressurised sources.

Attack hose

Attack hoses are the main hoses used on fire engines. They are high pressured hoses that carry water and other fire retardants such as foam and CO2 to extinguish fires. These hoses are highly versatile and can be used on fire engines, fire hydrants (as individual units) as well as in buildings in mountable fire hose reels. They’re designed to deliver water at pressures as high as 2,760 kPa and can last for about 3-5 years.

Supply (and relay) hose

These are flexible large-diameter hoses that are designed to deliver water from distant fire hydrants to a fire engine’s pump . They can also be used to relay water from one fire pump to another over a long distance. These handy hoses are designed to operate across longer distances unlike the shorter but more resistant attack hoses, such as in areas that are bereft of fire hoses or static water supplies.

Are you in need of a quality and reliable fire hose that won’t cost you an arm and a leg? Good! Get in touch today to find out how we can make this happen.

While fire extinguishers are the simplest devices to use in fire emergencies, fire hose reels are common in many buildings. These devices are used to fight class A fires by providing a steady supply of water. There are two main types of fire hose reels:

Fixed wall-mounted fire hose reel

These kinds of hose reels are permanently fixed onto a wall and plugged into a building’s main water supply. They are installed in locations that are easily accessible and are used to extinguish or contain small fires. There needs to be enough wall space around these reels to ensure that there are no obstructions when they need to be used.

Swing arm fire hose reel

Unlike the standard mounted hose reel, the swing arm is mounted on a large hinge while the complete assembly is usually installed in a fire hose cabinet. The benefit of the swing arm reel is that when it is used, it can be swung outwards using the hinge. This provides more versatility for users, especially if sudden movements or jerks are required to extinguish or contain a fire.

Fire hose reel user manual

When using a fire hose reel, you first need to declare your intentions to anyone who may be in your vicinity. Once you’re clear, you need to follow these steps with the utmost caution:

1. Ensure that there is a clear path for you to an exit.

2. (For standard reels) break the anti-tamper seal if applicable.

3. Turn the water on at the stop valve.

4. Pull the hose as much as is required to reach the fire.

5. Carefully make your way to the fire while maintaining a clear line of site to your predetermined exit.

6. Allow the water to flow out the nozzle by switching it to an open position (turn it on).

7. Aim the stream of water at the base of the fire you’re trying to extinguish. Don’t overdo it; once the fire is out, turnthe nozzle off. Excessive water usage might lead to unnecessary damage and additional costs to you or your business.

8. Should the flame be unextinguishable with the fire hose, you will need to drop everything and make your way to the predetermined exit as quickly as possible. Don’t try to be a hero.

Putting the reel back

1. Once the fire is out, turn the hose off at the nozzle.

2. Rewind the hose in even layers (easier done while there’s still water in the hose).

3. Turn the water off at the stop valve.

4. Open the nozzle once more to release the pressure into a bucket.

5. Close the nozzle.

For more guidance on how to use these devices, check out this video! If you’re confident you know enough to use a fire hose reel, browse our range of fire hose reels and get in touch to take that next step in increasing your business’s fire safety!

The classes

Dry chemical fire extinguishers are very popular due to their ability to fight fires of various classes. These classes include class A, B and E. Class A is the solid fire starter category which means that these fires are caused due to burning elements such as wood. Class B refers to liquid flammables such as oil. Finally, dry chemical fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish electrical fires as well.

Cleaning ease

After the dry chemical fire extinguishers have been used, you can easily clean up the leftover debris . Though, you will first need to wait for the product to dry. The area can then be cleaned with the use of a vacuum cleaner. Ensure that you are thorough as the dry chemical fire extinguisher releases a very fine powder.

Powerful

These fire extinguishers are very powerful. Dry chemical fire extinguishers do not need to be discharged heavily over the area to put a fire out. A small amount of extinguishant is enough to stop an average sized residential, commercial or industrial fire.

Coverage

The coverage of extinguishant that is sprayed out from a dry chemical power extinguisher is large. These extinguishers have no problems stopping a fire over a large area due to the dry chemical’s ability to spread.

Lasting effects

Foam fire extinguishers are useful due to the lasting effect of the extinguishant. The foam that is used to put out the fire can effectively put out the fire as it creates a barrier that is present long enough to remove the risk of any sparks reigniting the flame.

Removal of components

There are three components involved in the creation of a fire: oxygen, heat and fuel. Most fire extinguishers will remove at least one of these components in order to put out a fire. In most cases, the foam fire extinguisher will remove the oxygen element from the fire; however, with class A fires these fire extinguishers can effectively stop the fire by removing the oxygen and heat elements with the use of cooling foam.

Visibility

When certain fire extinguishers release their fire fighting agent, the agent spreads beyond the fire, creating a smokescreen-like effect, makingit difficult for individuals to see if they have put out the fire. Foam fire extinguishers do not have this problem as the foam sinks to the floor, rather than staying airborne.

Environmentally friendly

Foam fire extinguishers are said to be the most environmentally friendly option. The foam within the extinguisher is made of non-toxic materials that will not be harmful to the operator and there is no risk of pollution due to airborne particles. The foam also breaks down quickly.

• Vacuum or sweep up loose debris
• Spray stuck-on residue with isopropyl alcohol diluted 50% with warm water. Let the solution sit for several minutes, and then wipe with a damp rag
• To neutralize sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate residue, apply a solution of 98% hot water and 2% vinegar. After several minutes, wipe the area with a damp rag
• To neutralize momoammonium phosphate residue, apply a baking soda and hot water paste. After several minutes, wipe the area with a damp rag
• Give the affected area a final wash up with soap and water, and then rinse clean. Uses fans to help the spot dry quickly
• If dishes, cookware or clothing have dry chemical fire extinguisher residue on them, wash as usual in the dishwasher or washing machine

 How to clean up class K wet chemical fire extinguisher residue

 Because of the corrosive nature of dry chemicals, Class K wet chemical extinguishers are recommended for commercial kitchens. When cooking oil and grease catch fire, a potassium acetate-based, low-pH Class K extinguisher discharges a fine mist to cool cooking surfaces and extinguish the flames. Before you start cooking again, you must clean up the residue.

• To prepare the area, shut off power to all cooking equipment and put on rubber gloves
• Wipe away foamy residue with a sponge or cloth dipped in hot, soapy water
• Rinse all surfaces that came in contact with wet chemicals and allow everything to dry completely before turning the power back on

How to clean up Halotron fire extinguisher residue

Some older fire extinguishers use Halon as the primary extinguishing agent. While these are no longer in production, you may still have a Halotron fire extinguisher that you recently used to douse a blaze. While Halon leaves behind no visible residue, it’s still important to clean areas that came in contact with this extinguishing agent to remove smoky smells from the fire and neutralize the surface

• Apply diluted degreaser to the affected area. Use a sponge for small spots or a spray bottle for larger surface areas
• Apply a neutral cleaner to remove any remaining residue
• Wipe away all cleaning products and allow the surface to dry

The types

There are several different types of fire hydrant valves, but the five on offer at Maritime Fire are; marine hydrant valves, oblique brass hydrant valves, right angle brass hydrant valves, tamper proof brass hydrant and keys and the booster connector valves. The marine hydrant valves, oblique brass hydrant valves and right-angle brass valves are all opened by use of a handwheel. The tamper proof brass hydrant and key is a type of fire hydrant that is opened by use of a key, rather than a hand wheel. The booster connector valves have a different task altogether than the other valves.

Their uses

The main use of fire hydrant valves is to control the flow of water through the fire hydrant and any attachments. The valves can be opened to provide a powerful stream of water used in fire-fighting instances to put out fires. They cannot be partially opened, however, as this may cause subsidence and other issues as the pressurised water seeps into the ground. The booster connector valve is unique in the fact that it uses a type of technology that reduces any potential for leakages, it is also made from corrosion resistant materials.

Smoke Alarm

Install smoke alarms in as many areas of your house as possible. An area in the home that requires smoke detectors is in the kitchen and living areas. Smoke detectors act as early warning mechanisms for fires within the house. You also need to have your smoke detectors tested and maintained periodically. This includes testing if the detectors are responsive and changing batteries. 

Electrical safety 

Electrical malfunctions can start major fires in a home. Having an electrician check and change any hazardous electrical situations is important in-home fire safety. Limit the number of appliances that are plugged into an electrical outlet. Overloading can cause a fuse to blow or for circuit breakers to pop. Don’t run extension cords under rugs and carpets as they wear easily and may short out ,causing fires. Replace any frayed electrical cords before they burn or cause a fire. 

Fire extinguisher 

It’s always useful to have a fire extinguisher in the house. A Class A, Class B, Class C or Class F extinguisher is ideal for a home environment. These are for flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and cooking oils respectively. You could also get a multipurpose extinguisher that covers A, B and C. 

Fire Prevention 

Never leave food cooking unattended, especially frying equipment. Take precautions when using heaters as they are a major cause of fires. Avoid smoking in the house. Make sure that your candles are handled carefully and that you have proper candle holders. 

Basic fire safety 

There are things that all members of the household should know. It’s important to remember that during a fire, one should not touch the doorknob, it’s hot. Know how to stop, drop and roll if you catch on fire. If you see smoke crawl on your hands and knees until you get out of the house. Remember not to hide during a fire, know your exit routes. 

Firstly is the fire call. This is very important because fire extinguishers are built to put out fires in the incipient stage. This means that the fire is just getting started. Once the fire has passed the beginning stage it becomes too large to fight with a portable extinguisher. An easy way to tell if the fire is still in the incipient stage is by giving the flames a once over to determine if the flames are taller than you. If they are then the fire is no longer in the incipient stage. 

Secondly is it the correct type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire. A Class A fire extinguisher meant to be used for fires fuelled by solid combustibles like wood and paper aren’t going to help you extinguish a fire fuelled by cooking oils and grease. 

Lastly, check to see if the fire extinguisher is pressurized. There needs to be sufficient pressure to help put out the fire. 

To use the extinguisher properly remember the PASS acronym. 

Pull the pin 

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Aiming at the top of the flames will not kill the fire. The aim is to smother the flames. Remember not to touch the horn on a CO2 extinguisher, it gets very cold and can damage the skin. 

Squeeze the trigger lever slowly and in a controlled manner. 

Sweep from side to side. Travel the nozzle from side to side until the fire is put out. Keep aiming at the base of the fire. 

Keep your distance from where the fire was. Even if it appears to be extinguished there might still be some unseen hot spots that can ignite into a large flame. 

It is crucial for every homeowner and business owner to understand the importance of fire extinguisher recharging. This process is an important aspect of fire extinguisher service and maintenance, and must not be ignored.

There are several instances where fire extinguisher recharging needs to take place: one that is obvious and some that are less commonly known.

• Fire extinguishers need to be recharged immediately after each use. Even if the extinguishing agent inside was not completely discharged, the extinguisher must be serviced to ensure it’s ready for its next use. Even a minimal discharge will result in leakage and an eventual total loss of pressure needed for proper operation.
• Extinguishers must be internally examined or recharged due to damage or other environmental factors that may result in them becoming depressurized

How to check a fire extinguisher gauge

You should perform a quick fire extinguisher inspection at least once per month, and one of the most important factors to check during this inspection is the pressure gauge. The gauge will tell you whether the unit is undercharged, overcharged or within the operational zone. You want the needle to point within the green area for optimal use.

Fire extinguisher recharging should be performed by a trained professional.  Fire protection companies have the tools, training and knowledge to ensure that your fire extinguishers are in peak working condition and that they have been properly refilled with the correct extinguishing agent.