Conduct Fire Extinguisher Training at Your Highland Park Business | SERVPRO® of New Center/Highland Park

A commercial disaster can strike when you least expect it, and the more prepared your team is, the easier it will be to recover. When a fire breaks out in the workplace, having a well-trained team will come in handy.

Starting small is the most effective way to get your team on the path to a disaster-ready workplace. Offering fire extinguisher training is just one of the many ways you can set a great example by providing a small but important piece of information. If a fire breaks out unexpectedly, a small demonstration could save you time, money and heartache!

Set your team up for safety and success by showing them home to operate this crucial fire-fighting tool:

Start With the Fundamentals

OSHA mandates that all staff members be given the necessary instructions on how to utilize the fire extinguishers inside in your building. This includes informing your team on how to properly utilize them, as well as the various kinds of extinguishers.

Begin by demonstrating proper extinguisher holding and aiming techniques. When your team has perfected this, show them how to pull the pin, press the handle and sweep over a fire. Don’t forget to instruct them to keep a safe distance of six to eight feet from the blaze.

You can introduce the PASS acronym as a clever way to memorize this crucial information. Another way to ensure that no one in your workplace is left in the dark is by going over this topic at least once a year.

If you are concerned that new employees will lack the necessary training to operate this critical tool, you can assign roles to trusted employees. Keeping your fire extinguishers in the hands of a few well-trained employees will ensure that any fire emergency is handled with speed and preparedness.

There’s a Time and a Place

Going over any specific threats and scenarios that will necessitate the use of a fire extinguisher can guarantee that your team knows when to reach for them. Along with these various risks, there are a few different classes of fire extinguishers, which are distinguished by the types of fires they are designed to suppress. Make a point of emphasizing the type of extinguisher that is appropriate for each specific situation.

Realizing when it’s time to put the extinguisher down and evacuate could be lifesaving in the event of a commercial fire. This tool can be lifesaving, but it can only do so much before the flames become out of control, rendering it impossible to safeguard your workplace by yourself.

Let your employees know that is much safer to back up, find shelter and call for help when a fire emergency is beyond their control.

Proper fire extinguisher training is a great way to introduce your Highland Park workplace to an even bigger fire-ready strategy. Once you’ve covered the basics, you can begin building a plan to safeguard your employees, your building, and the hard work you’ve put into your business.

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.