subject: The Most Essential Fire Protection Equipment [print this page] Often I have been asked, pertaining to my experience as a safety-centered property manager for many years, what is the most essential fire protection equipment? This is actually not an easy question to answer, because the answer is commonly relative. The fire safety needs of one establishment to another is often very different. A Chinese restaurant prone to high temperature cooking oil fire has different fire safety needs from a Bank that is prone to electrical fire. But to actually give a straight answer to the question, I have thought and named three things which in my opinion, no home or establishment simply should go without. These are fire engineering services, a carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguishers.
They say that prevention is better than a cure. This is obviously true in the case of fires which my mother always told me, that it is better to have a burglar anyday in the house than to have it caught in flames. Unlike an earthquake or a tidal wave, fires are often caused by reckless human error and are therefore, preventable. This is why I believe availing of fire engineering services is absolutely essential. Though expensive, it will cover a long term plan that covers numerous factors such as building design, knowledge of different fires and the different fire protection equipment. In a nutshell, fire engineering gives you the preparation, knowledge and tools. This is the first thing I obtain for any new establishment if I were to come out of retirement.
The second thing I must name is a carbon monoxide alarm. They call carbon monoxide or simple CO "the silent killer" since it is odorless, tasteless but will cause nausea and even death in just minute amounts in our breathing spaces. What's more, they come from a different number of everday objects - fireplaces, stoves, car engines and the like. Unlike what most of us probably know, a lot of people actually die from CO poisoning every year. You are aware that you should run away from a blazing fire with its bright scorching heat - but how do you know if you should be running away in the case of CO toxicity? You get a carbon monoxide alarm. I suggest get one - not just for the sake or your business but for your family as well.
The third and last is a classic - fire extinguishers. Perhaps among fire protection equipment, this is the most commonly known and used. What most people don't know however, is that there are different types of fire extinguishers for different situations, and that mishandling one can be potentially dangerous. Water based extinguishers should be used on fabrics, wood and paper while electrical fire extinguishers on ones that come from electrical sources. There are different other classes of fire extinguishers and it would be best for one to inquire with a local fire authority or a reputable fire safety equipment dealer.
While I do want to recommend more, here I have mentioned my essential three. I do hope I answered the question - I did so to the best of my ability and experience.
