Teach Your Atlanta Employees to Operate Fire Extinguishers | SERVPRO of South Atlanta

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of South Atlanta is your local restoration expert.

Every commercial team needs workplace training, and overcoming any challenge doesn’t begin until you’ve received the right instruction. However, training shouldn’t just focus on getting through a typical workday; your team also needs to learn how to handle a crisis!

Fire extinguisher training may not seem like a priority at first because it seems to be a simple task, but your employees may be less knowledgeable than you think! Going over the fundamentals is the best way to ensure your entire team knows how to operate this lifesaving tool when the time comes to use it.

*Work your way to a fire-ready business by helping your Atlanta team master the fire extinguisher basics.

Start With the Fundamentals

OSHA mandates that all businesses that have fire extinguishers on site conduct the necessary training needed to use them. This will involve hands-on training as well as information on where to use them and the various kinds of extinguishers available.

Begin by demonstrating the correct way to hold and aim the extinguisher. After this, instruct employees to pull the pin, grab the handle and brush over the flames. Inform them to keep six to eight feet away from the blaze throughout their training.

If you’re afraid your training won’t stick, go over the PASS acronym to give your team a way to recall what you’ve taught. Going over this information yearly will also help new employees—and even the most experienced ones—retain your instructions.

To avoid confusion if flames were to appear, you’ll need to select a few well-trained members to be in charge of this lifesaving tool. Assigning roles will ensure any controllable fire emergency is handled correctly and as fast as possible.

There’s a Time and a Place

Warn your team about fire hazards that could necessitate the utilization of fire extinguishers to ensure they are used when needed. Go over any particular incidents or distinct dangers in your workplace that could lead to a fire, as well as the category of fire extinguisher that needs to be used.

While knowing when to use an extinguisher is critical, so is knowing when to put it down and walk away. This lifesaving tool can aid in the prevention of a widespread disaster, but there are times when the spread of flames is beyond your control, regardless of how much fire extinguisher training you’ve received.

Let your employees know that when flames become uncontrollable, it’s time to walk away, evacuate the building and contact authorities.

Hands-on fire extinguisher training is a simple task that will prepare your team when flames ignite. Once you’ve made it through the basics, you can work with your employees to create a fire-ready plan to ensure no one is left in the dark during a fire emergency.

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