Active Fire Precautions (iii)

• Fire-Fighting Equipment
• Fire Suppression Systems

Get to know exactly what fire extinguishers and other fire fighting equipment you have on the premises, and what kinds of fire they can safely be used on. Lift extinguishers off the wall occasionally to get the feel of them, but be prepared for the weight of the larger ones. Extinguishers should be fitted with both a safety pin and an anti-tamper seal - if the seal is found to be broken it must be reported immediately.

Hose reels are provided in some buildings to supplement (or occasionally to take the place of) fire extinguishers. However, injury or damage can easily be caused by incorrect use of hose reels, and common advice nowadays is to leave these for the fire brigades use only.

As well as portable equipment, there may be sprinklers or other suppression systems (gaseous, powder or water mist) protecting the whole of your premises, or perhaps certain areas such as a computer suite or cooking range. People whose safety, or whose response to an outbreak of fire, depends on the correct operation of these systems must receive the necessary instruction and training.