Fire extinguishers are an essential part of workplace safety. They are designed to put out small fires before they become a larger and more dangerous threat. Employers should have a plan in place for the selection, placement, use, and maintenance of fire extinguishers.

The type of fire extinguisher needed will depend on the specific hazards present in the workplace. There are several types of fire extinguishers, including water, foam, CO2, dry powder, and wet chemical. Each type is designed to extinguish a particular class of fire, so it is important to select the appropriate type for the hazards present.

Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible locations throughout the workplace, and employees should be trained on their location and proper use. They should be checked regularly to ensure that they are in good working order and have not been tampered with or damaged.

Employees should be trained on the proper use of fire extinguishers and how to identify when it is safe to attempt to put out a fire. The acronym PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) is a helpful way to remember the steps for using a fire extinguisher.

It is essential to remember that fire extinguishers are only effective for small fires. If a fire is too large or out of control, employees should immediately evacuate the area and call the fire department.

By providing appropriate fire extinguishers and ensuring that employees are trained on their use, workplaces can prevent small fires from becoming larger and more dangerous threats.

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