Fire extinguishers
December 22, 2010
Things I learned today about fire extinguishers:
–Building codes require one no more than 75 feet from everywhere. Each extinguisher must be inspected “by a fire extinguisher company” at least one each year. This costs $12.50 per extinguisher.
–Those 2 1/2-pound extinguishers (about $14 each) are for one-time use, and they “blow out” quickly. Five-pounders are better (and are required in kitchens).
–Codes require that extinguishers be “rebuilt” by a commercial firm every six years. Labels show the date of manufacture. When rebuilt, they will be re-dated, and bear a green collar.
–Rebuilding is costing us about $25 each unit. New five-pounders cost about $50, so there is a savings.
–CO2-filled cans are not useful for structure fires.
–Water-filled cans are too heavy to be practical, and hazardous at an electrical fire.
–Upgrading our current extinguishers, including two from our shelves and one new one, is costing the church about $250.
–It better be worth it, because the fire inspectors are due back this weekend.
–I “retired” a dozen extinguishers, including two water cans, one CO2 can and about 10 small units. The water cans and small units might be used when we have a ceremonial bonfire at the Property (required); a few of the others might go to the Cabin Retreat; the others can be used for sexton safety training.
–Today’s lesson was courtesy of Fire and Safety Equipment Co., Fire Prevention Specialists, 7022 S. Prospect St., Tacoma WA 98409. (253) 468-0212. dechambers@comcast.net. Don Chambers, owner. Dustin, his rep.
–Building codes require one no more than 75 feet from everywhere. Each extinguisher must be inspected “by a fire extinguisher company” at least one each year. This costs $12.50 per extinguisher.
–Those 2 1/2-pound extinguishers (about $14 each) are for one-time use, and they “blow out” quickly. Five-pounders are better (and are required in kitchens).
–Codes require that extinguishers be “rebuilt” by a commercial firm every six years. Labels show the date of manufacture. When rebuilt, they will be re-dated, and bear a green collar.
–Rebuilding is costing us about $25 each unit. New five-pounders cost about $50, so there is a savings.
–CO2-filled cans are not useful for structure fires.
–Water-filled cans are too heavy to be practical, and hazardous at an electrical fire.
–Upgrading our current extinguishers, including two from our shelves and one new one, is costing the church about $250.
–It better be worth it, because the fire inspectors are due back this weekend.
–I “retired” a dozen extinguishers, including two water cans, one CO2 can and about 10 small units. The water cans and small units might be used when we have a ceremonial bonfire at the Property (required); a few of the others might go to the Cabin Retreat; the others can be used for sexton safety training.
–Today’s lesson was courtesy of Fire and Safety Equipment Co., Fire Prevention Specialists, 7022 S. Prospect St., Tacoma WA 98409. (253) 468-0212. dechambers@comcast.net. Don Chambers, owner. Dustin, his rep.
No comments:
Post a Comment