Fire Extinguisher Accidents: Tragedy in the West Midlands
Ever wonder why it is so important to ensure your fire extinguishers are regularly serviced (besides the fact that you want them to work properly if needed) and that the personnel servicing your fire extinguishers are competent?
Fire Extinguisher Accidents!
And by accident, that usually means an explosion.
In March 2023, a man on an industrial site in Oldbury, West Midlands, was killed by the extinguisher he was handling. It is thought that the extinguisher was for recycling but appears to have not been properly decommissioned before being sent in to them. He leaves behind 4 young children and was also engaged to be married.
In November 2022, a Plymouth man servicing a fire extinguisher was injured in the city centre. The noise of the explosion triggered a response from all three emergency services before being determined to be an isolated industrial accident and was referred to the HSE.
Another man was killed in 2021 by a catastrophic failure of a corroded cartridge-operated fire extinguisher whilst working on an oil rig. When the internal carbon dioxide propellant cylinder was activated to energise the fire extinguisher, the unit ruptured at the corroded base and exploded causing fatal injuries.
These are just a few significant events that have occurred in the last couple of years and there are many other deaths, injuries and near misses.
If you are more of a visual learner then here is a video for you. Granted it is not in the UK, but it gives a clear demonstration of the sort of thing that can happen!
What causes Fire Extinguisher Accidents?
Contributing factors are often poor or improper fire extinguisher maintenance as well as misuse, damage and abuse.
Extinguishers are a fantastic life saving piece of equipment when correctly selected, commissioned and maintained and used correctly, but they can be deadly if not!
CAN MAC SECURITY SYSTEMS HELP WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICING
Regular fire extinguisher maintenance prevents accidents by:
Ensuring proper functioning: Regular inspections and servicing keep the extinguisher in optimal working condition, ensuring it works as intended during emergencies and reducing the risk of malfunction.
Identifying and addressing potential issues: Maintenance helps detect problems such as leaks, corrosion, or damage to critical components. By addressing these issues promptly, the risk of accidents, like explosions or ruptures, can be minimised.
Verifying pressure and propellant levels: Regular maintenance checks ensure that the extinguisher's pressure and propellant levels are within the recommended range, reducing the chances of malfunction or unintended discharge.
Compliance with safety regulations: Adhering to fire extinguisher maintenance schedules and guidelines ensures compliance with local and national safety regulations, which are designed to minimize accidents and ensure public safety.
Promoting proper usage: Maintenance personnel can provide guidance and training on the correct use of fire extinguishers, reducing the likelihood of user-related accidents due to improper handling or misuse.
Ensuring timely replacement: Regular maintenance helps identify when an extinguisher has reached the end of its service life and needs replacement, preventing the use of expired or ineffective equipment that may contribute to accidents.
Mac Security can help with Fire Extinguisher Maintenance for businesses across the West Midlands.
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