Fire extinguishers at home and work: checks people often skip

[Hexia Securite]

A fire extinguisher only helps if it works on the day you need it, and a few simple checks are often forgotten. On stored-pressure models, look at the gauge first: the needle should sit in the green zone. Then check that the safety pin and tamper seal are in place, that the hose is not cracked or blocked, and that the instructions on the label are still readable. The type matters too: a water extinguisher must never be used on an electrical fire, while carbon dioxide models suit electrical equipment but are not meant for cooking oil fires. Keep the extinguisher visible and easy to reach, ideally near an exit rather than right next to the likely source of fire, so you never end up with the fire between you and the way out. In a workplace, periodic inspection by a qualified technician is expected, and emergency lighting and fire hose reels deserve the same attention. Finally, if an extinguisher has been discharged, even briefly, have it recharged before putting it back in place.