Crucial Benefits Of Fire Extinguisher Cabinet Parts!

Taking proper safety measures at your workplace is essential if you want to safeguard your employees and clients adequately. Having a fully functional fire extinguisher installed at your workplace is great, but if you do not have a safe place to store it, you may encounter a few issues. Fire extinguisher cabinets installed on the workspace walls housing the fire extinguisher can also enhance the visual appearance of your common areas while limiting the wear and tear on the fire extinguisher. There are many perks of utilizing these fire extinguisher cabinet parts. Some of them are –

Enhance the visual appearance –

Fire extinguishers are legally required to be installed at all commercial places and workplaces. The law also states that the fire extinguisher must be installed on the main path of commercial areas and workplaces, is easy to access and must be visible. So, due to the interior decorating standpoint, some consider fire extinguishers to be eye sores. From this perspective, cabinets can help by producing a more uniform, blended, and hidden appearance for fire extinguishers while meeting all the legal requirements. The perceived improvement in the appearance of the fire extinguisher is one of the important reasons most clients prefer installing fire safety systems with the fire extinguisher cabinet parts.

Limit theft and tampering –

Installation of the cabinets also provides an essential theft deterrent since access to the fire extinguisher needs a key. In case of a fire outbreak, one needs to first break the glass on the front face of the fire extinguisher cabinet to access the fire extinguisher. Therefore, in commercial places and workplaces where fire extinguisher theft is a concern or where tampering with the fire extinguisher is a problem, fire extinguisher cabinet parts are a great solution.

As most of the fire extinguisher cabinets only restrict access to the fire extinguisher with a lock, the extinguisher can still be stolen. Therefore, using security cabinets is one of the best methods to safeguard your fire extinguisher from tampering and theft.

Minimize the risk of falling –

One of the crucial benefits of having your building’s fire extinguisher inside security cabinets is the safety of the individuals. Fire extinguishers at various commercial places weigh between 15 and 30 pounds, are made of steel, and are typically installed at a distance of 3 to 5 feet from the ground. Therefore, if a fire extinguisher is bumped by a person passing by, it may fall off the hanger and drop to the floor. This not only can damage your fire extinguisher but can also damage your flooring tiles. Apart from this, it may also fall on an individual’s foot, causing some serious injury. So to avoid all these situations, it is highly recommended to use suitable fire extinguisher cabinet parts.

Easy access to the fire extinguisher –

In case of a fire outbreak, the glass or plastic panel on the front face of the fire extinguisher cabinet can easily be broken to access the fire extinguisher. These panels are designed to break easily and can easily shatter into safe pieces that will not harm the individual accessing the fire extinguisher. Therefore, to facilitate the individual in breaking the glass or plastic panel, the fire extinguisher cabinets are equipped with a “hammer” or “breaker bar.” By striking the glass or plastic panel with the provided device, i.e., “hammer” or “breaker bar,” the pane will shatter, and the user can easily access the fire extinguisher.

So, the above-mentioned are some of the crucial benefits of utilizing fire extinguisher cabinets. If you are in the market searching for fire extinguisher cabinet parts or value fire extinguishers, then look no further than William Hird & Co, Inc. Call our experienced team at (718) 499-4881 regarding your requirement.

Why is Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Important?

Do you keep wondering why maintenance of fire extinguishers is essential? Well, not only it is effectively a legal need but as fire extinguishers play a crucial part in putting fires out before they get out of hand, it is vital that they function properly when needed.

The British Standards-which provides guidelines for fire safety-states that annual maintenance of fire equipment, including fire extinguishers must be carried out by an experienced professional that is one who has the relevant BAFE certification.

With proper maintenance and servicing carried out on a regular basis, fiore extinguishers should last for 5 to 15 years before they need to be replaced.

How often should fire extinguishers be serviced? Fire extinguishers should be maintained:

• When delivered (commissioning service)
• Monthly (on site by designated person)
• Annually (by a professional)

Commissioning service: This is an initial examination and service of the extinguisher to check for any signs of damage. It’s important that this takes place after delivery, in case of any damage caused in transit.

Monthly fire extinguisher maintenance: This is highly recommended to carry out regular fire extinguisher inspections on a monthly basis. The inspection makes sure whether or not the extinguisher is functioning properly or not. These assessments can be undertaken by a designated member of staff, no special training is needed. Records should be kept of each inspection in a special log book.

Things to look out for when carrying out a monthly fire extinguisher maintenance check:

1. The extinguisher has no visible signs of damage, wear and tear.
2. It is installed in the correct place it was intended and easily visible if needed.
3. Anti-tamper seals are present and have not been broken.
4. The needle of the extinguisher’s pressure gauge is in the green zone. (This means it is working fine).
5. Appropriate labelling and operating instructions are on the extinguisher.

How can you tell if a fire extinguisher needs servicing or replacing? If you discover any of the following during your fire extinguisher inspection you should consult a professional who will need to service and repair or replace the faulty extinguisher:

• The extinguisher is damaged, e.g. hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped or blocked.
• If the handle is wobbly or broken.
• The pressure gauge needle is outside the green zone. (This means the extinguisher will need servicing immediately).
• Locking pin is missing or anti-tamper seal is broken.
• Appropriate labelling and operating instructions are missing.

All fire extinguishers should be labelled with details of their last inspection; if this is not present you should have the extinguisher checked over by a professional.

Fire Protection Requirements When Building or Renovating Your Office

If you are planning to renovate your office or build a new one, you need to give thought to fire protection requirements. This fire plan is for the safety of the employees inside the building and helps ensure the protection of the machines and data that is stored inside.

Hence, what are the requirements you need to consider?
Let’s take a look at fire alarm systems, the types of materials needed, emergency lighting and having a fire safety plan put in place.
 
Fire Alarm Systems
Placing a fire alarm should be mandatory. This will not only alert the entire office staff but also will inform the emergency services. The quicker you can get out of the building, the better chance of preventing injuries.

The type of alarm system you should install in your office depends on the kind of equipment your office has. If case you have a lot of electrical equipments, it may be better if you include an EPO system to your alarm system. This will help in preventing the fire from spreading and prevent further damage to the equipments.
 
Type of Materials Used
It is better to use less amount of combustible material. Although the items within the office plays an important role, so using items that are less flammable should be considered.

Although the items within the office play a significant role, a fire typically spreads throughout the walls and ceiling of a building. So using material that is less flammable should be considered.

Emergency Lighting and Exits
In case a fire breaks out and you have an epo system installed, the system won’t last for long. When there is no light in office, it becomes dark. With no light, it makes it very difficult for the employees to run away and emergency services to get in.

Fire Safety Plan
A good proper safety plan can save the lives of your employees. This plan should consist of the routes taken for emergency exits, when someone notices a fire, smells smoke etc.

Also it should consist of routine maintenance to all the equipments and systems. The purpose behind this plan is to make sure that everyone remains safe.

Make sure you keep your office protected with high quality of fire equipments. In case you face a problem, contact a reputable company that will do a good job for you.

If you are looking for Fire Protection Systems & Services in Queens, then consider the services of William Hird & Co, Inc. For further information contact (718) 499-4881

Top Reasons Why Fire Extinguishers Training Is Important For Employees

Accidental fires can lead to a loss of property and life in case fire extinguisher services are not employed in time. Simply installing fire extinguishers in your vicinity, whether residential or commercial is not enough.


The employees working for you should know how to use these extinguisher services in case of fire emergencies.


According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) the employees cannot use the fire safety services until they are trained properly.


According to the norms set up by OSHA, it is the responsibility of the employer to educate and train the employees regarding the use of fire safety tools. In case they are not trained, they will not be compliant to make use of the fire extinguisher or any other fire safety service in the times of emergency. The  fire safety training must include the following:

• Identify the situation in which the fire extinguisher should be used
• Know about the correct way of using the fire safety equipment

It is mandatory to impart this training initially when the employer hires the worker. Resuming it thereafter.  It is also essential for the employers to release a statement clearly stating who is eligible for using the fire extinguisher services and the correct method of using it.


Below mentioned are the top reasons why fire extinguisher training is important for employees:
#1. OSHA requirements: According to the OSHA regulations, a worker is not eligible to use the fire extinguishers if he is not appropriately trained. Employers must issue a statement telling the workers to evacuate the commercial building in case of fire mishaps. Only those employees can stay who have adequate knowledge about the working and usage of the fire extinguishers and other safety equipments. 


#2. Prevention of injuries: Making use of a fire extinguisher for the first time could escalate the situation and cause even more damage. This is the reason why it is important to impart educational and practical training to the employees. Training will teach you how to avoid mistakes and properly use the fire safety equipment that will help in preventing loss of property and curb loss of life.


#3. Prevention of damage to property: A small fire can become big if proper actions are not taken in time. Training the employees to handle such situations can certainly help in preventing property damage.


Are you looking for fire extinguisher services? Contact William Hird & Co. inc. For more information call at (718) 499-4881

What Is A Fire Suppression System & What Are Its Types?

Fire can be the most hazardous form of mishap that can take place on a property. Having a fire suppression system installed in the vicinity is very crucial to protect the interests of the employed workforce. 

A fire suppression system can be defined as an equipment engineered to curb and extinguish an accidental fire. A fire suppression system consists of dry as well as wet components that aid in extinguishing sudden fire breakouts.

 

A wide variety of fire suppression systems consist of inbuilt fire detectors that signal the workers on the property. As soon as fire detectors get activated, the fire suppression system starts functioning automatically however, various fire suppression systems might require manual activation. 

The origin of the fire breakout plays a significant role in determining the appropriate measure required to curb the fire. Taking an example, if the location comprises of situations that may lead to explosive hazards due to accident fire, such places require specialized fire suppression systems installed. 

Types
Fire suppression systems have evolved over time. Nowadays, automated fire suppression systems are in great demand as they are the ideal choice for commercial and public industrial buildings. 

Below mentioned are the most commonly used fire suppression systems:

Gas Suppression System: Gas suppression systems are mostly used in small surroundings such as small office spaces, data cabins, and electric switch boardrooms. These contain liquid nitrogen and are stored in a liquid form. The component of nitrogen is used to maintain the pressure. When it comes in contact with fire, the FM200 chemical becomes reactive and helps in extinguishing the fire by suppressing it.

Chemical Foam Suppression System: Chemical foam suppression system is ideal for preventing an accidental fire in a commercial kitchen. Chemicals like potassium carbonate are used in these fire suppression systems. A chemical foam suppression system works by placing the system nozzle under the cooking equipment, a water-based agent is then pushed inside with a chemical foam.

Water Sprinkler Suppression System: Water sprinkler suppression system is the most commonly used method of extinguishing a fire. These systems can be operated both, automatically as well as manually. 

In case of a fire breakout, the sensors installed in the water sprinkler suppression system get triggered and start to function automatically. If the suppression system does not activate automatically, it can be switched on manually as well.

Reaction Tube Suppression System: A reaction tube suppression system is equipped with a valve, a tube, and an agent. The reaction tube detects an accidental fire on coming in proximity to heat or smoke.

A reaction tube suppression system is mostly used in automobiles and electrical cabinets. As soon as the temperature rises due to fire, the reaction tube builds air pressure and drops chemical agents over the fire in order to extinguish it. 

Wish to safeguard your property from accidental fires? Get a fire suppression system installed today! Call us or visit www.hirdco.com

How Commercial and Residential Building Fire Alarm System Differ?

Whether it is a commercial or residential building, fire alarm systems play a crucial role in protecting lives as well as properties at the time of fire emergency. They are specifically designed to alert people about the fire break out and give them extra time to evacuate the buildings and call the fire department.

Different fire alarm systems are suitable for different requirements, based on the environment they are installed. 

Here we will examine some of the differences between residential and commercial fire alarm systems.

Types of fire alarms used in residential buildings

Most of the homeowners would know the types of smoke detectors used in residential buildings. They are of two types, ionization and photoelectric. The working of ionization smoke detectors depends on the ionization reactions taking place inside the alarm after being triggered by the presence of smoke particles. Whereas, photoelectric smoke detectors use light beams, which lead to a reduction in light passing to a photocell if smoke is present.

In a residential building, ionization alarms are more photoelectric alarms are more reactive to flaming fires, on the other hand, photoelectric fire alarms are suitable for smoldering fires. Photoelectric alarms are more common in homes as compared to ionization alarms, since they easily detect smoke coming from furnishings and burning fabrics.

Types of fire alarms used in commercial buildings

Safe evacuation of people present in a fire building is the utmost fire safety priority in a commercial building. Because of different types of this environment, there are varied types of commercial fire alarm systems to fulfill specific fire safety requirements.

These alarms include VESDA, wireless or radio fire alarms, and voice alarms having in-built public address systems.

VESDA - VESDA - Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus, is an alarm system that continuously tests air and processes it looking for smoke. This type of system is installed in a more sensitive environment with a large number of the crowd gathered, such as entertainment venues like theatres and cinemas. In such an environment, the fire alarm system will have to raise the alarm as soon as a fire starts so that the process of evacuation can start immediately.

Voice alarm system with PA address - This type of fire alarm system needs to provide specific evacuation instructions and communicate to the people inside a building that is on fire. Voice systems help to make public announcements, which can speed up evacuation and save lives.

Wireless and radio fire alarm - Large buildings need to be installed with wireless or radio fire alarms. The advantage of a wireless fire alarm is that it doesn’t need hardwiring and can cover a large distance of up to 1.5km.

Are you looking for reliable companies providing services such as building fire alarm system in NY? Contact - www.hirdco.com. They are the leading service providers of different types of fire alarm systems as well as equipment used for fire protection.

Fire safety signs - Why necessary at the workplace and in public places?

Fire Safety signs and symbols are not only important safety communicating tools, but they also help create workers safety awareness.

They usually help indicate different threats that are present in the workplace or plant site. Also, warn workers to always keep an eye on those hazards by providing safety instructions and required information. 

Fire safety signs and symbols comprise of words, messages and pictorial symbol with different shapes, sizes, and colors. Each shape and color reflects specific meaning.

Here are some reasons why fire safety signs are important: 

 

• Fire safety signs are essential during an emergency incident. They assist people to escape from an incident place with help of continued directional signs.

 

• They are particularly essential to guide people who are not familiar with the environment, even people who are well familiar with the environment can usually become confused and disoriented in the event of an emergency. 

 

• Of course, this also includes emergency services that may need to enter the building after the evacuation.

• Fire safety symbols help indicate the exact location of fire-fighting and fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire alarm call points. 

 

• These signs and symbols give clear instructions for necessary requirements including ‘fire door keep shut’. 

 

• Fire safety signage should be professionally installed by a competent person who is familiar with mandatory requirements, and with considering the layout and risks associated with the buildings.

 

• Although there are standard requirements for some signs, fire exit sign is specific to the site, as two layouts can’t be the same.

 

• People who are residing in the building should have a clear view of an emergency exit sign from wherever they are in a building.

 

• Point of sale materials should not hide any emergency exit sign.

 

• The use of hanging or floor mounted signs may be needed along with normal wall mounted signs.

 

• During a sign installation, try to imagine yourself as someone unfamiliar with the place.

• Displays can obscure the view of emergency exits, while staff will be familiar with the nearest emergency exits, the common people don't know.

 

• Always take into the consideration of the panic effect, no one actually knows how they will react to an incident until it takes place.

 

If you’re searching for a company installing a complete range of fire safety signs and symbols, approach William Hird & Co. They lead in providing various fire protection equipment and services to commercial, residential and public sites.

Fire Extinguisher: An Essential Safety Measure

There is no denying the fact that fire extinguisher servicing plays a vital role in your business operation. You need to take some safety measures, ensuring the maintenance of all fire equipments. 

A fire extinguisher refers to an active fire protection device that can be used to control the small fires.  

Each and every person should be taught how to use the fire extinguishers in an emergency case. All business owners are liable to ensure that their premises are a safe environment for all the employees as well as the visitors. 

There a number of companies, offering the Fire Extinguisher Services in NYC. You may contact the one which is providing quality services at reasonable price.

A well trained engineer is required to carry out all the fire extinguisher servicing. They know how to check whether the appliance has been discharged and functioning properly or not properly.

A professional can let you know when it is a right time to fill or replace the extinguisher. If there is any requirement to fill the extinguisher, then they add the proper amount of chemical in your extinguisher.

This type of service is required to perform at least once a year in your business. If you don’t service your extinguisher, at least once in a year, then you are accused of breaching the current legislation. Apart from this, it is very important to check on your appliances on the regular basis. It is also mandatory to keep the written record of such inspection.

Consider the following steps to make sure that your premises are safe from fire:

• Add fire blankets to your arsenal of fire protection equipment for areas like catering kitchens.
• Make sure that you have an emergency plan for your premises.
• Make sure the staff is well trained to use the fire equipments.
• Ensure about the regular inspection and yearly servicing of fire extinguishers.

Never hesitate to contact the service technician when an issue arises. You may also contact us here.