In addition to knowing what your responsibilities are in an emergency, you should also know where your fire fighting equipment is located and what types of fire it can and cannot be used upon. Hand held extinguishers are provided throughout the hotel, including service areas. Usually you will find extinguishers of a type appropriate to their environment (for example carbon dioxide near electrical panels, fire blankets in kitchens, and so on).
Your hotel ensures that hand held extinguishers are properly maintained and have a valid maintenance tag. The maximum travel distance from you and a fire extinguisher will not exceed 25m.
The fire extinguishers most commonly found are water, but there may be other fire-fighting equipment such as hose reels throughout the hotel.
Other fire extinguishers for specific fire risks are as follows:
- Foam AFFF or multipurpose foam for areas where there is a risk of flammable liquid fires, such as oil or paint.
- Carbon dioxide for areas where there is a risk of fires involving electricity.
- Dry powder for use on all types of fire.
- Fire blankets for smothering a fire in areas such as kitchens.
- "F" type wet chemical for fires involving high temperature cooking oils found in deep fat fryers.
Safety - always put yourself first. If you have not been trained in the use of hand held extinguishers, you should not attempt to tackle a fire. Remember the most important thing is to raise the alarm if you discover a fire. Then if it is a small fire and it is safe to do so use a hand held fire extinguisher. If you are unsure of what to do, leave the area, closing doors and windows behind you. We can always get a new carpet or curtains - we can't get a new you.
General instructions for using a fire extinguisher:
Read the instructions on the side of the extinguisher to ensure the correct one has been selected.
Ensure that you are positioned between the fire and the escape route.
Pull out the safety pin firmly (this will be secured by an (anti-tamper device)
Apply to the base of the fire in short bursts, keeping clear of smoke.
If the fire is not out by the time the extinguisher is empty, leave the area, closing all doors.
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