STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO
Tips from Your Safety Advisors
It’s National Fire Prevention Week in Canada. Our safety advisors want to share some valuable tips they’ve gathered from the field, particularly regarding fire extinguishers in vehicles.
As per the MB Workplace Safety and Health Regulations, fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly by the workplace and annually by a certified third party.
Did You Know?
- Fire extinguishers in vehicles experience vibration and movement, which can cause the chemical inside to settle.
What to do: During your inspection, hold the extinguisher with both hands and tip it upside down. Place your ear against it—you should hear the chemical shifting. If there is no sound, the chemical may have compacted. To fix this, gently tap the bottom with your hand or a rubber mallet to loosen the material.
- Missing pins are another common issue. The constant motion of vehicles can sometimes cause pins to slip out, leading to slow discharge of the extinguisher’s contents due to vibrations.
What to do: Ensure the locking pin is securely in place and not rusted. Check for any physical damage, corrosion, leakage or a clogged nozzle.
Additional Fire Extinguisher Tips:
- Ensure the extinguisher is visible, unobstructed, and stored in an appropriate location.
- Check that the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position, and lift the extinguisher to confirm it is still full.
- Verify that the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward.
- Review the last professional service date on the tag to ensure it is within the annual inspection period.
- Initial and date the tag after completing your monthly inspection, as required.
Fire prevention is essential for every business. If you have any questions or concerns about fire safety, feel free to contact your regional advisor.
