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No matter what type of business you run, installing a fire sprinkler system is one of the most effective ways to protect your property inventory, equipment, and personnel.

These sophisticated systems are designed to rapidly detect and suppress fires before they can spread, and both threaten lives and cause significant damage.

While you may assume that all fire sprinkler systems have the same basic design and components, several types of fire sprinkler heads are out there. Each fire sprinkler head has its own unique characteristics, and they are designed to handle different situations.

We are breaking down the most common types to help you better understand how fire sprinkler systems work and to help you choose the correct option for your home or business.

If you’re ready to learn, it’s time to get started!

The Most Common Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads

While there are specialized options out there for specific industries, the following are the most common types of fire sprinkler heads and what they are designed for:

1. Sidewall Fire Sprinkler Heads

As their name suggests, sidewall sprinkler heads are installed so that they protrude horizontally from a wall. This unique design makes directing water flow in a specific pattern that can suppress fires in tight spaces easier.

Depending on the type of business, some will feature a combination of sidewall fire sprinkler heads and overhead sprinkler heads, as this ensures more coverage and greater fire suppression capabilities.

What Are Sidewall Fire Sprinkler Heads Designed For?

The primary purpose of sidewall fire sprinkler heads is to cover areas with obstructions and limited ceiling space. They can also be used for facilities that have incredibly high ceilings, like airplane hangars and certain manufacturing facilities.

Narrow walkways and high ceilings, like you would find in a large warehouse, often rely on sidewall sprinkler heads to provide coverage to all pathways and storage areas. In these facilities, it would be difficult to properly cover each laneway with overhead water flow in the event of a fire.

2. Pendant Fire Sprinkler Heads

The pendant fire sprinkler head is the most common type, so it is probably what you have in mind when you try to picture a fire sprinkler system.

These downward-facing sprinkler heads have a circular deflector piece, which ensures that water sprays in all directions when the sprinkler head is activated.

What Are Pendant Fire Sprinkler Heads Designed For?

They are so common because they were designed for general-purpose applications. Thanks to its design, a pendant head provides excellent water coverage, so it works well in just about any type of commercial or retail space, office building, or shared residential space, like an apartment or condominium hallway.

3. Concealed Fire Sprinkler Heads

As you may have guessed, concealed fire sprinkler heads have a discreet design. The sprinkler head sits in a recessed hole in the ceiling, which is then covered with a detachable cover plate.

When the fire sprinkler is activated by temperatures that indicate a fire, the cover plate springs free of the fire sprinkler so that water can be released downwards in a circular pattern.

What Are Concealed Fire Sprinkler Heads Designed For?

Although they function much like pendant fire sprinklers, these concealed sprinkler heads are designed to be a more aesthetically pleasing alternative.

They are commonly seen in upscale indoor spaces that prioritize their appearance but still need an effective fire suppression system. These can include expensive hotels, high-end restaurants, and high-cost shared living spaces, like condominium buildings.

4. Upright Fire Sprinkler Heads

As the name implies, upright sprinkler heads face upwards. When they are activated, the water supply sprays upwards and then cascades downwards in all directions. This can allow for wider water coverage than you would get with a basic pendant fire sprinkler.

What Are Upright Fire Sprinkler Heads Designed For?

Typically, upright sprinklers are used in crowded spaces, like industrial warehouses and factories with assembly lines. They are also a good option for buildings that have partially open ceilings.

Some lofts and trendy restaurants that feature an industrial aesthetic will use them because they are more visually appealing than downward-facing sprinkler heads, but they still offer the same level of fire suppression capabilities.

What Should You Do if a Fire Sprinkler Head Misfires?

No matter which fire sprinkler heads your system uses, they can activate at inappropriate times due to misfires, leaks, and other malfunctions. Unfortunately, this can cause significant water damage, as a typical fire sprinkler head will release approximately 60 gallons of water per minute!

Automatic sprinkler heads can misfire, and they will continue running even after completely suppressing a fire. Again, this can cause serious water damage, especially in a building with sensitive equipment.

Introducing the Shutgun

Fortunately, a simple tool can now shut off most fire sprinkler heads in seconds. The Shutgun was developed to allow individuals to shut off an activated fire sprinkler quickly. Thanks to its one-hand design, it can be operated by a single person on a ladder.

Rather than waiting for firefighters and other fire safety personnel to arrive, you can shut off a fire sprinkler head yourself. This could save your business tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.

There are also Shutgun variations designed to work with different types of fire sprinkler heads, such as the Concealed Head Shutgun.

To learn more about the Shutgun and its variations, click the following link: Get My Shutgun.

Final Words

If you are unsure which type of fire sprinkler heads your business or residential space requires, consult a fire protection professional. These trained professionals will be able to assess your needs and make a recommendation based on the unique fire protection needs of your building.

Remember, an automatic sprinkler system is one of the most essential investments your business will ever make. It may even be a legal requirement in many cases according to local fire codes and regulations.

As you may already know, fire sprinkler systems are incredibly useful for fire safety. When activated, fire protection systems can quickly and effectively suppress a fire, limiting property damage and protecting lives.

While there is no doubting that automatic sprinklers are incredibly important, many people are unsure what causes a fire sprinkler to activate. This is where we can help!

We will explain in detail what causes a fire sprinkler to activate, so you can better understand how these fire suppression systems are designed to work.

We will also cover some reasons for an accidental fire sprinkler activation and what you can do about it.

So, let’s get started!

How Fire Sprinklers Are Supposed to Be Activated

While there are other ways that a fire sprinkler system can be activated accidentally, most systems are designed to be activated in two ways:

1. Heat Detection

While many people assume that fire sprinkler systems are triggered by smoke detection, they are activated by heat. All modern fire sprinkler systems rely on heat-sensitive elements to act as triggers. Depending on the design of the fire sprinkler, it will either use a fusible link or a series of glass bulbs.

Those that rely on the fusible link design feature a metal alloy with a specific melting point. According to the National Fire Protection Association in the US, typically, this will be around 135°F to 170°F. When the air surrounding the fusible link reaches this temperature, the metal alloy will melt, triggering the sprinkler head to release the water supply in all directions.

Other fire sprinkler systems use a glass bulb within each sprinkler. These bulbs are filled with a liquid that expands when heated to a certain temperature. When this occurs, the glass will break, which activates the sprinkler head.

Thanks to these designs, each fire sprinkler head operates independently. This prevents water damage in areas that are unaffected by fire.

2.     Manual Activation

Most fire sprinkler systems can also be activated manually through a control panel. If the heat does not cause the sprinklers to activate and release water flow, the option for manual activation can be incredibly important.

Some more advanced commercial fire sprinkler systems can be linked digitally to the fire alarm system. These tend to be less common in public buildings, as the water damage caused by a fire sprinkler system activated due to an accidental or malicious fire alarm pull would be too great of a risk.

Can Fire Sprinklers Misfire?

While it is true that most fire sprinkler systems are reliable, there are ways that they can be activated unintentionally or at inappropriate times. When accidental fire sprinkler activation occurs, the water damage caused by the misfired sprinkler can be costly and destructive.

To help you determine if your fire suppression system is at risk of unintentional activation, here are the leading causes of misfires.

High Temperatures Unrelated to a Fire

Since fire sprinkler heads are activated by heat, high temperatures unrelated to a fire could trigger a misfire. In most cases, this is due to the sprinkler head’s proximity to a heat source, as the temperature needs to be very high to melt the fusible link or shatter the glass bulb.

Avoid positioning sprinkler heads near steam pipes, heating vents, cooking appliances, or machinery that generates significant heat.

Physical Impact

If a sprinkler head is hit with enough force, the fusible link or glass bulb could become damaged, triggering a sprinkler misfire. You should always avoid positioning equipment and inventory near fire sprinkler heads.

Not only would doing so increase the likelihood that the sprinkler could be hit, but it could also block water from reaching a fire if needed to suppress a fire.

Installing fire sprinkler head guards is another way to prevent misfires due to physical impact.

Corrosion and Lack of Maintenance

Like any fire suppression system that involves pressurized water, fire sprinklers can rust and corrode over time. When this happens, it can cause failures and unintended activations.

Various defects can trigger a fire sprinkler to activate at an inappropriate time. To avoid these issues, it is crucial to inspect your automatic sprinkler system at regular intervals, as well as perform the manufacturer-recommended maintenance requirements.

Read A Guide to Maintaining Your Commercial Fire Sprinkler System for more information. This guide is packed with helpful information and a breakdown of monthly and annual maintenance requirements.

What Should You Do if Your Fire Sprinkler Misfires or Accidentally Activates?

While avoiding the primary causes of accidental activations and misfires is incredibly important, fire protection systems can still release water at inappropriate times. Unfortunately, even a single sprinkler head can release 60 gallons of water per minute, which can cause significant water damage.

Rather than waiting around for the fire department’s arrival, give yourself the ability to shut off a fire sprinkler in seconds by looking at the Shutgun.

The Shutgun is an easy-to-use, handheld tool that can shut off a fire sprinkler head in seconds. Its one-hand operation means a single person can shut off a sprinkler from a ladder without training.

Learn more and order your own Shutgun by clicking the following link: Get My Shutgun!

Final Words

While a misfiring fire sprinkler can be incredibly damaging, especially if you do not have access to a shut-off tool, like the Shutgun, it is essential that you still have a fully-functioning fire sprinkler system to protect your business, employees, and more.

To prevent accidental activations and to know that you can rely on your system when the worst happens, perform regular inspections, tests, and maintenance on your system. Remember, water damage can be costly but never as dangerous and destructive as large-scale fire damage.

A well-functioning fire sprinkler system can help protect the building your business occupies, your employees and customers, and even the inventory and equipment within your business. The problem is that a commercial fire sprinkler system will be ineffective if it is not properly maintained.

To help you ensure that your business’s fire sprinkler system is reliable, we will explain everything you need to know about maintaining it.

Not only will we explain why regular maintenance is so important, but we will also outline tasks you should complete on a monthly and yearly basis to keep your commercial fire sprinkler system running.

Why Is Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance Important?

Before we dive into how you should maintain your system, it is beneficial to explain why doing so is so important.

Confidence in the Effectiveness of Your System

For starters, testing and maintaining your fire sprinkler system is a way to guarantee that you can rely on your system to function properly in the event of a fire. Once you are confident that your system will run as designed, you can develop evacuation drills accordingly.

Leak Prevention

Maintaining your working fire sprinkler system at the appropriate times can help you avoid leaks. Since commercial fire sprinkler systems consist of pipes and various fittings, they are susceptible to leaks. While a small leak may not seem overly serious, it can lead to corrosion issues over time.

Given enough time, a leaking fire sprinkler system could also cause serious water damage. Pooling water can also pose an injury risk to employees and other personnel due to slips and falls.

Avoid Misfires and Water Damage

When fire sprinkler systems are allowed to fall into disrepair, there is always a chance that they will be triggered accidentally. Improper installation of the system and damage to the temperature sensors could trigger a misfire. When this occurs, the sprinkler system could cause significant damage to inventory, equipment, and the building itself.

How to Maintain Your Commercial Fire Sprinkler System

Now that you understand why it is so important to maintain your fire sprinkler system, we can get into some of the monthly and yearly maintenance tasks you should be performing.

Monthly Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance Tasks

1. Visually Inspect the System

At least once per month, visually examine the system. Start with the sprinkler heads to make sure they are undamaged and unobstructed. Look for signs of rusting and excessive debris buildup, and ensure that they are not blocked in any way.

2. Test All Alarms

Since most fire sprinkler systems communicate with smoke alarms and pull stations, you must check to ensure that every part of your fire alarm system is functioning correctly each month. This can be a part of monthly fire drills if your business is operating in an industry with a high risk of fires.

3. Inspect All Control Valves

Check that all control valves are not leaking or corroded. Depending on the manufacturer of the sprinkler system, you may need to lubricate the valves on a monthly basis.

4. Check the Pressure

During monthly maintenance, you should check pressure gauges to ensure they remain within the manufacturer’s recommended range. If the pressure is too low, it could be a water supply issue or another issue with your fire suppression system.

5. Install Fire Sprinkler Head Guards

If you are running a business in an industry where mechanical operations could put your sprinkler heads at risk of damage, installing head guards is a good idea. Learn more by reading What Is a Fire Sprinkler Head Guard & How Do They Work?

Annual Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance Tasks

As expected, your annual sprinkler system maintenance tasks must be more comprehensive. The following are just some of the ways your fire suppression system should be maintained; however, the manufacturer of your specific system may recommend further steps.

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Your fire protection system should be assessed and maintained by qualified professionals at least once per year. During their inspection, they will cover everything from the water pressure to the quality and condition of the piping. If the fire sprinkler inspection uncovers anything that needs to be repaired or replaced, they will explain the next steps.

2. Sprinkler System Flushing

A flush of your commercial sprinkler system is essential to help clear any debris or sediment that could be building up in the piping and fittings. After your system has been professionally inspected, you will be informed whether or not this step is necessary.

What Else Can You Do for Your Commercial Fire Sprinkler System?

If you are performing the monthly and yearly tasks outlined above, you can remain confident that your commercial fire sprinkler system can be relied upon in the event of a large-scale fire.

That said, even well-maintained systems can suffer from occasional misfires due to faulty sensors or human error. Unfortunately, when this occurs, your business could suffer severe water damage.

Given that a single sprinkler in a commercial fire sprinkler system can release 60 gallons of water in a single minute, the structural damage and damage to your inventory and equipment can be severe.

This is where the Shutgun comes into play. The Shutgun is an affordable, user-friendly tool that can be used to shut off an activated fire sprinkler in seconds.

Rather than waiting for fire safety professionals to arrive to shut your commercial fire sprinklers off, the task can be completed in seconds, which could protect your business tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.

Learn more about the Shutgun and order your own by clicking below:

Final Words

No matter what type of commercial fire sprinkler system your business relies on, it is always important to maintain it properly and regularly. Not only will this extend the lifespan of automatic fire sprinkler systems, but it can also help ensure their reliability and effectiveness.

Follow all of the monthly and yearly tasks we outlined above, as they will help you address any issues before they can cause your commercial sprinkler system to fail, misfire, or leak.

If you want to learn more about fire sprinklers, we recommend reading How Does a Fire Sprinkler System Work?

Any restaurant owner will tell you that grease fires are one of the greatest threats to the safety of staff, customers, and the building itself. Grease fires can spread rapidly and be incredibly difficult to extinguish.

Not only can it cause structural damage and destroy valuable equipment, but a kitchen fire can also cause injuries and even loss of life.

Fortunately, there are ways that you can prevent grease fires. Practicing the correct safety precautions and equipping your restaurant with the proper safety equipment can significantly increase your chances of avoiding a costly grease fire.

To help you run a safer restaurant, we will explain how to prevent a grease fire and the equipment needed to extinguish a kitchen grease fire if one is started.

What Is a Grease Fire?

As the name suggests, a grease fire is a fire that is fueled by the burning of grease, oil, or fat. When ignited, these fuels burn at extremely high temperatures, spreading rapidly to other flammable materials.

One of the most dangerous features of a grease fire is that you cannot extinguish it with water. Water actually causes the fire to spread, which is why many people end up with severe burns when attempting to put out a grease fire.

How to Prevent a Grease Fire in a Restaurant Kitchen

As with any type of fire, prevention is always preferable to reaction. Before we explain how to deal with a grease fire, here are some effective tips for preventing grease fires in restaurants.

1. Clean All Kitchen and Ventilation Equipment Regularly

One of the most effective ways to prevent grease fires is to ensure that all cooking surfaces, ventilation hoods, exhaust systems, ducts, and kitchen appliances are cleaned and maintained regularly. When excess grease and debris are allowed to accumulate, the likelihood of a cooking fire rises dramatically.

All staff should be trained on the importance of keeping equipment and workstations clean. Your staff should be given a list of daily cleaning tasks for which they will be held accountable. Beyond routine, daily cleanings, thorough and professional cleanings of all ventilation and exhaust systems should occur at the appropriate times.

2. Do Not Leave Hot Cooking Equipment Unattended

Under no circumstances should hot cooking equipment be left unattended, even if the appliance has been switched off. Not only should it be watched at all times, but proper temperature settings should also be followed to prevent hot oil and grease from reaching its ignition point.

3. Maintain Safe Storage Practices for Flammable Materials

Flammable materials and supplies, like cooking oil, should always be stored safely far from any heat source. Once something has been used, it must be returned to its designated area. It is vital that all staff are trained on the importance of this practice and that they are held accountable if they continue to make errors.

4. Cook Safely

While it may sound obvious, adhering to proper cooking techniques is vital in a commercial kitchen. Always adhere to safe cooking temperatures when dealing with hot oil and fat. You should also avoid overcrowding pans and deep fryers, as this is a common cause of hot grease fires.

Staff should make others aware of what they are doing when dealing with large volumes of highly flammable oil and grease.

5. Ensure All Staff Are Trained and Educated Properly

All kitchen staff must be trained on fire prevention strategies, safe cooking practices, and relevant emergency procedures. It is essential that this training is taken seriously and that it is completed before any newly hired staff are allowed to work in the kitchen.

Safety Precautions for Avoiding Grease Fires

In addition to the prevention tips discussed above, all restaurants and commercial kitchens should be outfitted with appropriate and well-maintained safety equipment. This should include the following:

Non-Slip Flooring

All kitchen floors should be covered with non-slip mats. Slips while carrying flammable materials are some of the most common causes of kitchen fires. Staff should also be required to wear non-slip-soled shoes for added safety.

A Fire Suppression System

Your restaurant’s non-kitchen areas should have an automatic fire suppression system. If a grease fire erupts in your kitchen, preventing it from spreading into the dining area could save lives.

To prevent water damage from a fire sprinkler system that has misfired or has been accidentally triggered, we highly suggest the Shutgun. This affordable, user-friendly tool was designed to make it easy to shut a sprinkler system off in seconds so you don’t experience unnecessary water damage in your restaurant.

Class K Fire Extinguishers

As mentioned, you cannot extinguish grease fires with water. A small grease fire can be extinguished with baking soda, but this isn’t practical in a commercial kitchen. This is where Class K fire extinguishers come in handy.

They are designed explicitly with extinguishing agents that can handle grease and oil fires, so they should be located in easily accessible kitchen areas. Like any fire extinguisher, Class K fire extinguishers also need to be inspected and maintained regularly.

Learn more about the different fire extinguishers and why it is essential to choose the right kind by reading Different Fire Extinguisher Types & Which Type You Need.

Ventilation Systems

Ensuring your kitchen is ventilated correctly can help reduce the kitchen fire risk. These vents help lower temperatures and pull smoke, debris, and grease-laden air from the kitchen.

Final Words

Preventing grease fires should always be a top priority in any restaurant, commercial kitchen, or food preparation facility. They can be incredibly destructive and costly and threaten the lives of your restaurant’s employees and patrons.

A fire can also ruin your restaurant’s reputation, even if you manage to put it out before it can cause significant fire damage.

By implementing the tips and safety precautions we discussed above, you can safeguard your restaurant.

For more information on protecting your restaurant, we recommend reading What Is Fire Safety & Why Is it Important for Your Business? Learn about valuable fire safety tips and how to protect your business from the dangers of workplace fires.

When it comes to fires, prevention should always be the goal. This is particularly true for businesses and other organizations where fires can have an enormous financial cost and risk the lives of anyone inside the building.

To help you stay safe, we will identify six of the most common causes of fire. From there, we will cover some effective fire prevention tips you can use to prevent property damage, protect the safety and well-being of employees, and mitigate financial losses.

Common Causes of Fires

1. Electrical Issues and Faulty Equipment

Regardless of industry, electrical fires are incredibly common. Faulty and damaged wiring can cause sparks, igniting nearby flammable materials. Overloaded circuits and malfunctioning electrical equipment can also spark and generate temperatures that can trigger fires.

Electrical fires are incredibly common and particularly difficult to extinguish, which is why they can be so destructive.

How to Prevent an Electrical Fire:

• Regularly inspect all electrical systems to ensure that they are functioning properly. Check for damaged wires, outlets, and switches.
• Always avoid overloading circuits. Use surge protectors if you are running high-voltage electrical equipment.
• Train employees on how to recognize signs of electrical issues.
• Make sure a Class C fire extinguisher is in easily accessible locations near electrical panels and electrical equipment.

2. Smoking in Unsafe Areas

Unfortunately, carelessness with smoking is still a leading cause of residential and industrial fires. Smoldering cigarette butts that are disposed of improperly and smoking too close to flammable materials can and will cause fires.

How to Prevent Smoking-Related Fires:

• Ensure that smoking is only allowed in designated areas that are a safe distance from the building.
• No-smoking policies in non-designated areas need to be enforced with strict consequences. You should also ensure that all employees are educated on the potential dangers to their own safety if they smoke in prohibited areas.
• Use effective, fire-safe cigarette disposal boxes in designated areas, as this prevents lit cigarettes from blowing toward flammable material.

3. Improper Storage of Combustible Materials

While the dangers associated with storing flammable materials can vary from industry to industry, it is vital that your business learns how to store combustibles. Not only do they need to be kept at a safe distance from open flames and sparks, but they should also be stored away from heating systems, electrical systems, and any equipment that generates heat when used.

How to Prevent Fires Related to the Unsafe Storage of Combustible Materials:

• Make sure that all materials are stored in designated areas at all times. This involves ensuring that all employees are trained to put materials away when not in use.
• Make sure heating equipment is far away from anything flammable. This includes temporary space heaters, furnace units, and anything else designed to generate heat.

4. Kitchen Fires

While you may assume that cooking fires are only a serious risk within the restaurant, catering, and other food-related industries, many businesses face fire risks from cooking equipment.

Even a small employee kitchen can be the source of a destructive and widespread fire. Even something as simple as misusing a microwave could trigger a fire!

How to Prevent Cooking and Kitchen-Related Fires:

• All kitchen areas must have well-maintained smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and even fire sprinkler systems.
• All cooking equipment, hood fans, and other exhaust systems need to be cleaned and maintained regularly.
• Employees must be trained on safe cooking practices and storing flammable materials, like cooking oil.

5. Improper Handling and Disposal of Flammable Materials

Not only does combustible material need to be stored in a safe location far away from any heat source, but it must also be appropriately handled and disposed of safely.

This is particularly true for flammable chemicals, which can produce fumes that could trigger fires.

How to Prevent Fires Linked to the Improper Handling and Disposal of Flammables:

• Follow strict safety precautions for handling and disposing of flammable materials.
• Always provide functioning ventilation in areas where chemicals are stored and used.
• Train all employees and contractors on how to handle and dispose of flammables.

General Fire Prevention Tips

Now that we have covered five of the most common causes of workplace fires and safety tips to mitigate their risks, we can quickly touch on a few general fire prevention tips you should follow.

First, ensure that your smoke detector and smoke alarms are always maintained properly. You must also do the same for fire suppression equipment, like a fire sprinkler system and fire extinguisher.

You also need to conduct regular fire prevention inspections. Developing an emergency response plan and practicing fire drills regularly can also help keep all personnel safe if a workplace fire occurs.

Finally, staying compliant with all of the relevant fire codes and fire regulations for your industry and geographic location is essential.

Final Words

It is impossible to overstate the importance of fire prevention strategies. By preventing fires from occurring, you protect the lives and well-being of your employees, customers, and any other individuals that enter your workplace or organization.

You also ensure that your property and assets remain unharmed, so your business can continue uninterrupted.

For more information about fire safety and prevention, we recommend reading What Is Fire Safety and Why Is it Important for Your Business?

Don’t Forget About the Shutgun!

While we are on the topic of fire prevention and safety, it is worth mentioning how important it is to ensure that your business is equipped with the Shutgun! The Shutgun is the world’s leading fire sprinkler shut-off tool.

Unfortunately, fire sprinkler systems can be triggered accidentally or run well beyond the time required to extinguish a fire. Water damage can be far more destructive than a small fire when this happens.

Rather than waiting for first responders to deactivate your sprinkler system, the Shutgun lets you quickly and easily shut a fire sprinkler head down.

To learn more and order your own, click below:

Get My Shutgun

Fire safety and prevention are essential no matter what type of business or organization you are running. One of the key components of fire safety is conducting fire prevention inspections at the appropriate times.

When you perform fire prevention inspections and fire safety drills at regular intervals, you reduce the likelihood of a large-scale fire, which could cause damage to property, equipment, and inventory and risk the lives of everyone inside the building.

To help you stay safe and ensure compliance with most fire safety regulations, we have provided this general outline of how to conduct fire prevention inspections.

Use this guide to conduct your own inspections and better understand what will occur if you hire fire safety professionals to inspect and audit your business or organization.

Before You Start Your Fire Prevention Inspection

Step 1 – Research Local Fire Safety Regulations

Since each industry and region has its own fire safety regulations, the first step of any fire prevention inspection is familiarizing yourself with all the relevant rules and regulations.

Understand the local, state, and national fire safety regulations for your industry and jurisdiction. Once you understand all the legal requirements for fire prevention and fire safety in your area, you can look into how often fire prevention inspections and fire safety drills need to be conducted.

The National Fire Protection Association offers a comprehensive list of NFPA Codes & Standards, a great place to start.

Once you have researched what you need to know, this information should be made available to all employees and members of your organization.

Step 2 – Planning the Inspection

Once you have researched the relevant regulations, you must develop a fire safety inspection checklist. This list should detail all areas and items you will be inspecting.

It will need to cover all aspects of fire safety, including the exterior and interior structure of the building, all electrical systems, your fire protection systems, storage areas, emergency exits, and more.

Once satisfied with your checklist, do a fire safety plan review so you can schedule the fire inspection and notify all employees and other personnel to make necessary preparations.

Components of a Fire Prevention Inspection

After researching local regulations and developing a detailed checklist that covers everything you will be inspecting, you can conduct your fire prevention inspection.

While the exact nature of these inspections will vary depending on the type of industry, building, and where you are located, the following are the main components of any basic fire prevention inspection.

Start at the Main Entrance to the Building and Proceed from There

By starting at the main entrance, you ensure that you cover all areas of the building. Once you have inspected the main entrance and foyer, you will move through the building using your checklist to ensure you cover all areas. Check for all types of fire hazards, as well as any type of violation of local fire safety regulations.

Make sure that you are inspecting every piece of equipment, as well as all inventory. You must ensure that all flammable materials are kept far away from heat sources.

Inspect the Actual Structure of the Building

You need to inspect the building itself, not just its contents.

Like the other steps, the goal is to look for potential fire hazards. Exposed wiring on the interior or exterior walls is one example of a fire hazard. You also need to ensure that all fire-rated walls are not compromised, that fire doors are not blocked, and that they shut automatically.

Assess All Electrical Systems

It is essential to check all electrical systems in the building to ensure they comply with the relevant fire safety regulations.

You also need to ensure there are no overloaded circuits, exposed wires, damaged electrical panels, or systems that are not grounded properly.

Inspect Storage Areas and Inventory Stockpiles

These areas are often overlooked, but ensuring they are separated from heat and ignition sources is vital. You also want to ensure that the floors are clear from clutter, as this can increase the fire risk and interfere with evacuation procedures if a fire does break out.

Check All Emergency Exits

All exits should be clearly marked and free from obstructions for emergency preparedness. Ensure that these exits and the pathways leading to them are functional and easy to locate.

Check Waste Disposal Procedures

Far too many fires are started due to the improper disposal of waste and recycling materials, especially when these items are combustible. If these areas are overly crowded, or unsafe practices are carried out near them, like employees smoking nearby, this needs to be identified and addressed.

Inspect Fire Safety Equipment

Not only do all smoke alarms need to be tested, but the inspection should also determine if the facility has enough fire detectors to cover the entire building interior.

Fire protection systems should also be inspected to ensure they function correctly. Fire extinguishers also need to be inspected to ensure they are in good working condition and have the correct classification for the flammable or hazardous materials in the area. It is also necessary to ensure fire extinguishers are easily reachable and identifiable.

Once the fire prevention inspection has concluded, keeping records and addressing any uncovered issues is vital. It is also essential to develop a follow-up fire safety plan and schedule routine inspections in the future.

Remember, fire safety is an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time activity. You must also continuously communicate and educate all employees on fire safety practices.

Communicate any violations or weak points that the fire prevention inspection uncovered.

Final Words

Fire prevention inspections are a critical component of workplace fire safety. Remember, prevention should always be the goal when it comes to fires. While it is essential to have procedures and equipment to react to a fire, it is much better never to have to use them.

Mitigate fire hazards and protect your property and employees from harm! To learn more about fire safety, we recommend reading Do You Need a Fire Prevention Officer for Your Building?

Maintaining Fire Safety Equipment

Speaking of fire safety equipment, it is essential to note that fire sprinkler systems are one of the most effective ways to protect your business or organization from a fire.

Unfortunately, these crucial pieces of fire safety equipment can result in water damage if they misfire or are allowed to run after a fire has been successfully extinguished.

Typically, you would have to wait for the fire department to arrive to shut off your fire protection system. During this wait, the fire sprinkler system could release up to 60 gallons of water per minute, which can cause significant water damage to the building and the equipment and inventory within it.

This is where the Shutgun can come in handy! This user-friendly, affordable tool can shut off a fire sprinkler system head in less than a minute. To learn more about the Shutgun and to order your own, click the link below:

Get My Shutgun

Fire safety training and fire prevention practices are essential for just about any type of business. Fires can be incredibly destructive to property, inventory, and equipment and can result in injuries and fatalities to employees and customers.

An uncontrolled fire can be ruinous for a business, so fires must be prevented from occurring in the first place. To help you keep your business and personnel safe, we will highlight some of the most essential and effective fire prevention tips.

By incorporating these fire safety tips into your business’s daily operations, you can help your business avoid the devastating consequences of a large-scale fire.

The Top 10 Fire Prevention Tips for Your Business

Each type of business is unique. Certain fire safety tips will be more or less relevant for your business than others, but most businesses can benefit from taking these tips seriously. Here are our top 10 fire prevention tips:

1. Ensure All Electrical Systems Are Inspected & Maintained

Faulty and damaged electrical systems often cause destructive fires in workplace environments. These systems can experience a significant degree of wear and tear over the years, as the demands placed on them are far greater than in residential settings.

Make sure they are regularly and professionally inspected and maintained. Have frayed cords and damaged wires replaced promptly and shut down the system until they are replaced. It is also vital to ensure that all electrical system vents and fans are clean and unobstructed, as this can help avoid overheating that can trigger electrical fires.

2. Make Sure All Flammable Materials Are Stored Correctly

While it may sound obvious, all flammable materials must be stored safely and away from any significant heat source. This applies to everything from flammable chemicals and combustible gasses to large paper and cardboard stocks.

Anything that could fuel a large fire should always be stored in an appropriate location. While keeping these materials near their workstations may save employees time, the potential dangers can be severe, so it is not worth the risk.

3. Inspect & Clean HVAC Systems

Like electrical systems, a faulty or poorly maintained HVAC system can trigger a fire. These systems are often coated in dust and debris, which can ignite if the buildup becomes significant enough. Filters also need to be cleaned or replaced at appropriate intervals.

Having these systems professionally cleaned and inspected by a state fire marshal, fire chief, or fire protection professional can be the difference between having them function correctly or being the cause of a devastating fire.

4. Do Not Allow Smoking in Unsafe Locations

All smoking must be limited to designated areas that are both distant and safe. This rule must be strictly enforced for employees, customers and clients, suppliers, and anyone else on the property.

All cigarettes, lighters, vaporizer pens, and other smoking accessories must also be disposed of properly. Far too many fires are caused by careless attitudes toward smoking.

5. Clean & Maintain All Kitchen Equipment

Whether you run a restaurant with a full-scale commercial kitchen or simply have a small kitchenette in the employee break room, all kitchen appliances need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Ovens, stoves, and deep fryers are all common starting points for fires in commercial and industrial buildings. 

By cleaning and maintaining this equipment, you can prevent the buildup of grease and other flammable materials that could trigger and fuel a destructive fire.

6. Follow All Fire Codes & Local Regulations

While they may seem redundant and overly precautious, adhering to all fire code regulations is another important aspect of fire prevention for all businesses.

Whether industry-specific rules or general fire regulations for all businesses in the area, these legal requirements are designed to prevent the destruction and loss of life that can occur when a fire breaks out in a business. Keep your business safe and avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.

If you are unsure if your business is in compliance with fire safety measures. To learn more, read What Is a Fire Safety Inspection & Why Is it Important?

7. Make Sure Functioning Fire Extinguishers Are Widely Available

An essential component of fire prevention is having the ability to extinguish small fires before they are allowed to spread. Fire extinguishers are among the most effective ways to contain and extinguish small fires.

Ensure that you use the appropriate classification of fire extinguishers for the materials and equipment stored and used within your business. You also need to take the time to train all employees on safe and effective use of fire extinguishers.

Finally, always make sure that your fire extinguishers are regularly inspected and located in easily accessible areas throughout your entire business!

For more information, read Different Fire Extinguisher Types & Which One You Need.

8. Install & Maintain Smoke Detectors Throughout Your Business

Working smoke alarm detectors and fire alarm systems appropriately distributed throughout your business are essential for fire prevention. These sensitive devices are essential for providing all building occupants with enough warning to evacuate safely, and they can also help you put out small fires before they have time to spread.

Not only must your business be properly protected with smoke alarms and fire alarm systems, but these fire protection systems need to be tested and maintained at regular intervals.

9. Educate & Train All Employees on Fire Prevention Strategies

All employees should have basic fire prevention training regardless of their role within the company. This includes properly using a fire extinguisher, storing flammable items, knowing the fire escape plan including the best escape route, and reporting a fire hazard. Regular fire drills and meetings about fire safety protocols can support these training sessions.

10. Install & Maintain a Fire Suppression System

If your business lacks an existing fire suppression system, you should invest in one.

These overhead fire sprinkler systems detect the rising temperatures that indicate a fire. They automatically eject high volumes of water, which snuffs out the flames and prevents them from spreading. Not only do you need to ensure your fire sprinkler system covers your entire business, but you also need to ensure it is well maintained.

Understand the Risks Associated with Water Damage

While a fire suppression system is an incredibly important fire prevention measure for any business, even the best fire sprinkler systems can misfire or run after the fire has been successfully put out.

Since most systems need to be shut off by a member of the fire department or another fire official, the water damage they create can be incredibly costly.

This is where a fire sprinkler shut-off tool comes in handy. The Shutgun is an affordable and easy-to-use tool that can allow maintenance staff and other personnel to quickly and effectively shut off the flow of water from a sprinkler that has misfired or no longer needs to run.

To learn more about the Shutgun, simply click the link below:

Protect My Building with the Shutgun

When most people think of overhead hotel costs, they rarely consider how expensive water damage can be. While a burst pipe or a tap left running by a forgetful hotel guest can contribute to these costs, overhead fire sprinkler systems that misfire or run longer than they need to can be incredibly destructive.

In high-rise hotel buildings, the amount of water damage a fire sprinkler system can cause can cost the hotel hundreds of thousands of dollars.

While repairs and replacing furniture can be incredibly costly, the lost revenue due to forced cancellations and unplanned downtime can be so expensive that the hotel may struggle to recover.

To help you understand the financial risks of hotel water damage, we will explain how much it can cost and what you can do to mitigate the risk.

How Expensive Is Water Damage for Hotels?

Unfortunately, there is no way to point to a specific dollar amount for hotel water damage. This is because the cost can vary greatly depending on the amount of damage the water caused, the size and location of the hotel, and how upscale the hotel is.

According to industry estimates, the average cost of repairing significant water damage in a hotel ranges between several thousand to several hundred thousand dollars.

Sprinkler systems that have misfired and run for too long are among the leading causes of large-scale water damage in hotels, especially within high-rise hotels.

Why Is Water Damage So Expensive for Hotels?

As you may expect, the repairs and cleanup are the most expensive aspect of any water damage in a hotel. Pooled water can penetrate the walls, floors, and even the ceilings, damaging everything from electrical systems to furniture and carpets.

If the water is not cleaned up quickly and professionally, more long-term issues can develop from the remaining moisture, threatening the hotel’s sustainability, such as mold and mildew.

Not only is the actual cleanup and repair process expensive, but it can also be incredibly time-consuming. When rooms, or even entire floors, are closed due to water damage, the hotel can lose large amounts of revenue.

This financial cost can be catastrophic if the water damage impacts the entire hotel. Not only can water damage force a hotel property to lose revenue due to closing off bookings and canceling reservations, but larger hotels can also lose out on revenue that would otherwise be generated by the hotel’s restaurant and conference rooms.

Basically, the hotel cannot function to its full potential if it cannot operate at full capacity while the water damage is being addressed.

What About the Hotel’s Reputation?

One of the more overlooked consequences of severe water damage in a hotel is the damage it can do to the hotel’s reputation amongst existing and prospective guests. If the hotel is forced to cancel reservations due to water damage cleanup efforts, the hotel’s reputation with these unsatisfied customers will be damaged.

Not only can the closure cost the hotel thousands in lost revenue opportunities and refunds, but the negative impression caused by the situation would also almost certainly damage the hotel’s reputation and prestige.

Negative reviews from angry guests impacted directly or indirectly by the water damage issue can quickly sink a hotel’s status.

What if the Hotel’s Insurance Provider Covers the Damage?

While most hotels have insurance policies providing water damage coverage, these payouts can take time and rarely cover lost revenue and reputational damages. This type of coverage will likely cover the repairs rather than the indirect costs associated with the water damage.

It is also worth noting that most insurance policies will not fully cover the costs of cleanup, repairs, and replacements of unsalvageable items.

Instead, the hotel will be forced to absorb some of these costs as part of its annual operating expenses. This can force the hotel to raise prices and cut back on included services, which, again, can damage the hotel’s appeal to prospective customers.

Can Hotels Go Out of Business as a Result of Water Damage?

Unfortunately, some hotels are forced to go out of business permanently as a result of a large-scale water leak or misfired sprinkler system. Without proper insurance coverage, the costs can be tremendous.

Even with insurance, there are no guarantees about how quickly the damages can be rectified. Water damage specialists can be in high demand, especially in the more populated areas where hotels are often found. Due to high demand, their availability is limited, and their labor and material costs are much higher.

Where other types of businesses can transition to online sales or even have a short-term move to a rented space, hotels face a unique challenge. The building is the business, so while it is closed due to cleanup and repair efforts, the business cannot generate any income. Given enough time, the hotel simply cannot recover.

How Can Hotels Reduce the Risk of Water Damage?

Given the financial and practical consequences of water damage for hotels, it is well worth taking every precaution to reduce the risk. The following are just some of the ways hotels can protect themselves:

1. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Having all plumbing, HVAC, and fire sprinkler systems professionally maintained and inspected reduces the risk of water damage.

2. Invest in Water-Resistant Materials and Furnishings

In the unfortunate event of significant water leaks, the damages can be limited by using high-quality materials and furnishings that offer some degree of water resistance. Water-resistant drywall, carpets, and room furnishings can go a long way.

3. Have Water Damage Insurance Coverage

Given how expensive water damage can be, it is always worth acquiring full coverage for any hotel. Look into your existing policy and update it if you are not covered. You can also read our guide for more information – What Type of Water Damage Insurance Coverage Do You Need?

4. Having Emergency Water Shut-Off Capabilities

All plumbing fixtures inside and outside rooms should have easily accessible shut-off valves. This can significantly reduce the damages that a leak could cause.

Fire sprinkler systems often need to be shut off manually by the fire department, even when they misfire. Even if a fire sprinkler system successfully puts out a fire within the hotel, the resulting water damage can also be very expensive.

Fortunately, a simple sprinkler shut-off tool can give maintenance personnel the ability to deactivate a fire sprinkler in seconds. This tool is called the Shutgun, and it is effective, affordable, and extremely easy to use.

Prevent Hotel Water Damage with the Shutgun

Rather than wait 20 minutes while fire sprinklers rain down hundreds of gallons of water every minute, invest in a simple fire sprinkler head shut-off tool that could potentially save your hotel thousands upon thousands of dollars.

To learn more about the Shutgun and order this critical tool for your hotel’s maintenance personnel, simply click the link below:

Get My Shutgun

While fire sprinkler systems are common in all commercial and public buildings, they are far less common in residential homes. Given how effective fire sprinkler systems are at saving lives and protecting property, you might wonder why they are rarely code-mandated for houses and small apartment buildings.

The truth is residential fire sprinkler systems are becoming more common in residential buildings, especially in newly built homes, condominiums, and apartments.

If you are one of the many homeowners considering installing one of these life-saving and property-protecting investments in your home, we are here to explain how they work!

Not only will we explain how home fire sprinkler systems work, but we will also go over why installing one can be one of the most important decisions you ever make.

Why Install a Residential Fire Sprinkler System?

Fire sprinkler systems are often legal requirements in commercial buildings and most large-scale public buildings, like schools, recreation centers, and government offices.

Considering that modern fire sprinkler systems have been shown to reduce deaths and property damage by more than 65 percent, it makes sense that most building codes would require them.

So, Why Aren’t Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Standard?

Given the effectiveness of these fire sprinkler systems, the question remains, why are they less common in residential buildings? Real estate developers and home builders have been the most vocal opponents to the widespread installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in houses and other residential buildings.

Most claim that installing a fire protection system would drive up the price of new homes, so it should be a personal choice made by the homeowner. There is also the argument that installing these systems would be time-consuming and delay the completion of much-needed homes.

Since fire sprinkler systems can cause significant property damage if they are accidentally activated, there is also the argument that it should be up to the homeowner if they want to take on that risk.

Why Should You Install One in Your Home?

The arguments for a residential fire sprinkler system are the same as those for a commercial version of these fire suppression systems. They can save your home from burning down and save lives if a house fire starts while the homeowners are sleeping.

Certain regions are even introducing legislation and building codes that demand home fire sprinkler systems in newly constructed homes and remodels.

How Do Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?

Now that you understand the arguments for and against residential fire sprinklers, we can explain in a step-by-step way how they work.

Phase 1 – The Fire Sprinklers Detect Abnormal Heat

While many believe that smoke triggers fire sprinkler systems, it is actually the heat that does. Most sprinkler systems use a glass bulb filled with a highly expandable glycerin-based liquid. When the liquid comes in contact with heated air, it expands and shatters the glass. This triggers the sprinkler to release water.

If you have ever burnt food in your kitchen, you know how easy it is to trigger a smoke alarm accidentally. While this can be annoying, it is more of an inconvenience than an issue that would have severe consequences. Since a misfiring home sprinkler system could destroy your property and cause severe water damage, they must use heat rather than smoke as the trigger.

Phase 2 – The Fire Sprinkler Activates

Once the sprinkler trigger mechanism has detected air temperatures from 135° F to 165° F, the sprinklers begin releasing water. The water is supplied by a reliable source outside of the building, so damage caused by the fire will not deactivate the home fire sprinklers, especially during this early stage of the fire.

A valve is forced open when activated, releasing pressurized water from the sprinkler head. Since the water is pressurized, it sprays outwards from the automatic fire sprinkler heads in all directions, allowing it to extinguish flames anywhere in the room.

Phase 3 – The Fire Sprinkler Continues to Operate Until it Is Deactivated

Another common misconception about fire sprinkler systems is that every individual sprinkler activates simultaneously. While you can set up sprinkler systems this way, the residential sprinklers almost always operate separately. This helps prevent unnecessary water damage; however, water damage can still be a very serious concern.

In most cases, the activated residential sprinklers continue to eject water until they are manually shut off. Ideally, the home fire sprinklers will douse the flames and fully extinguish them. From there, they will need to be shut off by the property owner or a member of the fire department.

What About Water Damage Caused by Fire Sprinklers?

Unfortunately, installing a fire sprinkler system in your home is not a risk-free safety measure. While they can certainly be effective at smothering flames, a misfiring fire sprinkler can result in significant water damage to your home.

A fire sprinkler malfunction can cause water damage, and a fire sprinkler that continues to run even after it has successfully doused the flames in your home can cause significant water damage to your home and its contents.

Given that the average fire sprinkler ejects around 60 gallons of water per minute, you can imagine how much damage that water can do to a home if the sprinkler is accidentally activated or it continues to release water beyond the time required to extinguish a small fire within your home.

Most fire sprinkler systems are relatively complicated to shut off. Deactivation is usually left up to the fire department, so accidental sprinkler activation can be costly.

Are There Any Ways to Prevent Water Damage Caused by Fire Sprinklers?

Fortunately, there is a solution to the excessive water damage caused by a fire sprinkler system!

The Shutgun is a quick and effective emergency fire sprinkler shut-off tool. This small but indispensable tool is designed to shut down an activated fire sprinkler quickly. Whether the fire sprinkler has misfired or the fire has been extinguished and the system continues to eject unnecessary water, you can safely shut off the activated sprinkler by hand.

You can keep this handheld tool near your fire extinguisher so it is easily accessible and in a familiar location. Given that the Shutgun works instantaneously and an activated fire sprinkler can release an incredible amount of water in just a minute, this affordable and convenient fire safety tool could save you thousands of dollars in water damage.

How to Order the Shutgun

More than 50,000 Shutguns have been sold to date, and they are used in both commercial and residential settings where a fire sprinkler system has been installed. If you would like to order the world’s leading sprinkler shut-off tool, you can visit the Shutgun website by clicking the following link: Get Your Shutgun.

As you may already know, different types of fires need to be extinguished in different ways. This is why firefighters and fire experts use a classification system to identify different fires so that they can be put out more effectively.

The classification system used to differentiate fires is determined by the fire’s primary fuel source. Each type of fire then corresponds to a specific type of extinguishing agent. This is where different types of fire extinguishers, like the Class D fire extinguisher, come into play.

If you run a business or manage an industrial facility, you should familiarize yourself with the different types of fire extinguishers, as this knowledge could save lives and untold amounts of property damage. We have provided this straightforward guide to Class D fire extinguishers.

We will explain what they are, how they work, and what types of locations require them. From there, we will even provide a brief overview of the other types of fire extinguishers and other tools you can use to protect your business from fire damage.

What Is a Class D Fire?

A Class D fire is a type of fire that involves combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and others. Unfortunately, fires that are fueled by combustible metals are challenging to put out.

Types of Metals that Can Fuel Type D Fires

While most metals are not combustible or flammable, the following can all fuel Class D fires:

• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Sodium-potassium alloys
• Zirconium
• Lithium
• Titanium

Certain types of plastics contain small fragments of combustible metals, so fires fueled by these plastics are also considered Class D fires.

What Is a Class D Fire Extinguisher?

As you may suspect, Class D fire extinguishers are designed to put out Class D fires. Class D fire extinguishers are the only safe option for putting out Class D fires, as other types of fire extinguishers can be completely ineffective.

Certain fire extinguishers can do more damage than good if used on a Class D fire, as the extinguishing agents within them can react with a combustible metal fire. Not only can this add to the severity of the fire by spreading the flames, but it can also further reduce air quality for those attempting to put the fire out.

Water can also react to flammable and combustible metals in a negative way. Simply spraying a Class D fire with water could increase the heat generated by the fire and spread molten metal to other areas.

Since Class D fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish, facilities with abundant combustible metals should have numerous Class D fire extinguishers distributed in easy-to-reach locations.

How Do Class D Fire Extinguishers Work?

Class D fire extinguishers work the same way as other types of fire extinguishers, but they use unique extinguishing agents. Like any type of fire extinguisher, a Class D fire extinguisher puts out a fire by smothering the flames and preventing oxygen from fueling the fire.

The extinguishing agent in Class D fire extinguishers also helps to absorb some of the heat from the metal fire, which can quickly reduce the intensity of the fire.

Class D fire extinguishers achieve this by using a unique type of dry powder, a blend of powdered graphite, granular sodium chloride, and fragments of copper. When sprayed on top of a Class D fire, these powder extinguishers form a barrier between the ignited metal and the oxygen surrounding it. This can put the fire out almost immediately.

Where Are Class D Fire Extinguishers Required?

Since Class D fires can only be safely extinguished with a Class D fire extinguisher, they are required in any facility that houses or works with the combustible metals and plastics highlighted above.

Therefore, these dry powder Class D extinguishers should be in various industrial facilities, manufacturing factories, laboratories, and warehouses. There is an even higher risk of a Class D fire breaking out if the metals mentioned above are cut and shaved in a facility, as the smaller pieces and metal dusts are much easier to ignite.

Not only can these unique types of fires cause significant damage to a structure and everything stored within it, but they can also pose a serious risk of injury and death.

This is especially true if those within the facility need access to working Class D powder fire extinguishers. All personnel spending a significant amount of time around these materials should also have proper training on using a Class D powder fire extinguisher.

For a basic understanding of how to operate a fire extinguisher, we recommend reading How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Properly.

What Are Other Types of Fires and Fire Extinguishers?

Including Class D fires, there are five main categories of fires and fire extinguishers. If you are unsure which of the following you need, we recommend reading Different Fire Extinguisher Types & Which One You Need.

Class A Fires

These fires involve ordinary combustible materials, like wood and paper. They can be put out with a basic Class A fire extinguisher or foam fire extinguisher.

Class B Fires

Class B fires are fueled by flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil-based paints, alcohol, and even some types of flammable gas. Some Class B fire extinguishers are foam fire extinguishers, but most use a dry powder, like ammonium phosphate.

Class C Fires

These fires involve energized electrical equipment, so they are very tricky. Since water and most other types of liquid will only make an electrical fire worse, Class C fire extinguishers use a non-conductive extinguishing agent that smothers the fire without increasing the chances of electrical shock for the user.

Class K Fires

Class K fires are those involving cooking oils and fats, usually within a cooking appliance. Class K extinguishers are typically found in large-scale kitchens. They use a soapy foam that smothers the fire and helps to cool the appliance.

Other Classes to Know

In Australia and Europe, there are some minor differences in fire classes. In Europe, electrical fires are Class K; in Australia, electrical fires are Class E. In the UK, a fire involving cooking oils and fats is a Class F fire.

Other Important Fire Safety Tools

Fire sprinkler systems are also critical for fire safety, as they can automatically detect a fire and smother it before it has a chance to create too much damage.

If you want to know more about these systems, we recommend reading Different Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads.

While we are on the topic of fire sprinkler systems, we also recommend taking a look at the Shutgun. This affordable and straightforward tool can allow users to deactivate a misfiring sprinkler head quickly so it does not have the opportunity to cause significant water damage. Given that fire sprinklers cause an average of $35,000 in water damage, the Shutgun is a wise investment.

To learn more about the Shutgun and place an order for your own, we recommend visiting the Shutgun information page.