June 30, 2003—A new video by the UKs Building Research Establishment (BRE) demonstrates how to safely handle small office fires using water fire extinguishers and, in the case of electrical fires, carbon dioxide extinguishers.
The video entitled, “It happens every day—how to use fire extinguishers in your office,” was filmed in a demonstration office built in the UKs BRE Fire Division’s Burn Hall.
It follows the experiences of two trainees in dealing with re-created, but real, fire situations. After demonstrations by an expert, they are taken through the following key steps to enable them to successfully and safely dealing with a small fire in an office:
- where to place the extinguisher
- what to consider with regards to their own safety
- which extinguisher to use and why
- how to test and use the extinguisher safely and efficiently.
The video provides further guidance including raising the alarm and calling the fire brigade, locating escape routes out of the building and learning where the nearest fire extinguishers are to be found.
Fire extinguishers are estimated to save the UK economy over 500m and prevent some 24 deaths and 1,629 injuries a year, according to a survey by the Fire Extinguishing Trades Association and the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association.
The video is available from the BRE Bookshop.
