Fire Extinguisher Signs
Fire Extinguisher Signs
The OSHA Fire Protection regulation, 1910.157 states that “The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury.” In addition “Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided for employee use and selected and distributed based on the classes of anticipated workplace fires and on the size and degree of hazard which would affect their use.
There are three different letter codes, one for each type of fire extinguisher that is used for proper identification and thus proper use. Symbol “A” rated extinguishers are used for fires created by paper, wood and trash. A label posted on the extinguisher would have a picture of a burning trash can and a picture of wood burning. The letter A is also displayed inside a triangle on the label. Symbol “B” rated extinguishers are used for putting out fires caused by flammable liquids, such as from paint or gasoline. A label posted on the extinguisher would have a picture of a gasoline type can being pouring its liquid over a fire. The letter B posted inside of a square box is also displayed on the label. Symbol “C” rated extinguishers are used for putting out fires caused by electrical equipment, such as in a short circuit or an overloaded circuit. A label posted on the extinguisher would show a plug and receptacle with a fire raging in the background. The letter C placed within a circle is also displayed on the label. With this type of labeling system, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Fire extinguisher signs are also part of an effective fire prevention program. These signs are placed adjacent to the fire extinguishers. They display a picture of an extinguisher, the specific letter code and also what the extinguisher is used for. Thus there is no doubt in determining the right type of extinguisher required either for prevention or for an actual fire emergency. Aside for the signs for fire the individual fire codes, there are also related Fire Fighting and Prevention Signs such as FIRE HOSE, which includes a symbol of a fire hose and a directional arrow pointing directly to the hose. The same applies for WATER sign which includes a picture of water can and a directional arrow. A FIRE ALARM sign includes a photo of a person pushing a button on an alarm. Once again, these pictures make it very easy for everyone to understand what the Fire sign stands for.
Fire extinguisher and related fire prevention and safety signs are made of heavy-duty plastic or aluminum that will withstand high temperatures. They are available in “Glow in the Dark”, reflective and fluorescent where and when suited.