Fire Hose Reels and Extinguishers
Fire hose reels and extinguishers are the first line of defence and their correct use can significantly reduce the damage caused by a fire.

Do You Need Fire Extinguishers or Fire Hose Reels
We would recommend the installation of fire extinguishers or fire hose reels in most commercial, industrial and public buildings as they can be used by the occupants as a first response to a small developing fire.

Do You Need Training?
It is critical that your staff are trained in the correct use of fire extinguishers and fire hose reels to ensure that they use them effectively and without placing themselves at risk. It is also a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety and the Fire Safety and Evacuation of Buildings Regulations that your staff are trained.

Maintenance and Inspection
It is important, and a requirement of NZS4503, that fire extinguishers and fire hosereels are inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good working order when they are needed.

Argus Fire Protection are able to offer a maintenance and testing program to care for your fire extinguishers, fire hosereels and other fire protection systems to ensure that they are in good working order and that they are maintained in compliance with the relevant regulations, codes and standards.

Using Fire Hose Reels

1. Ensure that you have a clear egress between you and the nearest exit door.
2. Turn on the stop valve.
3. Run out the length of hose as required.
4. Turn on the water at the nozzle and direct the stream at the base of the fire.

Using Fire Extinguishers

1. Ensure that you have the correct type of extinguisher (see the chart below).
2. Ensure that you have a clear egress between you and the nearest exit door.
3. Pull the pin and test the extinguisher before approaching the fire.
4. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
5. Squeeze the operating handle to operate the extinguisher.
6. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cover the entire base of the fire.

What Type of Extinguisher Do You Need?

Type of Extinguisher		Class / Type of Fire					Notes
		A	B	C	E	F
		Wood Paper & Plastics	Flammable Liquids	Flammable Gases	Energised Electrical Equipment	Cooking Oils & Fats
Water							Dangerous if used on flammable liquid, energised electrical equipment and cooking oil/fat fires.
Wet Chemical							Dangerous if used on energised electrical equipment.
Foam						LIMITED	Dangerous if used on energised electrical equipment.
ABE Powder							Look carefully at the extinguisher to determine if it is a BE or ABE unit as the capability is different.
BE Powder						LIMITED	Look carefully at the extinguisher to determine if it is a BE or ABE unit as the capability is different.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)		LIMITED	LIMITED	LIMITED		LIMITED	Generally suitable for outdoor use
	The extinguishing agent is most suitable for this type of fire.
	The extinguishing agent is suitable for this type of fire.
LIMITED	The extinguishing agent is not the agent of choice for this type of fire, but may have limited extinguishing capability.
	The extinguishing agent is not suitable for this type of fire.
Note:	For Class D fires (fires involving flammable metals) use only special purpose extinguishers and seek expert advice.