Common Fire Safety Myths Debunked

Nowhere is misinformation more dangerous than when it comes to fire safety. Myths, misconceptions and general misunderstandings surrounding fire can lead to injury and even fatalities. That’s why it’s so important to ensure only correct information is shared within your organisation. 

This month, at Fire Safety Equipment, we wanted to debunk some of the most common fire safety myths, helping you to understand the truth behind them so that you can better guard against the risks.

Myth 1: Fires are easily controllable and move slowly.

Contrary to what most people think, fires can spread incredibly quickly. Even a small fire can spread so rapidly that it engulfs an entire room in less than a few minutes or an entire building in less than ten minutes. For this reason, swift action is needed when you discover a fire. You should immediately call the fire services, evacuate the building and avoid tackling the flames yourself unless it is small enough and you have the right training and fire safety equipment.

Myth 2: Smoke detectors are sufficient for fire safety.

Although smoke detectors form part of your overall fire safety equipment, you should not rely on them alone. While they can provide an early warning when detecting a fire, they aren’t able to extinguish the fire itself. Fire safety for any business requires an approach tailored to its unique risks via a variety of equipment, including the provision of fire blankets, fire signs, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, hose reels and more, where applicable.

Myth 3: All fire extinguishers work on all types of fires.

It’s easy to understand why some people might think all fire extinguishers can be used on any fire type, since they’re all a similar shape. However, this is a dangerous misconception that can make a situation worse. Since different extinguishers have been designed to safely put out fires in specific situations, it’s important to understand which is most useful for your premises. For example, a water-based extinguisher should not be used on an electrical fire, as it can create the additional hazard of electrocution.

Myth 4: If a door handle is not hot, the room on the other side is safe.

Another common myth people tend to believe is that there’s no fire on the other side of a door if the handle isn’t hot. While this stems from the fact that a hot door handle indicates a fire, the lack of heat on the handle isn’t a green light to enter, since there could be something protecting the handle from heating up. Instead, check the temperature of the door itself using the back of your hand before deciding whether to enter.

Myth 5: You can outrun a fire.

Outrunning a fire not only requires you to avoid the flames, but the smoke as well. This is the part that is more difficult to escape, since smoke fills rooms and buildings quickly. Smoke inhalation can lead to losing consciousness, which puts people in huge danger. When trying to escape a fire, it’s important to stay low to avoid the smoke, making your way out of the building via designated exit routes.

Myth 6: The fire brigade will arrive in time to save your property.

Fire and rescue services always respond as quickly as possible, but they can’t be in all places at all times. They generally have to drive to reach emergencies, which can see them held up by traffic, even in rural areas. This delay means that early detection and warnings are vital to save lives. Fire alarms, fire doors and fire extinguishers should all be in place to help protect people and minimise damage where possible.

Fire safety is of paramount importance to all businesses and commercial premises. Myths and misinformation can put people’s lives in danger, as can a lack of insight and education. Make sure you know the facts about fire with fire safety training, and equip your workplace with all the right extinguishers and accessories to keep people and property safe. You can find more information to help protect your business in our help and advice centre.

Order your essential fire safety equipment from us online today for fast, free delivery in the UK and equipment you can rely on in an emergency.