Month: July 2023

Partner with WSFP for All Your Fire Extinguisher Needs

Depending on the market and the need, Western States Fire Protection will provide fire extinguisher sales and services to our customers. (We do not sell individual fire extinguishers for one-time use in your home.)

Fire extinguishers are an essential part of fire safety for both homes and businesses. When it comes to purchasing a fire extinguisher, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Fire extinguisher categories: Numerous fire extinguisher categories exist, like ABC extinguishers, which are appropriate for most fire incidents, or specialized variants like CO2 extinguishers specifically designed for electrical fires. It’s important to choose the right type based on the potential fire risks in your environment.
• Size and capacity: Fire extinguishers come in various sizes, typically measured in pounds or kilograms. The size you choose will depend on the size of the area you need to protect. Larger spaces may require multiple extinguishers or larger-capacity ones.
• Certification and compliance: Ensure that the fire extinguisher you purchase meets the necessary certifications and standards. Look for a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) label to ensure the extinguisher has been tested and approved.
• Maintenance and servicing: Regular maintenance and servicing are crucial to ensure the fire extinguisher remains in proper working condition. This includes periodic inspections, recharge, and hydrostatic testing. It’s important to establish a schedule for these services to ensure the extinguisher is always ready to use in case of an emergency.

Partner with WSFP to Determine Your Extinguisher Needs

When purchasing a fire extinguisher, it is recommended to consult with a reputable fire safety company or supplier. Western States Fire Protection provides guidance to businesses and new construction on the appropriate type and size of extinguisher for your needs and will help with installation and maintenance.

Remember, having a fire extinguisher is not enough; it’s equally important to educate yourself and others on how to use it correctly. Familiarize yourself with the operating instructions and train your employees on fire safety protocols.

Fire Extinguisher Ongoing Services

Like all other forms of life safety systems and devices, fire extinguishers need to be inspected and serviced or recharged regularly. Western States Fire Protection provides services as needed to keep your extinguishers in the ready.

Fire extinguisher inspections and recharge services are a must for any business owner. There will be requirements you need to meet for your insurance, state and local regulations, and industry standards.

Fire Extinguisher Inspections

Fire extinguisher inspections are an essential part of ensuring the safety of your business.

Western States Fire Protection will inspect your fire extinguishers to check if they are working properly and meet safety standards. The inspection will be thorough and will determine the condition of the extinguishers.

The inspection process typically involves:

• Visual Inspection: checking for any physical damage or wear and tear on the extinguisher, verifying that the pressure gauge is within the acceptable range, and ensuring that the safety pin and tamper seal are intact. We will also inspect the hose, nozzle, and handle for any signs of damage or blockage.
• In addition to the visual inspection, the fire extinguisher may also be tested to ensure that it discharges properly and effectively. This may involve emptying and refilling the extinguisher with a non-hazardous substance to simulate a real fire scenario.
• Regular fire extinguisher inspections are important to catch any potential issues early on and ensure that your extinguishers are ready to be used in case of an emergency. It is recommended to have inspections conducted annually or more frequently depending on your specific industry regulations.

What is a Fire Extinguisher Recharge Service?

• A fire extinguisher recharge service is a procedure that involves inspecting, refilling, and replacing parts of a fire extinguisher.
• The service is typically done by a professional fire protection company with experience in fire safety and fire extinguishers.
• Recharging a fire extinguisher is necessary to ensure it is working properly and will be able to be used in case of an emergency.

Benefits of Recharging Your Fire Extinguisher

• Recharging a fire extinguisher ensures it is functioning correctly and is ready for use in the event of an emergency.
• It helps to keep your fire extinguisher compliant with fire safety regulations.
• It can help to extend the life of the fire extinguisher and reduce the need for expensive replacements.

Partner with WSFP for Your Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service Needs

Having a presence in more than 40 places throughout the Western region of the United States, and a network of affiliated businesses nationwide, we are fully equipped to cater to all your fire protection and extinguisher needs across the country.

Contact WSFP today to get started.

In a groundbreaking move to strengthen the state’s workforce and address the pressing employment needs in key industries, Governor Polis signed House Bill 23-1246 into law, allocating $38.6 million from the state’s general fund to support tuition, fees, course materials, and related expenses for all 19 of Colorado’s community and technical colleges. This transformative initiative, set to go into effect this August, aims to cover the cost of education for numerous in-demand jobs that require only an associate degree, while also providing avenues for students pursuing four-year degrees, such as in education and nursing, through Colorado Mesa University. The targeted fields receiving crucial state funding include Construction, Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Forestry, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting.

Career Advancement Made Accessible

To capitalize on this opportunity, aspiring students must first apply for federal or state financial aid. Once the aid amount is determined, the state’s general fund will cover the remaining expenses. Notably, even if financial aid doesn’t cover any costs, the designated budget for this program will ensure that all expenses are fully supported. Although housing, transportation, and food expenses are not guaranteed to be covered, the bill does include provisions to allocate unexpended resources to support select students in these areas. If you are seeking more information pertaining to this program and would like to sign up, visit the Career Advance Colorado page.

Empowering Fire Protection Careers

Now, what does this mean for the fire protection and life safety industry? Well, Career Advance Colorado presents a remarkable opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing careers in fire protection. While the program covers a range of in-demand jobs, it is particularly well-suited for positions such as Inspectors, Project Managers, Designers, and Alarm & Detection Technicians within the industry. For those aspiring to become Fire Sprinkler Fitters, specialized unions already offer a comprehensive training program. These unions provide an apprenticeship that spans five years, with all education costs fully covered, excluding tests. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, participants will receive a trades journeyman degree. If you find this path intriguing, visit the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) website for further information on how to embark on a rewarding journey as a Local 669 Sprinkler Fitter.

The bill’s focus on providing educational support for construction and firefighting holds immense promise for the fire protection industry. The construction and contractor trades have faced a decline in applicants, coupled with an aging workforce nearing retirement. However, the recently published Colorado Talent Pipeline Report predicts a substantial increase of up to 20% in the construction industry over the next decade. This surge in construction employment demands needs to be met with swift action to keep the industry sustained. With the educational assistance offered through Career Advance Colorado, young minds can now explore trade opportunities that were previously less accessible. The program’s emphasis on associate degree paths, requiring only two years of commitment, offers a quicker route to the fire protection industry, boosting our workforce sooner rather than later.

Joining a Fire Protection Industry Leader

Western States Fire Protection, a leading player in the industry, is dedicated to nurturing a work culture that aligns well with the values of the younger generations. Striving to maintain an ideal work-life balance and recognizing the contributions of their employees, the company provides attractive benefits, including insurance coverage, 8 paid holidays, three weeks of paid time off for new employees, leadership development, and opportunities for career advancement.

Regardless of whether you possess an associate degree or already have a post-high school education, Western States Fire Protection offers a range of exciting job opportunities for hardworking individuals. If you are enthusiastic about joining a company that prioritizes growth, community, and innovation, explore our careers page and apply today!