GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – the Directorate of Public Works in cooperation with the Department of Emergency Services currently offer a fire extinguisher exchange service. Within this service all unit fire wardens within the United States Army Garrison Bavaria installation can exchange their building fire extinguishers free of cost until Nov. 30.

Fire extinguishers play a vital role in any fire protection plan in every environment. They are a first response to fire and can help prevent catastrophic damage to property and even loss of life. According to USAG Bavaria Assistant Fire Chief Sebastian Baier fire extinguishers put out more workplace fires than the Fire and Rescue Service. “Several disasters in the USAG Bavaria footprint have already been eliminated by fire extinguishers this year,” said Baier.

Fire extinguishers are life protectors, damage reducers and safety maximizers. However during their life cycle they are exposed to various external factors that can influence and reduce their functionality. During the years the inside powder can get solid and clotted and prevent necessary action during an emergency. Additionally, humidity can assault the rubber seals leading to pressure exhaust. To ensure they are ready when needed fire extinguishers need to be checked and exchanged on a regular basis.

Since fire extinguishers fall under subject of personal property the building, fire wardens are responsible for accurateness and functionality of fire extinguishers. While the exchange of fire extinguishers normally comes with a cost, unit fire wardens can now exchange their 6kg ABC dry powder fire extinguishers charge-free using the service offered by DPW and DES. Any outdated fire extinguishers can be exchanged at the following locations and times through Nov. 30:

TUESDAYS: 09:00 a.m. - 3:00 p. m. and

WEDNESDAYS: 09.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

THURSDAYS: 09:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

August 22: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

August 29: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., DPW Parking lot, Bldg. 266

September 06: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., DPW Parking lot, Bldg. 266

For the safety of you and your coworkers USAG Bavaria asks you to use this service and exchange your fire extinguisher as soon as possible.

For more information regarding this topic check out the FAQ’s listed below:

·       Q: How should I behave in a situation where I would need a fire extinguisher?

A1: Only fight a fire if:

- You are familiar on how to handle a fire extinguisher

- The fire is small and contained or in the incipient stage of fire

- You are safe from toxic smoke

- You have a means of escape

- Your instincts tell you it's OK

A2: If the above applies to you you are good to use PASS:

P - Pull the pin

A - Aim the nozzle

S - Squeeze the levers

S - Sweep from side-to-side

·       Q: Are there classes to learn how to use a fire extinguisher?

A: The USAG Bavaria Fire department provides classes for the community every year from April till October. The next classes are offered during Fire Prevention Week from October 9-15.

For further information get in contact with your local fire prevention office.

·       Q: When do I need to exchange fire extinguishers?

A: Based on binding U.S. and German ordinance

s and applicable regulations fire extinguishers shall be observed:

Preventive Maintenance shall be conducted per annual US specifications NFPA 10 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (Edition 2008); appliance safety law paragraph 3 ff and US Army regulation AR-420-1.

Technical Safety Inspection and maintenance shall be conducted every two years per German BetrSichV (Industrial Safety Act), DIN 14406-part 4, European DIN EN 3 and German Arbeitsschutzgesetz (health and safety at work act) and its guilty workplaces ordinances (§ 4 Abs. 3 ArbStättV).

6kg ABC powder fire extinguisher shall be exchanged into a new one per direction of USAG BAV DES.

With each service an inspection plate will be issued.