A program focused on health and safety while operating in a new business environment.

Turning rental staff into rental professionals.

ARA Insurance is the leading insurer of American Rental Association members. Because rental is our only business, we have a stake in your success.

ARA offers many opportunities to network and learn from your peers

ARA supports the equipment and event rental community through initiatives that serve the industry.

With ARA Rentalytics, ARA members can access macroeconomic data and information about what's happening with revenue and drivers of rental revenue.

Each issue is packed with information, including risk management advice, store profiles, business management stories, products and much more.

A fire needs three ingredients to start: Heat, fuel and oxygen. This is known as the fire triangle and removing just one of these ends a fire. While this equation may seem simple, fire hazards exist at all times. This is why preventing fires is critical and being prepared in case one starts is crucial to saving property.

In the U.S. in 2020, fires caused an estimated $21.9 billion in property damage and fire departments responded to a fire every 23 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These fires range from homes and structures to natural wildfires, but they all have three things in common: Heat, fuel and oxygen.

Fire classes. Fires are categorized into four classes — A, B, C and D — depending on what catches fire and what can be used to extinguish it. Materials that can cause each class of fire are routinely found in the equipment and event rental industry.

Class A: Includes ordinary solid combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth and brush. These fires can be extinguished by using water.

Class B: Includes flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline nd grease. Class B fires can be extinguished by smothering, such as putting a lid over a container to remove the oxygen from around the fire.

Class C: Includes circuits and electrical equipment. Any liquids that conduct electricity will make these fires worse. A fire extinguisher rated for Class C fires is the best option to put these out.

Class D: Metallic substances are commonly found in Class D fires. This includes magnesium found on vehicle parts and components. Fires in this class can be extinguished using dry dirt or sand.

Fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are one of the best options for putting out a fire. As mentioned above, Class A, B and C fires are put out in different ways, but an ABC fire extinguisher can put out any of these with the same tool. Special fire extinguishers are made for Class D fires.

A fire extinguisher contains the following parts:

When operating a fire extinguisher, the acronym PASS is helpful to remember the steps of Pull. Aim. Squeeze. Sweep.

In every building, whether commercial or residential, it is important to locate and evaluate the fire extinguishers. Also, be sure to understand your needs based on fires that may be encountered in your operation.

Chemical and electrical fires. Chemicals are used throughout the equipment and event rental industry. Whether this is gasoline or diesel, oils, hydraulic fluids, cleaning agents or other chemicals, it’s nearly impossible to miss them in a rental operation.

One of the leading causes of fires in the rental industry, according to ARA Insurance, is the improper disposal of rags with chemicals on them. These can spontaneously combust at any time. Rags should be stored in metal trash cans with lids or metal self-closing rag disposal bins. Also, chemicals need to be used according to the written recommendations of the manufacturers. Any mixing of chemicals could have severe consequences.

Electricity and extension cords. Another leading cause of fires in the rental industry is faulty electrical and issues arising from extension cords and surge protectors. While using extension cords is a common practice to get power where it is needed, there are key points to remember when using these:

Fire risk can be lowered in a rental operation by using safe electrical practices, following OSHA regulations and maintaining quality fire extinguishers, but a sprinkler system also should be an item to consider. A sprinkler system can help extinguish a fire and often automatically alert emergency services and building owners of a fire. Many fires take place after hours when nobody is around due to combustible chemicals or wiring issues, so a sprinkler system also can be seen as a loss prevention and risk management tool.

To assist your operation with fire safety resources, the American Rental Association (ARA) offers free courses through RentalU, ARA’s online education platform. “Fire Extinguisher Safety Training” guides you and your employees through fire safety, fire extinguisher use and the fire triangle. There also are other courses that can be assigned to your employees around electricity, flammable liquids and more. To view these ARA-member-only resources, login at ARArental.org/rentalu. 

Steve Campbell is the multimedia editor for Rental Management. He develops new digital opportunities for Rental Management subscribers and advertisers while also doing videos and writing stories. Steve is a huge sports fan with the Chicago White Sox, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bulls being his top teams. He also enjoys DIY home projects with his wife and continues to figure out “dad life.”

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An official publication of the American Rental Association. Produced by Rental Management. Copyright © 2022 Rental Management all rights reserved

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