Pay attention to fire prevention Published Sept. 11, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Tyler Koehn McGuire Fire Emergency Services MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- All facilities on McGuire Air Force Base are inspected at least once a year by the fire protection flight. Out of the numerous codes, AFI's and Air Force Office of Safety and Health standards referenced, most of the deficiencies noted occur throughout different facilities. Twenty-five percent of write-ups come from fire extinguishers. There are quite a few things to look for. According to MAFBI 32-2001, extinguishers must have logs. The tag on the extinguisher itself does not have to be annotated; however facility managers are responsible to have separate logs that are kept in a mandatory six-part facility folder and updated at least every 30 days. If you recently moved into a new facility, ensure you have enough extinguishers. Extinguishers can not simply sit on the floor. They must be mounted in an approved bracket and easily accessible at all times. Also, extinguishers must be serviced annually by a certified technician. It is the facility managers' responsibility to ensure their flights have set money aside to have the extinguishers maintained. Improper storage and housekeeping are two other write-ups that are common and easily remedied. Everyone should always ensure that their work area is kept clean and tidy. Build up of excessive dust, debris and garbage is unacceptable and could pose a potential fire spread problem. Storage must be kept organized and maintain at least an 18 inch clearance from ceilings, light fixtures and sprinkler heads. Storage is unauthorized in boiler, equipment or utility rooms, air conditioning compressor/air handling rooms, generator or telephone communications rooms or under stairwells. Another major responsibility facility managers have is completing monthly and daily inspections. Inspect extinguishers, stand pipes, fire doors, exits, exit lights and emergency lights and document these inspections at least once a month. Inspect all designated smoking areas daily. Recently, the fire department authorized residential stoves to be kept in the work areas. There are specific guidelines that must be followed when maintaining a stove in the work place. Along with this come extra expenses to ensure a safe work environment. One of the mandatory items is an overhead stove fire suppression system. These can range in price from $500 to $2,000 plus installation and maintenance. Remember unattended cooking is the number one cause of fires and fire-related injuries. If numerous stove-related accidents occur, this policy will be reversed. Fire prevention is an issue everyone should be aware of. The simplest things that are easily overlooked can add up to be a potential problem in the future. Ensure you are familiar with what actions should be taken in the event of an emergency. It is mandatory that MAFB Form 106, Fire/Emergency Reporting Number, be affixed to every telephone to ensure the number is readily available in emergency situations. To request fire prevention training, contact the McGuire fire prevention offices at (609) 754-4656 or (609) 754-3326.