Development of a Manual on the Proper Use of Different Types of Fire Extinguishers for Owners of Commercial Establishments in El Tambo Canton.

Abstract

Fire prevention represents a fundamental pillar within risk management in commercial establishments, particularly in contexts where knowledge about the use of emergency equipment is limited. For this reason, the present article proposes the development of a practical manual aimed at the owners of commercial premises in the canton of El Tambo, with the purpose of strengthening preventive awareness and promoting the correct handling of the different types of fire extinguishers. The starting point of the research lies in the identification of a concrete problem related to the lack of training in fire safety and the absence of didactic materials adapted to the local reality. Consequently, a descriptive and applied methodology is proposed to address this need. The process begins with the collection of information through surveys and interviews with merchants in order to diagnose the existing level of knowledge. Once this stage is completed, the research advances toward the review of national and international regulations on safety and prevention, which will serve as the foundation for the construction of a contextualized and accessible manual. The resulting document will integrate content related to the different types of extinguishers and their specific applications, the appropriate procedures for their use, the basic guidelines for maintenance, and a series of recommendations oriented toward prevention. Its implementation is expected to contribute to the consolidation of a safety culture in the canton, reduce the vulnerability of businesses in the face of emergencies, and foster shared responsibility between local authorities and business owners.