Fire Extinguishers
Know how to use a portable fire extinguisher before a fire occurs.
Before you fight any fire, be sure that;
- You know how to use the fire extinguisher
- Everyone else has left the building and someone is calling the fire department (9-1-1)
- The fire is small, confined, and not spreading
- You have an unobstructed escape route
- Your extinguisher matches the fire
To operate your extinguisher, remember the acronym "PASS."
P - Pull the pin that unlocks the operating lever. (Some models may have other lever release mechanisms.)
A - Aim low. Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
S - Squeeze the lever above the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. To stop the discharge, release the lever. (Some models may have a button instead of a lever.)
S - Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side. Moving carefully toward the flames, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth.
Read the instructions and know how to use your extinguisher before you need to.
Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Fire equipment distributors often offer hands on fire extinguisher training, these distributors can be found in the phone book under fire extinguisher.
Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but most important is getting out to safety. Every household should have a home fire escape plan working smoke alarms on every level of the home.
Match your extinguisher to the type of fire.
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No fire extinguisher can be safely and effectively used for every type of fire. Some contain chemicals that are ineffective in certain situations and can even cause harm to the operator if used incorrectly. To prevent confusion, extinguishers are classified by the type of chemical agents that they contain. The most common extinguisher types are listed below:
Dry Chemical – There are two types of fire extinguishers that use a dry chemical. One is called “multipurpose dry chemical” and uses ammonium phosphate as the extinguishing agent, which is effective on “A,” “B,” and “C” class fires. This chemical is corrosive and must be scrubbed from surfaces after use. These types of extinguishers are very common and are found in schools, homes, hospitals and offices. Sodium bicarbonate is used in extinguishers known as “regular dry chemical,” which are capable of handling “B” and “C” class fires. These extinguishers are found in garages, kitchens and laboratories. Sodium bicarbonate is easy to clean and nontoxic.
Carbon Dioxide – These extinguishers contain liquid CO2 that is expelled as a gas. They are effective against “B” and “C” class fires. Unlike other chemicals, CO2 does not leave a harmful residue and is environmentally friendly. It also poses very little danger to electronics and is effectively employed in laboratories, computer rooms, and other areas with sensitive equipment.
Water Extinguishers – These extinguishers are suited for “A” class fires, they cannot be used in “B” or “C” class fires. In "B" class fires, the water will spread the flames. In a "C" class fire, the water is conductive and poses a risk of electric shock to the operator. Since the agent used is water, these types of extinguishers are inexpensive and environmentally friendly.