Do
You Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher? Selecting
An Extinguisher There
are numerous types of extinguishing agents, such as water, dry chemicals and
carbon dioxide. The label on an
extinguisher lists what types of fires it is effect on. Dry
Chemical Extinguishers are the most common and
are generally found in businesses and in homes.
Most can be used on
the following classes of fires: Class
A: Wood,
paper, trash, rags, cloth, etc. Class
B: Flammable liquids, such as
gasoline, oil, paint, solvents, grease, etc. Class C: Energized electrical equipment, anything
connected to a power source. WARNING:
Never use water on an electrical fire. When
should you use an extinguisher, and why? It
takes time for a fire department to receive the notification of a fire and to
respond. Portable extinguishers can
prevent a small fire from becoming a larger fire, thus protecting people and
property. Access the
situation.
How large is the fire? What
is burning? Is the extinguisher
rated for that material? Do you feel
confident with using an extinguisher? Do you feel safe approaching the fire?
Only
you can decide the answers to these questions.
If you do choose to use the extinguisher during an emergency, look at the
gauge on the extinguisher and ensure that the indicator needle is in the
“charged” or “green” range. Then
use the P.A.S.S. acronym to help
remember the proper steps for using the extinguisher. Pull the pin on the unit breaking the plastic seal Aim at the base of the
fire, standing about 8-12 feet away. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep
from side to side until the fire is out; cover the fire
area completely. **
Never turn your back on a fire, even if it looks like it is out. It could flash
up again **Fire
Extinguisher Guide
Accessing the Situation