How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers can be very helpful in case of an emergency while adding another layer of safety to your home. Fire extinguishers are also more effective than water when putting out fires, so it is always good to have one handy in an emergency. When a fire occurs the faster you put it out the less you will need to restore.

The difference types of fire extinguishers include

• Class A: Puts out fires on ordinary materials
• Class B: Puts out grease fires and other flammable liquids
• Class C: Puts out electrical fires
• Class D: Puts out flammable metals

Using a Fire Extinguisher

The following steps should be followed when responding to incipient stage fire:

• Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate.
• Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
• Select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher
• Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).
• Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.
• Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.
• Evacuate immediately if the fire progresses

P.A.S.S. technique explained

1. PULL…Pull the Pin
2. AIM….Point the hose at the bottom of the fire
3. SQUEEZE…Squeeze the handle to spray the extinguishing agent
4. SWEEP… Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it is out, if the fire starts back up repeat steps two and three