Common Myths About Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers have proven to be the best safety measures for protecting life and property during an emergency. Every year, over 358,000 home residential fires occur in the United States, causing damages reaching $7.4 billion and even killing about 2,600 persons. Unfortunately, where fires play a crucial role and are used correctly, there’s usually a myth and falsehood surrounding them. This article discusses common myths and how they can be doubted for proper fire safety practices.

Myth 1: Fire Extinguishers Only Work for Small Fires

The first misunderstanding is that fire extinguishers work only for small fires. Although they are built for beginning fires if used in time, they can control even the biggest fires. For example, using Class correctly can control burning wood or paper in just a minute or 30 seconds.

Acting fast is very important because a fire doubles in size every 30 seconds to one minute. Fire smoothers are used by properly trained people to prevent fires from spreading thus saving lives and minimizing the damage caused to property.

Myth 2: All Fire Extinguishers Are the Same

All fire extinguishers are not the same. Five kinds of fire extinguishers are specifically made to combat different types of fires.

• Class A: For normal explosives, wood, paper, and cloth.
• Class B: This class is used when there are burnable liquids like gasoline and oil.
• Class C: For electrical sparkle in wireworks.
• Class D: You can use this class for explosive metals such as magnesium and sodium.
• Class K: For cooking fires that include fats.

Myth 3: Fire Extinguishers Never Expire

Some people think that fire extinguishers don’t expire and they can use them all their life. But this is not true they depend on the model you use and most fire extinguishers work for 5-15 years. 

You also need to do the regular inspections and services. To ensure performance, check the pressure gauge, confirm the safety pin is working, and check out for visible damage. Extinguishers must be recharged after every use and usually serviced every 6 years for stored-pressure models.

Myth 4: You Can Use Water to Put Out Any Fire

Water is always seen as the one solution for all fires. But when the fires are flammable liquid it can spread more with water. Water will risk burning in case of electrical fires or Class C fires.

Grease fires account for over 48% of residential kitchen fires each year and can explode if water is used. It is best to destroy using a Class K fire extinguisher or by choking with a lid. To ensure the right choice of extinguishing method and guarantee safety, understanding the type of fire is very important.

Myth 5: A Fire Extinguisher Will Work Like in the Movies

When you see a Hollywood movie it makes it very easy to use a fire extinguisher. In reality, the success of the extinguisher depends on proper technique and training. The NFPA recommends following the PASS method:

1. Pull the pin.
2. Then you need to point the beak at the bottom of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle to activate the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep side-to-side until the fire is out.

Operating under stress requires practicing with a training simulator or attending a fire safety training program.

Myth 6: Fire Extinguishers are Only Needed in Commercial Properties

Home fires are also common as fires at workplaces. And sadly, 74 percent of fire deaths occur within one’s own home.

Fire extinguishers should be located at intended points around the house, such as the kitchen, garage, and next to an exit. If you have an auto you can use a small-sized fire extinguisher in case an accident occurs or engines fail.

Myth 7: Fire Extinguishers Are Too Heavy to Manage

Many industrial-sized fire extinguishers tip out at over 20 pounds. You can use a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher at home which is sufficiently compact and portable for adults.

It features user-friendly designs with simple guidelines, making it accessible to everyone. However, for confident use during emergencies, it is important to take the time to understand how your extinguisher works.

Myth 8: After One Time Use of a Fire Extinguisher, It’s Done

You must listen that many people say fire extinguishers are only used one time. If you have a disposable model it has to be replaced after one use. But if you have a rechargeable model it can be refilled by a certified technician.

According to NFPA, a serviced extinguisher can be recharged as much as 10 times; thus, it also means long-term cost-effectiveness when it comes to fire safety. Inspection and testing must also be performed after using it to confirm the readiness of the device.

Conclusion: 

Knowing the facts about fire extinguishers is essential to effective fire safety. Proper equipment maintenance, the correct kind of extinguisher, and proper techniques will help manage small fires before they are turned into major disasters. Fire safety is everybody’s responsibility whether at home, at work, or on the road. Be informed, be prepared, and use fire extinguishers whenever needed for your safety.

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