In an emergency, using a fire extinguisher can be alarming, particularly if you are unaware of how to use it correctly. Thankfully, a helpful acronym exists to help you memorize the four basic steps needed to use a fire extinguisher.
Understanding the Basics
Within its effective range, use the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) to discharge the extinguisher. If an extinguished fire re-ignites, move away. If the fire fighting equipment is empty and the fire is out of control, escape quickly.
Step 1: Pull the Pin
Pull out the small pin to prevent the fire extinguisher from accidentally releasing and continue to the next step. A lock latch or puncture level may be used in place of a pin for specific fire extinguishers. Before a fire breaks out, find out about the kind of extinguisher you have.
Step 2: Aim at the Base
Grasp the handle with one hand and the hose’s tip with another hand. If something has caught fire, aim the nozzle at the fire’s base to put it out. A common error is pointing directly toward fire, which is ineffective.
Step 3: Squeeze the Handle
When the handle of the fire extinguisher is pressed, the fire suppressant moves into the hose and reaches the nozzle. Try to squeeze carefully and equally to ensure the extinguisher is as effective as possible.
Step 4: Sweep Side to Side
Sweep the fire to completely extinguish it once the suppressor has been discharged. Keep doing this till the flames seem to have extinguished. Check the area for a few minutes in case the fire ignites again, and use the extinguisher if necessary.
Fire Extinguisher Types and Their Uses
The five types of fire extinguishers are as follows:
Water, water mist or water spray fire extinguishers
Water extinguisher is the most widely used extinguisher type for class A fires. Many businesses will need either water or foam extinguishers.
Best for:
- Organic materials which include cardboard, paper, textiles, fabrics, wood, and coal
How it works:
- The fuel is cooled by the water, which makes it burn significantly more gradually till the flames go out.
Foam fire extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers are among the most regular kind of extinguisher for Class B fires, however, they are equally useful on Class A fires due to their water-based nature.
Best for:
- Organic materials
- Combustible liquids, such as petrol and paint
How it works:
- Foam extinguishers cool the burning fuel, just like water extinguishers do. On flaming liquids, the foaming agent forms a barrier between the flaming substance and the fuel, suppressing the fire.
Dry Powder – standard or specialist fire extinguishers
Dry powder extinguishers are also called “ABC” extinguishers because they can put out class A, B, and C fires. However, using them in restricted spaces is not allowed.
Best for:
- Organic materials like paper, textiles, cardboard, wood, fabrics, and coal
- Flammable liquids and gases, Some electrical fires
- Special dry powder extinguishers are used on explosive metals.
How it works:
- Dry powder extinguishers smother fires by creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen source.
Carbon Dioxide (‘CO2’) fire extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers are commonly used to combat electrical fires and are typically supplied in computer server rooms. They extinguish Class B flames as well.
Best for:
- Flammable liquids, such as paint and petrol
- Electrical fires
How it works:
- By removing the oxygen that a fire needs to ignite, CO2 extinguishers put out fires.
Wet Chemical fire extinguishers
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are made for use on Class F flames. These include oils and fats used in cooking. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are best for Class A fires.
Best for:
- Cooking oil and fat fires
- Organic substances
How it works:
- Wet chemical extinguishers form a thin layer of foam on the outermost part of the burning oil or fat, stopping oxygen from spreading the fire faster. Additionally, the spray has a cooling effect.
When to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Use a fire extinguisher in case when:
- The fire is small and not spreading.
- You know the proper way to utilize an extinguisher.
- You know the safe method to leave the building if needed.
- You’ve contacted the fire department already.
- There is no smoke in the room.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
The trained engineer who does fire extinguisher maintenance will make particular checks to make sure everything is functioning properly. An annual service typically includes the following maintenance:
- Performing a visual inspection.
- Inspecting that the fire extinguisher has not been damaged or used.
- Making a reading of the pressure gauge.
- Take off the discharge hose to inspect it for rust or blocks.
- Weighing and thoroughly cleaning the extinguisher.
- Verify the stability of the wall mountings.
Training and Practice
Fire extinguisher training includes not only how to use a fire extinguisher effectively but also teaches workers about actual workplace fire risks, how to respond properly, and keep everyone around them safe.
Hands-On Practice and Training Drills
To make sure that you are ready to handle a fire extinguisher, you must take part in hands-on practice and activities. Create real fire situations and practice putting out fires with different types of extinguishers.
Regular training drills will help you develop muscle memory and confidence. As a result, it is easier to respond to flames and save yourself and others.
Fire Safety in Everyday Settings
Here are some helpful safety tips that you should know:
- Set up smoke detectors.
- Make a plan to evacuate from a fire.
- Watch out for smokers.
- Prepare your food with care.
- Make an area for space heaters.
- The Safety of Portable Air Conditioners.
- Matches and lighters are used as tools, not toys.
- Make Use of Electricity Correctly.
- Crawl low in the smoke.
- Set up sprinkler systems in the home.
Myths and Misconceptions
Although fire extinguishers are life-saving equipment, misconceptions about them could lead them to be misused or neglected. Let’s distinguish fact from fiction:
Myth 1: All extinguishers work for any fire.
Truth: Extinguishers are made for putting out particular kinds of fires (Class A, B, C, etc.). If you use the wrong type, a fire may worsen.
Myth 2: Extinguishers are difficult to use.
Truth: The PASS method makes them easy to use and effective.
Myth 3: Once used, extinguishers are useless.
Truth: Unlike disposable extinguishers, which must be replaced, rechargeable extinguishers are easily filled and used again. Fire extinguishers typically last between five and fifteen years.
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers are the best equipment for fire safety, but understanding how to use them correctly is also essential. Using the simple PASS technique, you can effectively manage small fires and stop them from growing.