Introduction
A small electrical fire bursts out in an office building during working hours. The flames spread quickly, causing panic. However, one worker who has received fire safety training stays calm, immediately finds the closest fire extinguisher, and uses it correctly. Because of their prompt and smart reaction, the fire disappears before causing major destruction or harm.
Fire extinguisher training is essential for building a safe culture within any workplace. The early phases of a fire can greatly impact minimizing damage and avoiding injury with prompt and precise actions.
For this reason, learning how to use a fire extinguisher correctly is valuable for saving your property, employees, and clients from the damaging effects of a fire.
In the case of a fire, people are suggested to use the PASS abbreviation, which refers to Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep. This is an easier set of steps individuals should take to use a fire extinguisher properly and safely.
Make sure you choose the right kind of extinguisher. Within its effective range, use the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) to activate the extinguisher. Keep your distance from a fire that has been put out in case it ignites.
When to Use a Fire Extinguisher
If a fire starts in your workplace or home, understanding how to use a fire extinguisher is one thing, but knowing when to use one is more important.
While it may appear to be an easy answer, “in the case of a fire.” However, applying a fire extinguisher without following the right safety precautions might endanger you and everyone in your building. Before you use a fire extinguisher:
- Verify that the fire has been restricted and isn’t spreading.
- It is also necessary to check that the room is not smoke-filled.
- If the fire spreads, make sure that everyone has left the building. It is crucial to be safe and to exit the building uninjured.
- You need to inform the fire department as well.
Fire extinguishers are essential in any house or office. These instruments are helpful in every circumstance and can prevent disaster. Having a fire extinguisher on hand at all times is essential because fires can start unexpectedly.
Understanding the PASS Method
In the case of a fire, you should be informed of the right procedures to ensure everyone escapes safely.
If operating a fire extinguisher is required, it can be difficult to know how to use it effectively and accurately. Luckily, there is a simple system that can save your life which is called the PASS system.
The ‘PASS’ acronym stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. It includes every step of operating a fire extinguisher and explains what each stage means, providing sufficient knowledge for those who need to use the extinguisher properly.
Even though it’s normal to feel anxious when there’s a fire, you might manage to put it out and prevent major harm to yourself and those around you if you stay calm and use the “PASS” strategy.
What Does PASS Stand for in a Fire Extinguisher?
To remember the 4 basic steps for using a fire extinguisher, use the abbreviation PASS. While certain extinguishers have unique methods, PASS sets a baseline for using all extinguishers, regardless of any further particular needs.
PASS refers to:
| Pull: | To activate the trigger, remove the extinguisher’s pin. This may occasionally need for both pulling and twisting. |
| Aim: | Point the hose of the extinguisher directly toward the flames. Different extinguishers may require different aiming techniques. |
| Squeeze: | Carefully press the trigger to release the extinguisher’s contents. Discharging the whole contents of the extinguisher is recommended. |
| Sweep: | Spread the extinguisher hose over the flames to ensure that the contents are distributed equally. The specific sweep technique may vary based on the type of extinguisher. |
By using the PASS fire extinguisher technique, you can be sure that you’re following the fundamental steps needed to get the extinguisher ready for use and to put out the fire safely and effectively.
But keep in mind that using fire extinguishers involves more than just PASS. It’s important to know the variations between the many kinds of extinguishers and their methods.
To decide if it’s safe to attempt to fight the fire, it’s also essential to understand how to analyze the situation. For example, you might feel completely confident in applying an extinguisher, but if the wrong type is there for the kind of fire you’re dealing with, or if the fire is too massive for you to tackle with an extinguisher, attempting to fight it is dangerous. In a certain fire situation, there is a need for quick and critical thinking.
How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher Safely
A fire can destroy a building and endanger lives. So, understanding how to operate a fire extinguisher safely and getting the necessary training, is critical in protecting your business, property, and life from the effects of a fire.
Portable fire extinguishers come in a variety of forms, which are distinguished by their labels and color coding. Make sure the extinguisher you want to use is appropriate for the kind of fire you are dealing with. For example, a water extinguisher should never be used on a fire that involves electrical equipment.
Types of fire
A classification system is used to identify fires. They are divided into many classes to determine the fuel of the fire involved. Then it makes it simpler to find which fire extinguisher is best.
The fire classification categories are:
- Class A: Flames caused by flammable materials like coal, paper, plastic, wood, and fabrics.
- Class B: Liquids that can catch fire, like paint, fuel, gasoline, and petroleum oil.
- Class C: Gases that can catch fire include methane, propane, butane, and others.
- Class D: Combustible metals include aluminum, titanium, lithium, magnesium, and sodium, among others.
- Class E: This kind of fire includes live equipment and electric supplies; consider it a ‘Class E’ fire.
- Class F: Fires involving cooking oils, like butter, olive, sunflower, and vegetable oils.
Types of fire extinguishers
With numerous sources of ignition for a fire, the most effective method to deal with it is to identify the fuel. For this reason, there are several kinds of fire extinguishers available so that you can put out the fire as safely as possible.
Here are the various types of fire extinguishers:
- Dry Powder fire extinguisher: Best for Class A, Class B, Class C & electrical fires.
- L2 Dry Powder fire extinguisher: Suitable for Class D fires.
- Foam fire extinguisher (AFFF): Appropriate for Class A & Class B fires.
- CO2 fire extinguisher: Excellent for Class B & electrical fires.
- Water fire extinguisher: Perfect for Class A fires.
- Wet Chemical: Ideal for Class A & Class F fires.
- Multichem (Foam) fire extinguisher: Great for Class A, Class B & Class F fires.
After the flames have been burned out, do not leave immediately; instead, sit and watch the area for some time in case the fire sparks. Additionally, you must recharge the extinguisher right away after using it.
Fire Extinguisher Usage Tips
- Make sure that everyone in the house or workplace is aware of where all the extinguishers are located and how to use them.
- Extinguishers should only be used when it is safe to do so. When in doubt, leave.
- Pull the safety pin out with a sharp edge, breaking the plastic seal in the process. As soon as the extinguisher is taken out of the installation bracket, test to make sure it is working.
- For safety, always try to work in teams.
- Read the manual that comes with the fire extinguisher. Before a fire starts, learn about its parts and how it works.
- To make it the easiest escape if the fire is uncontrollable, place fire extinguishers near exits and face away from them when using the instrument.
- Walk out of the room right away if smoke starts to fill it.
Conclusion
Being familiar with how to use a fire extinguisher correctly is necessary for everyone’s safety, whether at your house or in the workplace. You can act fast and confidently in an emergency by following the easy PASS technique and learning the different kinds of fires and extinguishers.
Furthermore, always value your and others’ safety first, and never wait to leave. When the fire becomes uncontrollable, call immediately for professional help. With the proper information and planning, you can help avoid serious harm and save lives.
