How to Use Fire Extinguishers Safely?

One of the most important tools for Fire Safety and prevention plan is a fire extinguisher. You must be well aware of the fact that during any kind of emergencies, Fire Extinguishers can douse of the fire. However, the team dealing with fire prevention needs to know how to use fire fighting instruments correctly.

Calling the Experts:

The moment fire breaks out, it should be extinguished. Or, it might start to spread very first. This doesn’t mean that you should try to put out the blaze yourself. You might end up hurting yourself. Calling fire brigade professionals is always the best bet. Fire extinguishing teams have vast years of experience in putting out the fire. They go through the necessary training. Hence, they know how to use the Fire Extinguishers correctly.

Keep in mind that fire extinguishing devices shouldn’t be used as an all-inclusive fire fighting technique. However, when a person gets trapped inside a building in flames, a Fire Extinguisher can extinguish the small flames. This, in turn, paves way for fining the escape route.

Things to Keep In Mind:

Are you planning to use an extinguisher? If yes, you need to ensure that it fulfill the following criteria. The requirements are mentioned below:

• You have complete knowledge of operating the Fire Fighting Equipment like the extinguisher.
• You know the alternate route if you can’t douse the fire. After all, you will need to use the route.
• You must have a clear idea about what’s burning and if the fire extinguisher you are using would be able to douse it. For instance, some CO2 Fire Extinguishers work on Class B fire; whereas Dry Powder Extinguisher works on Class A, B, and C type of fire.
• Make sure the fire is small enough. You will be able to put it out easily.

Ways to Use an Extinguisher:

How to use a Fire Extinguisher? This question might strike your mind, in case the fire rescue professionals need time to reach you. At that moment, Fire Safety training proves to be very helpful. If you have gone through such training, you will know how to use an extinguisher.

• First of all, pull the pin present between the handles.
• Secondly, you need to aim the hose towards the fire base. Make sure to maintain a distance of 6-10 feet between you and the fire.
• Thirdly, you will need to press the handle of the extinguisher very hard.
• Move the hose of the extinguisher from side-to-side. It would easily cover the base of the fire.

During emergencies, Fire Fighting Equipment can save you as well as the life of others. Keep in mind that the key to putting out the fire is to follow the PASS strategy. PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim the hose, press the lever, and Move the hose. But before making use of the fire extinguisher, make sure if it’s suitable to douse the kind of fire you are dealing with.

Reading through the instructions or looking out for a Fire extinguishing equipment results in the loss of valuable seconds. It matters a lot as it creates a difference between life and death. Hence, training employees on the way to use an Fire Extinguisher is very important. Also, the extinguisher should be placed at a location that’s easily located. Using it at the right time can save a lot of life.