Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

The risks posed by fire are immense. As such, having a fire extinguisher is critical for all buildings, weather it is residential, commercial or industrial. However, a Fire Extinguisher isn’t going to do you any good unless you know how to use them.

In fact, most people do not even know how hold one, let alone use it, despite seeing one every day. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can help save your life and other people when a fire does break out. Learn how.

The PASS Method:

Using a Fire Extinguisher isn’t difficult. All you need to remember is PASS. This is an acronym which stands for the four basic steps to using a fire extinguisher. Remember this.

Take a look at each step in detail.

Pull:

The first step to using a fire extinguisher is to pull the pin. Every Fire Extinguisher comes with a tamper proof seal. Pulling the pin removes the seal and preps the extinguisher for use.

Aim:

Always aim the extinguisher’s nozzle at the base of the fire. Never spray over the flames as it will be completely useless. Additionally, you must not hold the horn of the extinguisher. This can get extremely cold and end up damaging your hand.

Squeeze:

Once aimed, you can start squeezing the extinguisher’s handle to release the firefighting agent.

Sweep:

Always make sure that you sweep side to side while aiming at the fire’s base. Keep doing this till the fire goes out.

Types of Extinguishers:

Fire Extinguishers come in different categories, each of which is meant for fighting a different class of fire. Check the extinguisher and you will see different classes marked.

Class A: This covers regular solid combustibles such as cloth, paper and wood.
Class B: This covers flammable fluids, gases and liquids.
Class C: This covers electrical fires
Class D: This covers flammable metals
Class K: This covers grease and oils

Always use a Fire Extinguisher marked with the same class as the fire. Using the incorrect one will be ineffective and, in some cases, even dangerous. Some extinguishers are capable of fighting multiple classes of fire. They will be marked as such. The most common is the ABC combination.

Check the Extinguisher before Use:

Before you grab the extinguisher and head towards the fire, check it first. First of all, you must check if you have the right type. Secondly, the extinguisher must be pressurized.

There is sure to be pressure gauge on an extinguisher. Check if the needle is in the green. This means the extinguisher has enough pressure and agent inside to fight. If not, you need to find another extinguisher or escape to safety.

Check the Fire:

The thing is that the extinguishers commonly used in residential and commercial settings aren’t very powerful. They can tackle small fires with ease. However, if you see that the fire is getting out of hand, you need to evacuate. The easy way to know is if the fire has reached your height.

If you have already started fighting the fire with the extinguisher, keep an eye on the fire. Even after the fire is extinguished, there can be hot spots or even hidden fires which can reignite the flame any time. As such, back away slowly once you have done the job.