It is very important to understand the fire extinguisher operating procedure. A portable fire extinguisher carried on wheels and operated by hand contains an extinguishing agent that can be expelled under pressure to suppress or extinguish the fire.
Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different classes of fire. Remember they have limited capacity and will typically work for about 10-30 seconds depending on size, so use them wisely.
The most common types of fire extinguishers are:
1. Dry Powder (ABC, AD, BC)
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
3. Foam Spray
4. Water (Air Pressurized Water-APW)
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?
Fire Extinguisher Operating Procedure. The operating procedure of a fire extinguisher is simple if you remember the word “PASS”.
To operate an extinguisher:
Pull = Pull the Pin
Aim = Aim nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze = Squeeze the handle
Sweep = Sweep nozzle side to side
- Pull the pin; this may permit you to discharge the extinguisher. Get the hose or nozzle prepared to be used.
- Aim at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the highest handle; this depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out.
Watch the below YouTube Tutorial for detailed instructions on how to correctly use a fire extinguisher.
Remember: Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, say 2 – 3m, and then slowly move forward. Once the fire is out, keep a watch on the area in case it re-ignites.
Essentials of The Fire Extinguisher
-
- – For easy fire extinguishing
- – To avoid death
- – To save property and prevent destruction
- – Ensure better safety in any important place
Placement
The OSHA and NFPA Specified Maximum Travel Distances To An Extinguisher By Fire Class:
|
Fire Class |
Travel Distance |
|
75 Feet |
|
|
Class B |
50 Feet |
|
Class C |
Based On Appropriate A or B Hazard |
|
Class D |
75 Feet |
|
Class K |
30 Feet |
Materials Used in Fire Extinguisher
|
DCP |
||
|
ABC-Type |
BC-Type |
D-Type |
| Ammonium
Phosphate and Ammonium Sulfate |
Sodium
Bicarbonate/Potassium Chloride |
Sodium Chloride |
|
CO2 |
Water |
| Gas Used – CO2 Gas | Curtis Type: CO2 Gas
Pressure Type: N2 Gas |
|
Foam |
Wet Chemical |
| Water + Aluminum Sulphate Gas Used: N2 Gas | Potassium Acetate and Carbonate |
Extinguisher tips
- Make sure everyone in the house or business is aware of where and how to use each extinguisher.
- Always use an extinguisher only when it’s safe to do so. Get out if in doubt.
- Pull the safety pin out by giving it a hard tug (this also breaks the plastic seal).
- After removing the extinguisher from the mounting bracket, check to make sure it is still functional.
- For safety reasons, always try to work in pairs.
- Extinguishers should be dragged or carried to the flames.
Fire Extinguisher Mistakes
We don’t frequently get the chance to practice fighting fires, so when the time comes, simple mistakes are easy to make. Recognize the common mistakes that individuals make so you can avoid them when under pressure.
Don’t disregard the directions: Read the fire extinguisher’s operating instructions in their entirety. Ensure that all of your household’s capable members have read and comprehended the guidelines. When you practice your evacuation strategy and conduct fire drills, go through them frequently.
Use the appropriate fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher should never be used to put out a type of fire that is not listed on the label. Most critically, grease or electrical flames cannot be extinguished with extinguishers intended specifically for Class A fires.
Keep your extinguisher in good condition: The extinguishing chemical in fire extinguishers has an expiration date after which it loses its effectiveness. Keep track of the expiration dates on your fire extinguishers and replace them as necessary.
Don’t forget to maintain your fire extinguishers: The pressure needle on the extinguisher should always be pointing toward the green area. It doesn’t have enough pressure when it enters the red zone to discharge the extinguishing agent. Even if the extinguisher is never deployed, this could still occur.
Keep exits in mind: When deciding where to keep your fire extinguisher, ensure it is close to outdoor doors and easily accessible. Place your extinguishers where fires tend to start most frequently in a house.
Communication: Make sure everyone in your home is aware of where the fire extinguishers are kept. Don’t keep it a secret. Communicate the location with any long-term guests, homesitters, and babysitters, as well as your whole fire escape strategy.
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