|
Fire Extinguishers |
|||||||||||
|
|
Every home should be equipped with several fire
extinguishers. They should be located throughout the house: in the kitchen area, garage,
basement, upstairs, and close to your exit doors in case of fire. If one extinguisher
doesn't work or has lost its pressure, there should be another one close by. Using the correct type of fire extinguisher is essential! All extinguishers must be labeled by the manufacturer with a rating for the class of fire the extinguisher is used to fight. There are two method of labeling portable fire extinguishers. The first method uses colored geometric shapes with the class letter inside the shape. The second method is a picture-symbol for easier selection and safer use of the extinguisher. |
|||||||||
Selecting an Extinguisher |
|||||||||||
| The letters A,B,C are standard designation for the three most common classes of fires. There is a fourth class D for combustible metal. Class D extinguishers are found in industrial applications. | |||||||||||
|
A is for ashes. Fires involving material that will leave ashes; such as wood, paper or textiles are Class A fires. The picture symbol is a wastebasket and wood. | ||||||||||
|
B is for barrel. Fires involving flammable liquids, greases and gases are Class B fires. The picture-symbol is a fuel can. | ||||||||||
|
C is for current. Class C fires are essentially Class A or B fires involving energized electrical equipment. A Class C rating confirms that the extinguishing agent is nonconductive. The picture-symbol is an electric cord and outlet. | ||||||||||
|
Extinguishers suitable for more than one class of fire will be identified by multiples of symbols A, B and/or C. The most common combinations are Class A-B-C, Class A-B, Class B-C. There are no extinguishers with a Class C rating. | ||||||||||
Using an Extinguisher |
|||||||||||
| Stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire and follow the four-step PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out
immediately, leave the area at once. Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire
site. Remember the PASSword: |
|||||||||||
|
PULL the pin out: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers have other devices that prevent inadvertent operation. | ||||||||||
 |
AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire. | ||||||||||
|
SQUEEZE the lever below the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. Some extinguishers have a button that you press. | ||||||||||
|
SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process. | ||||||||||
When Should You Fight the Fire? |
|||||||||||
| Before you begin to fight a fire: | |||||||||||
|
Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving, the building. | ||||||||||
 |
Make sure the fire department has been notified by dialing 911. | ||||||||||
| |
Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and that it is not spreading beyond the immediate area. | ||||||||||
| |
Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread. | ||||||||||
| |
Make sure that you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher. | ||||||||||
When Should You NOT Fight the Fire? |
|||||||||||
Do NOT fight a fire if: |
|||||||||||
| |
The fire is spreading beyond the immediate area where it started, or is already a large fire. | ||||||||||
| |
The fire could block your escape route. | ||||||||||
| |
You are unsure how to properly operate the extinguisher. | ||||||||||
| |
You are in doubt whether the extinguisher is proper for the type of fire at hand. | ||||||||||
| For more information about fire extinguishers and more, try these sites: | |||||||||||
