Using Fire Extinguishers The Right Away

 Knowing how to operate a fire extinguisher safely is a skill that everyone should acquire. Careful maintenance and proper use of fire extinguishers can prevent damage to lives and properties. Residential, commercial, industrial and public properties are required to keep fire extinguishers in good working order by using fire extinguisher storage cabinets or boxes. Fire can be brought under control with a prompt response within the initial minutes of ignition, and it can help you buy time until firefighters arrive.

Properly Using A Fire Extinguisher:

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher properly allows an individual to respond confidently in fire emergencies. There are different types of portable fire extinguishers, which can be identified by their colour, coding, and labelling. Knowing what type of fire extinguisher you need to use for a specific fire type is essential. For example, a water extinguisher must never be used on any fire that involves electrical equipment.

Here are four basic steps for using a modern portable fire extinguisher, which are described with the acronym PASS:

Pull:

The first step of using a fire extinguisher is pulling the pin at the top and breaking its seal. When an extinguisher is stored in a fire extinguisher storage box, the pin prevents the handle from being accidentally pressed. Test the extinguisher immediately, aiming away from the operator This will ensure that the extinguisher is in working condition and enable the operator to know how far the stream travels.

Aim:

Approach the fire from a safe distance and aim the extinguisher’s nozzle at the base of the fire.

Squeeze:

Squeeze the extinguisher handles together to discharge the agent inside. Release the handles to stop the discharge.

Sweep:

As you approach the fire, sweep the nozzle from side to side, keeping the nozzle’s direction at the base of the flames. Once the A Class fire is extinguished, identify and approach the smouldering hot spots that could reignite the fuel.

Different Class Of Fires And Respective Extinguishers:

There is a total of six classes of fires; let’s take a look:

Class A Fires:

Class A fires are caused by the ignition of flammable solids, such as wood, paper, and fabric.

Class B Fires:

A fire caused by flammable liquids such as petrol, turpentine or paint is considered a Class B fire.

Class C Fires:

A fire involving flammable gases such as LPG, hydrogen, butane or methane is a Class C fire.

Class D Fires:

A fire caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, aluminium or potassium is in Class D.

Class E Fires:

A fire that involves electrical equipment is in Class E. Once the electrical equipment is removed from the site, the fire changes the class.

Class F Fires:

Class F fire is caused by cooking oils, typically a chip-pan fire. Read More 

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