In an emergency, every second matters. Keep cool, look at the picture, and move forward. Having access to a fire extinguisher and performing the correct methods, especially for small fires can save the day.
Be familiar with the ability to utilize the fire extinguisher to save life and property. Learn this easy-to-navigate PASS to use a fire extinguisher without fear when the minute counts:
Know Your Extinguisher’s Type and Capacity
There are not all fire extinguishers equal. They’re built to suppress certain fires. The wrong one can only make matters worse.
- Class A extinguishers spray water or foam to smother common firewood, paper, cloth and much trash.
- Class B systems are designed to spray foam, powder or CO2 onto fire hazardous liquids such as grease, gasoline, oil and paint.
- Class C extinguishers also use nonconductive materials such as CO2 to tackle electrical fires. For non-flammable metals such as magnesium and sodium, Class D designs are made for that purpose.
- Class K extinguishers mist cooking oil and fat fires in kitchens. You want to have just the right kinds of things, based on potential fire points.
Capacity of the fire extinguisher is important too. They contain relatively low concentrations of extinguishing compounds. Check that you have plenty of units to cover the fire hazards you’re likely to experience.
P – Push the Pin Firmly
First check if the fire is small and controlled enough to handle with an extinguisher. If the fires are still quickly moving, sending clouds of black smoke in your wake, simply run for the exits and dial 911 instead. Extinguishers aren’t very useful for small fires, however.
With the fire still small, walk 6 to 8 feet away from the flames. Grab the fire hose.
Pull the metal pin and pull off the short ribbon. Need a strong pull to let it go. This pull removes the tamper seal and lets you release the extinguisher.
Try to pull the pin out first in order not to mess up in case of need. Lock it in and wrench it loose. The minutes wasted by sitting back, or pulling back is minutes. Don’t forget: P for Pull the pin – first move.
A – Aim Low at the Base of the Fire
Now that the pin is off and the extinguisher is in hand, briefly look at the size of the fire again. Will an extinguisher catch it or has it become too dangerous? Your health comes first if evacuation is mandatory.
If it is small, stand broad for balance. Use your hands to hold the extinguisher nozzle or hose in place, to maintain the spray. Then spray the nozzle low at the hearth where the fuel is moving the fire.
Targeting the end of flaming flames will be no good. You have to go where it’s hotter — near its fuel.
Keep yourself away from the wind, so that the fire-fighter blows into the flames instead of at you in the smoke. Focus straight onto where the flame meets the fuel. Be mindful: A stands for Aim low – fire base is your enemy.
S – Squeeze the Handle Nice and Easy
It’s time to use your sword! Holding the extinguisher tight, and in a forward position, place it at the foot of the flames and begin pulling on the handle or trigger. Turning the valve opens the pressurized extinguishing gas.
Don’t squish or pull the handle out. Maximum pressure for a smooth spreading is preferred. Give up if the discharge is too aggressive. Give it constant even pressure and the contents will come out as intended.
Shoot ahead of the leading edge of the flames. The squirtering liquid will slowly push back and knock out the fire.
S – Sweep Systematically Side to Side
An immediate release of the deacidifying substance cannot suffice. ‘You have to dunk the source of the fire in all directions.
While the extinguisher is still leaking pressurized water, foam or powder, move it side to side, moving along the fire’s surface.
Brush slowly, one by one, until the last embers are burned out. Stay on top of any areas still burning or heating. The fabric should be cooled and thoroughly wetted.
Do not stop too soon. Continue until every last flame and ember is dead. Remember: S for Sweep one way or the other until the flames are completely out.
RACE to Safety If You Fail
Have you put down the fire with the extinguisher but the flecks keep coming back? What if the smoke and heat grows even more when you try? The flames rise only higher? Run away now!
If the extinguisher doesn’t control the flames immediately, stop your efforts and run away right away. In minutes, fire can double its size. You don’t buy anything for the sake of your life.
Get help for any people or animals who are in immediate danger if possible. Raise the alarm and tell others in the building by word or emergency horns or sirens.
From outside, dial 911, and say something. Command exit until fire department sealed off the area.