Today, we’ll be giving out advice on how you should be using a fire extinguisher.
All buildings need to have at least one fire extinguisher, and usually will require multiple. However, you can’t just have them around the building in order to stay safe. Competence in utilizing a fire extinguisher is vital in preserving the safety of your building and everyone inside of it. So how does one properly use an extinguisher? Today, we’ll be giving out advice on how you should be using a fire extinguisher.
Picking Your Fire Extinguisher
Before actually using one, you should first learn which kind of extinguisher you should even have at your disposal. There are different kinds of extinguishers, each for handling different fires. Knowing what fires are most likely to arise in your building will help you figure out which extinguishers you’ll want to have. Here are the different classes:
- Class A: help against fires caused by paper, wood, and cloth
- Class B: useful against fires caused by gasoline, oil, and petroleum
- Class C: best used against fires caused by appliances, fuse boxes, and bad wiring
- Class K: should be used for fires caused by greases, vegetable and animal fats, and cooking oils
How to Use Your Fire Extinguisher
Once you know what extinguishers to pick, you need to learn how to actually use them. There are a few steps in this process.
First, you want to identify escape paths. Your extinguisher should be in a location that lets you leave the building safely after retrieving it, just in case you can’t put out the fire.
Next, position yourself with your back towards an exit and your front towards the fire. You should be about eight feet from the fire when you’re going to use your extinguisher.
The third step is to discharge the extinguisher. This is done by following the P.A.S.S. formula.
- P: Pull the pin
- A: Aim your extinguisher nozzle downward so it can hit the bottom of the fire
- S: Squeeze the lever or handle in order to discharge your fire extinguisher
- S: Sweep your nozzle from side to side until you have addressed the fire, making sure to continue aiming low.
Once this is done, you should monitor the area to be sure the fire doesn’t start up again. Repeat the P.A.S.S. process if it does. Then, you want to call the fire department, assuming you didn’t have time to call them earlier. Lastly, evacuate the building and get somewhere safe and far away from the fire.
KEEP YOURSELF SAFE WITH ANDERSON FIRE PROTECTION, INC.
Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. has the expertise and skill to help your home or commercial property for all your fire protection needs. We have been working in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. areas for over 25 years. We are known for our top-notch customer service and high-quality results. If you are ready for fantastic fire prevention and protection services, from fire sprinkler installation to fire alarm design and to consult, give us a call at (410) 796-4915 or visit us online.