How to operate a fire extinguisher?
A fire hazard can be a life-threatening event. It can also be damaging to your property. That is why experts suggest people stay level-headed during such times. The first thing one should do is to ensure that the exit is closed and secure. Secondly, one must alert other people if they witness a fire using a fire alarm. However, if you think that the fire is controllable and you have access to a fire extinguisher, you can consider using the extinguisher to put out the fire. But it is essential to remember that you should only use it if you know how to operate a fire extinguisher and have basic training for the same. Here is a complete guide to effectively use a fire extinguisher:
Understanding different types of fire and fire extinguishers
Before you know how to operate a fire extinguisher, you must know different types of fire hazards and fire extinguishers:
1. Class A fire
Class A fire includes ordinary combustibles such as wood, plastic, paper, and other similar materials. Class A fire is the most common type of fire.
Water (label colour: solid red), dry powder (label colour: red/white), and foam (label colour: red/blue) extinguishers are useful for extinguishing class A fires.
2. Class B fire
Class B fire includes flammable liquids such as petrol, paint, oil, and so on.
Dry powder (label colour: red/white) and CO2 (label colour: red/black) extinguishers are helpful for class B fires.
3. Class C fire
Class C fire refers to flammable gases. This kind of fire can be experienced mostly in commercial places.
CO2 (label colour: red/black) and dry chemical (label colour: blue) extinguishers help in the combat against class C fire.
4. Class E fire
Class E fire refers to an electrical fire that involves electrical gear.
Electrical or Class E fire can be extinguished using Dry powder (label colour: red/white) and CO2 (label colour: red/black) extinguishers.
5. Class F fire
A common kitchen fire is also known as a class F fire, involving cooking oils, fats, etc.
For this kind of fire, a special wet chemical (label colour: red/oatmeal) extinguisher is required.
The PASS method for using Fire Extinguishers
Knowing how to operate a fire extinguisher is essential for safe and effective usage. Here is a step-by-step guide for using a fire extinguisher:
- Pull the pin
One can find a pin at the top of the handle of a fire extinguisher. The pin is generally secured by a plastic tamper seal. Break the seal and pull the pin.
- Aim at the fire base
Once you have pulled out the pin, aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire. Do not aim at the flames. Aiming at the fire base will help to reduce the fire.
- Squeeze the top handle
After that, squeeze the top lever or handle of the fire extinguisher. Ensure steady discharge from the extinguishers by maintaining a steady pressure on the handle. Do not release the pressure until the fire is completely put out.
- Sweep from side to side
Then, sweep the nozzle of the extinguisher from side to side, aiming at the fire base. Continue the motion until the fire is completely extinguished.
How is a fire extinguished?
One must know how to operate a fire extinguisher as well as how a fire is extinguished:
- Cooling
Cooling the fire base with water is the most effective way to put out a fire (class A). This method, however, is not useful for oil or electrical fires
- Smothering
Smothering refers to cutting off the fire source's access to air. This method is most appropriate for class B fires.
- Starving
Isolating the flames from their feed is essential, which is called starving.
- Interrupting the chemical reaction
The chemical reaction of fire should be interrupted to easily extinguish a fire.
Things to do after using a fire extinguisher
As you have already learned how to operate a fire extinguisher, it is time to learn key things one should do after using a fire extinguisher. Following the right steps will help you effectively put out a fire and keep yourself safe. Here is what you should do after using a fire extinguisher:
- Distance yourself from the fire
After you have used a fire extinguisher to put out a fire and have seen the last flame go out, you must distance yourself from the source of the fire. Keep a safe distance from the fire scene.
- Look for signs of re-ignition
As you back away from the fire scene after using the fire extinguisher, you must keep your eyes locked on the fire base. Look for any sign of re-ignition, like small flare-ups, smouldering embers, and so on.
- Lay down the fire extinguisher
The most important thing you should do after using a fire extinguisher is laying it down at a safe distance. These devices are designed for one-time use. And once you have used it, even for a second, you must not leave it on the wall.
- Report it for service and replacement.
Finally, report on the service of the fire extinguisher. It can either be recharged or replaced. This will help you effectively deal with any future fire hazard.
Conclusion
If you are concerned about how to operate a fire extinguisher, this write-up will help. Here we have discussed the PASS method to help you use your extinguisher safely and effectively. Also, for more guidance and support, visit Technohead India.