What Is The Correct Way To Operate A Fire Extinguisher?
Having one or more fire extinguishers in your home brings a sense of safety, knowing that you will be able to counter fires should they arise. However, having one and knowing how to use it the right way are two different things.
That said, the safety of your home depends on your ability to use the fire extinguisher properly. To help you know how to use the extinguisher the right way, read the steps outlined below.
Understand The Cause Of The Fire
Various types of fire extinguishers exist, and each is designed to combat different types of fires. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the cause of fire before trying to put it out with a fire extinguisher. Most household fires fall in the following classifications:
• Class A fires: These are fires fuelled by solid components such as clothes, wood, paper, etc.
• Class B Fires: These ones are fuelled by liquids such as petrol, gasoline, and oil.
• Class C: They are caused and fuelled by faulty electrical appliances or problems with the wiring.
• Class K: These are fires fuelled by animal fats, cooking oils, and vegetable fats.
Typically, extinguishers are marked with the classes of fires they are designed to put off. In most cases, household fires fall under classes A, B, and C. Luckily, most fire extinguishers are multipurpose, and you can use them on all three classes of fire. However, if it is a class K fire, you might need a different extinguisher.
Please don’t use a fire extinguisher if it is not designed for a certain class of fire. For example, if your extinguisher can’t combat electric fire, don’t use it on electricity-caused fires.
Steps For Using A Fire Extinguisher
For a successful operation, follow these steps:
Identify An Escape Route
Yes, extinguishers are made to combat fire, but there is always the risk that the fire is too big for an extinguisher. Therefore, prepare an escape route before you start extinguishing the fire. That way, if the fire is too much, you can let it go and run to save your life.
Stand Back
After identifying a clear exit, face the fire and keep your back where the exit is. Ideally, be at least six feet from the flames of the fire. You can get hurt if you are too close.
Discharge The Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers usually come with a manual on their bodies. Therefore, you can simply use one even if you’ve never done it before. Typically, the procedure is like this:
• Pull the pin out
• Aim the extinguisher’s nozzle for hose towards the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguisher’s content
• Sweep the nozzle to and fro, aiming at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.
Keep An Eye On The Fire Area
After extinguishing the fire, keep an eye on the area to ensure that it does not reignite. If it does reignite, repeat the above procedure to put it off.
Call The Fire Department
If you have not called the fire department, call them so that they can inspect the area. The experts will identify the major cause of the fire and deal with it once for all. After everything has been settled, find a safe place to relax.
You can get more information about fire and safety from Totnes Fire Protection & Signs Ltd, a company dedicated to helping British citizens protect themselves from fire and stay safe.
