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[H1715]How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

by James Monahan, Jam

Different people react to emergency situations differently. Some people would panic and a simple fire extinguisher will become a major puzzle. Others would keep their head and their cool to think of solutions that could very well save their lives.

Panic, however, is hard to foresee and to control. It comes in the most inopportune of times, a time when you really need that level-headedness that you are known for. In times of panic, one will never really know how a person will respond. It is important therefore to plan ahead and learn the things that you need when emergency comes along.

With fire being one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in the country, lessons in disaster and emergency management will probably involve the fire extinguisher, an important emergency tool that can pretty much save lives of used the right way.

We see it encased in a glass housing in every building that we go to, in the restaurants that we eat at and even at the malls where we shop.

But who really knows how to operate it in addition to the fact that you need to break the glass in order to use it?

One of the first rules of using a fire extinguisher is the PASS. The acronym stands for the first letters of each steps that you have to take in order to use the fire extinguisher properly.

First, you have to PULL the pin, which can be found at the top of most fire extinguishers. Second, AIM the fire extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire. SQUEEZE the trigger while holding the fire extinguisher upright and aimed. Lastly, SWEEP the fire extinguisher from side to side. This will help you cover all the areas of the fire.

Here are some reminders that might come in handy the next time you encounter a need for a fire extinguisher.

1. When storing it in the house, it is important to have it near the entrance of the house as well as in the kitchen and the garage where fire usually starts.

2. Make sure that the fire extinguisher you are keeping in handy can still be used. There are cases of fire extinguishers being unusable because it has been stored for several years.

3. Knowing what to do with a fire extinguisher is not something that only you should endeavor. Demonstrate to the members of your family the basics of handling and managing a fire extinguisher. Let them touch it and carry it for a while so that at least they'll have an idea how to hold fire extinguisher in place.

4. Keep the fire extinguisher away from children, who can accidentally set it off. The rule of thumb is for the age of the user is that if the fire extinguisher is too big for you or too heavy a weigh for you, then you are much too young and small to be able to control it.

Experts advise that you allow older and stronger people to use it, as they can make proper use of every single drop of the fire extinguisher.

Powder fire extinguishers are among the most versatile of fire control solutions. These extinguishers work to put out class A and B fires (normal fires and flammable liquids), but also class C fires, which are those involving flammable gases. They are safe for use on electrical fires as well; the powder contained in the extinguisher is non conductive. These extinguishers put out fires by expelling powder on them, which works very well on flammable liquids and gases.

There are many different types of powder extinguishers, but all use powder with nitrogen as the pressurizing agent. The jet of powder has a range of four to seven meters and can discharge for anywhere between six and twenty seconds. The exact type of extinguisher will determine this capacity. Some have controlled discharge, which makes for easier maintenance. A few of the types of powder fire extinguisher available follow.

BC extinguishers work well on liquid and gas fires, but not other types. They are filled with sodium bicarbonate, which leaves sediment. This sediment is mildly corrosive and should be cleaned off as soon as possible. ABC powder fire extinguishers work on A, B and C class fires and use monoammonium phosphate. This yellow powder leaves a residue as well; one which can damage electronics. Try to avoid using these around electrical equipment.

Always read the instructions on your extinguisher and make sure you know how to use it. Don't let this wait until there is a fire. A powder fire extinguisher is used by pulling the pin, aiming and then pulling the trigger. The powder should be aimed at the base of the flames or any burning liquid by sweeping it from side to side at the base of the fire. If the fire is in a container, aim the powder at the near side of the fire, then use the jet to propel the fire away from you until it is extinguished.

Liquid which is flowing and on fire is a different case. Aim the powder at the base of the flames and then move the jet upwards. If it is an electrical fire you are working on, turn off the current first, Make sure that the air is clear after the fire is extinguished and check the site to make sure it is out – it can reignite, so be ready to use the extinguisher again if this happens.

Powder fire extinguishers should be kept close at hand and easy to find. These extinguishers can be identified by the blue label on the outside of the red extinguisher. Older powder extinguishers might be blue all over. If you have an older model, then have it regularly serviced to make sure it is still in working condition. Be sure to pressure test it as well to make sure that it is still safe to use. Look for the kitemark of approval on new extinguishers, these tell you that the unit has been tested. All sizes of extinguisher, from 1kg to 100kg should be kitemarked.

You should keep powder fire extinguishers around your home or office, near any place where a fire may occur. These extinguishers are great for liquid and gas fires, so keep them near stoves and furnaces, garages and other non-electrical fire hazards. Be careful in using these extinguishers and always be aware of how to use it before you need to. You are under no obligation to fight a fire – if you don't feel you can handle a fire, leave the area and call the authorities.

Article Source : Pg. 14

About Author

Both James Monahan & Peter Thomas are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

James Monahan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health Care, Health and Modelling. James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of and writes expert articles about. James Monahan's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.

Peter Thomas has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Health and The Internet. Peter Thomas is part of the team at , the UKs leading provider of. Peter Thomas's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.