Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep). Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again. Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.
Use an extinguisher – Remember the golden fire extinguisher rule: only attempt to use an extinguisher if you can confidently tackle it with the right equipment. Otherwise, if in doubt, get out and stay out.
A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 10B, shall be provided within 50 feet of wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used on the jobsite. This requirement does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.
It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the pin. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
The letters stand for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep, and following the instructions laid out by this handy acronym can help to make sure that you use a fire extinguisher in the correct, most effective way when there is a fire.
They work by smothering the fire: when you put a layer of powder or foam on the fire, you cut the fuel off from the oxygen around it, and the fire goes out.
Pull – Pulling the pin breaks the tamper seal, making the extinguisher ready for use. Aim – Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze – Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher at the fire. Sweep – Sweep from side to side, keeping the extinguisher pointed at the base of the fire until the fire has gone out.
Pull: Pull the safety pin located at the top of the fire extinguisher. Aim: Aim the nozzle at the fire's base rather than its top. Squeeze: Squeeze the lever gently to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep: Sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side to sufficiently cover the fire and prevent it from spreading.
Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Smoke detectors and smolder-resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents. Heating is the 2nd leading cause of residential fires and ties with arson as the 2nd leading cause of fire deaths.
Did you think there was a fire and there wasn't? In both of these cases there would be no legal repercussions, unless you damaged something, which is possible using a dry chemical extinguisher around electrical equipment. If it was malicious however there could be charges.
Fire Extinguisher Classes
The letter on a fire extinguisher indicates its classification: Class A puts out ordinary combustible fires (wood, paper, plastic, etc.) Class B puts out flammable liquid fires (oil, gas, petroleum, etc.) Class C puts out electrical fires.
Here is your assessment check list: Make sure the fire is small. The flames should never be taller than you and should not cover an area that is bigger than 60 square feet. 60 square feet is about the size of a king size bed (42.15 square feet), so don't try to tackle a fire that is much bigger than that.
The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class A fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 75 feet (22.9 m) or less.
R.A.C.E. stands for 'Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate.
The Fire Triangle is a simple way of understanding the components of fire. Each side of the triangle represents one of three components needed to have a fire – oxygen, fuel and heat. Fire is a chemical reaction and without one of these components, fire cannot exist or be sustained.
When at all feasible, try to suffocate a fire by smothering it with the most suitable sort of fire extinguisher, water, or a covering substance like earth. A carbon dioxide extinguisher or a fire blanket can be used to remove oxygen from the area around the fire.
Fire blankets are nothing more than blankets which are manufactured using fire resistant or fire retardant materials. The most effective method of fire blanket use is to simply smother the flames in a small fire, cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing the fire from spreading.
When sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is heated by the fire it becomes sodium carbonate. During this process water and carbon dioxide is released. The carbon dioxide starves the fire of oxygen smothering the fire and the water that is released cools the heat source.
The first thing to know about fire extinguishers is that you must be trained and authorized to use one in an emergency. The point is that most people have never used one and it takes some training and practice to use one properly.
When considering whether to tackle a small fire yourself if you discover one, always bear in mind the golden rule of fire safety; If in doubt, get out, stay out and call the Fire Brigade immediately.