Pull the pin. Aim the extinguisher at the near edge and bottom of the fire. Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side at the base of the fire.
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.
P: Pull the pin. A: Aim at the base of the fire. S: Squeeze the handle. S: Sweep side to side.
If your boat is less than 26 feet, you need one 5-B fire extinguisher on board. If your boat is between 26 and 40 feet, you need either two 5-B fire extinguishers or a single 20-B fire extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire. If you aim at the flames (which is frequently the temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good. You want to hit the fuel.
The most common method of fire suppression is water. In part this is because many fire protection systems in buildings may have been installed before more advanced fire suppression systems were available.
Squeeze the trigger continuously until the spraying stops. Sweep from side to side until the fire extinguisher is empty.
Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number. Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
Chemical Fires
If the fire is small, contained, and you are not exposed to the fumes, you may locate a fire extinguisher and attempt to put the fire out. Never allow the fire to come between you and an exit. If you are inside of a building, activate the alarm system and evacuate.
For an easy-to-remember 4-step process to operating a fire extinguisher, learn the PASS system: Pull the pin while holding the extinguisher away from you to unlock the mechanism. Aim low toward the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly.
The four methods to extinguish a fire include cooling, starving, smothering, and breaking the chain reaction. Cooling removes heat, starving removes fuel, smothering removes oxygen, and breaking the chain reaction interferes with the fire's ability to fuel itself.
Pull the pin (or other motion) to unlock the extinguisher. Aim at the base (bottom) of the fire and stand 6- 10 feet away. Squeeze the lever to discharge the agent. Sweep the spray from left to right until the flames are totally extinguished.
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.
Cooling the fire
Removing the heat element of a fire means it cannot spread, and will eventually burn out. Water is the most common method of cooling a fire, and is typically used to fight solid fuel fires.
Activate the first fire alarm you see and try to help others to evacuate the building. Close doors behind you to help prevent the fire from spreading. Follow the evacuation procedure if you're at your workplace or follow the escape route signs if you're a visitor. Listen to instructions given by the Fire Marshal.
Fire can be extinguished by employing various methods such as cooling the fuel to a temperature below its ignition temperature, removing the fuel source, or removing the oxygen that sustains burning. However, removing carbon dioxide will not extinguish a fire as carbon dioxide itself is a fire suppressant.
Inform people in the immediate area to evacuate. If you witness a fire, activate the nearest building fire alarm and exit the building. When safe, immediately call 911. If the fire is small (wastebasket sized or smaller) and you have been trained to use a fire extinguisher, you may attempt to extinguish the fire.
Aim the nozzle or outlet towards the base of the fire. Squeeze the handles together to discharge the extinguishing agent inside. To stop discharge, release the handles. Sweep the nozzle from side to side as you approach the fire, directing the extinguishing agent at the base of the flames.
Introducing the 4 P's to Fire & Evacuation
These are the procedures / requirements which are in place. These alone will not make you safe, they are a means to an end and also guide the other P's – prevention, preparation and practice.
Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years. Rechargeable fire extinguishers should be taken to an experienced fire equipment service company and inspected/recharged every 6 years, especially if used in a commercial application or in an uncontrolled temperature setting.