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.
To use a fire extinguisher effectively, remember the word P.A.S.S. Pull the pin. Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle, releasing the extinguishing agent.
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.
Yes, all fire extinguishers must be refilled once they have been discharged. Fire extinguishers are designed to discharge their propellant gas once the valve stem has been pushed. Even if you only use a small amount of extinguishant the extinguisher will still degas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 3 things a fire needs are heat, fuel and oxygen.
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.
R.A.C.E.: Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate.
Use: Water fire extinguishers are best for combatting Class A fires, for example fires involving organic solid materials, such as wood, cloth, fabric, paper and plastics. Dangers: Do not use on burning fat or oil and also never use on fires involving electrical appliances.
If you steal a fire extinguisher and are convicted of a third-degree felony, you can face a maximum fine of $5,000 and a prison sentence of not more than five years. This is the same level of punishment faced by those charged with stealing firearms, motor vehicles or controlled substances.
Fire extinguishers will be stored at a distance no greater than 10 feet from torch users. A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 10B, will be provided within 50 feet of the location where more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of a flammable gas are used on a job site.
The golden rule is that only one extinguisher is used. If that fails to extinguish the fire, STOP and leave.
Look for the fire extinguisher's serial number, and check if the fire extinguisher label is readable. Check if the cylinder and other external metal parts are free of corrosion, dents, and other signs of damage.
A fire hose reel is a first attack piece of fire-fighting equipment. It is designed to be used as a quick-response method by any member of the general public for fighting fires in their early stages. Hose Reels are suitable for Class A fires viz: Paper, Textiles, Wood, Most Plastics and Rubber.
On the other hand, dry chemical, metal, and sand extinguishers leave a noticeable amount of inedible and harmful chemical residue. It's best to keep these away from your cooking area and throw away any food that was sprayed by these extinguishers.