Using a Fire Extinguisher

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher in Two Steps

Every business owner needs to train its employees on how to properly use a fire extinguisher. It is not as easy as it looks. In the event a kitchen fire breaks out in your building, you should always contact 9-1-1 so that professional firefighters in Lauderdale county and the surrounding counties, can address the situation promptly. However, you may be able to contain smaller fires and prevent more fire damage from taking place by using an extinguisher the right way.

1. Use the Right Extinguisher

Many people do not realize that there are several different kinds of fire extinguishers available. They are categorized as follows.

• Class A: Meant for paper, cloth and wood
• Class B: Meant for flammable gases and liquids
• Class C: Meant for electrical fires
• Class D: Meant for flammable metals
• Class K: Meant for grease fires and oils

You should have the proper fire extinguisher in your building meant for the type of fire most likely to break out. A majority of businesses will benefit from a Class ABC extinguisher. However, if you work out of an industrial plant, then you may need the other variations readily accessible.

2. Follow the PASS Method

PASS is an acronym to tell you how to operate an extinguisher. First, you need to pull the pin. Next, you need to aim the nozzle toward the base of the flames. Hitting the flames directly will not help. After that, you need to squeeze the trigger. Finally, you want to sweep the extinguisher from side to side to ensure complete coverage. You will only have between 10 and 20 seconds to use the device until it is out of flame retardant.