The most important thing to remember is that you should only be trying to extinguish small fires and have just started. If the fire is strong and / or big, get out now and call for help. Don’t be foolish trying to be a hero.
Secondly, if you are using a fire extinguisher, remember to always have a way out. Fires can easily and quickly get out of hand (that’s why there are firefighters) and you want to always be able to escape if things get dicey.
The third important thing to remember when using a fire extinguisher is an acronym: PASS.
Pull the safety pin at the top of the extinguisher, otherwise it won’t work. Check your extinguisher now and find out where the pin is. If there is some ring there holding the pin in place, be sure to remove it. Sometimes manufacturers leave that on so that the pin is not dislodged in shipment.
Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames themselves because the fuel of the fire will be at the base.
Squeeze the handle slowly to release the extinguishing agent in the fire extinguisher.
Sweep the stream of extinguishing agent from side to side from a safe distance, which will depend on the type of fire extinguisher. As the fire starts to die down, move closer.
Lastly, read everything about your fire extinguisher NOW, when you don’t need it, so you know how to use it. You won’t have time to read it when there’s a fire raging in front of you.
One Comment
the first rule of fire extinguishers is to practice how to use it before you need to use it in an emergency.
Post a Comment