How to Use Fire Extinguishers Correctly

A fire extinguisher can save lives and property if used correctly.

A fire extinguisher is an essential safety device for the home and workplace. Not only can it help limit a fire until emergency personnel arrive, it can sometimes put out the fire completely, and even save lives. Simply having a fire extinguisher nearby, however, is not enough. It is imperative that you know how to properly use the extinguisher. Also, it's important to ensure that the extinguisher is fully charged. Remember, preparation is a necessity when trying to avert a disaster.

Instructions

1. Position yourself so that there is an unobstructed exit point at your back. This is important so that if the fire burns out of control or your extinguisher malfunctions, you can escape free of harm.

2. Pull the pin located at the top of the extinguisher. The pin locks the extinguisher's lever in place. Once pulled, it allows the lever to be depressed.

3. Aim the extinguisher's hose or nozzle at the bottom of the fire. Do not aim the extinguisher at the flames, because this will be ineffective. You must direct the contents of the extinguisher at what is fueling the fire. For example, with a grease fire, you want to aim at the grease itself or the pan rather than the rising flames.

4. Squeeze the extinguisher's lever slowly to discharge the contents of the extinguisher. Some types of extinguishers will have a button. The premise is the same, though. Simply press the button. Once the lever or button is released, the extinguisher will stop releasing its fire suppressing agent.

5. Sweep the extinguisher in a side-to-side motion, covering the entire base of the fire. As the fire begins to die, slowly move toward it while continuing to discharge the extinguisher. Continue until the fire has been completely extinguished.

6. Inspect the area to ensure that the fire has been entirely put out. If the fire happens to reignite, repeat the above steps to extinguish it.

7. Recharge your fire extinguisher as soon as possible after it has been used. If you don't know where to have the extinguisher recharged, simply look in the yellow pages of your phone book, under "Fire Extinguishers." You should find a list of companies that provide recharging services.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the instructions provided with your specific fire extinguisher as soon as possible. If you wait until a fire breaks out, it's too late. Although all extinguishers operate in essentially the same manner, some have slightly different recommendations on how far away you should stand from the fire when attempting to extinguish it. If the extinguisher's instructions don't mention a distance, stand at least six to eight feet away.

• Check to ensure that you have the correct extinguisher for the fire. There are three types of extinguishers, each suited for specific fires. The Class A extinguisher is suited for fires fueled by common combustibles, such as paper, wood and cloth. A Class B extinguisher is designed for fires fueled by liquids, such as grease, gasoline and oil. Lastly, a Class C extinguisher is designed for use on fires that are electrical in nature, such as burning fuse boxes, circuit breakers and wiring.

References

• Fire Extinguisher 101: Using a Fire Extinguisher
• Raytown Fire Protection District: Portable Fire Extinguishers