How to Train With Fire Extinguishers

Annual fire extinguisher training prepares you for emergencies.

Learning how to train with fire extinguishers is a life-saving practice. It is important to be familiar with the use of a fire extinguisher before an emergency situation has occurred. Before beginning training with a fire extinguisher, learn about the different classes of fire extinguishers as well as the parts of the extinguisher. Fire extinguisher training should be completed annually.

Things You'll Need

• Fireproof container
• Old newspaper
• Matches

Instructions

1. Inspect the fire extinguisher to ensure that it has a safety pin, nozzle and trigger. Check the gauge to ensure the fire extinguisher has enough pressure (the needle should be in the green zone). Also make sure there are no cracks in the hose.

2. Find a clear area that is away from trees, shrubs, homes and vehicles. Remove any debris in the area to prevent the fire from spreading. The ideal location would be a vacant paved parking lot.

3. Crumple up newspaper, and place it in a fireproof container. Position the fireproof container close to the center of the cleared area.

4. Light the newspapers on fire with matches.

5. Stand approximately 8 to 10 feet from the fire, and utilize the PASS (pull, aim, squeeze and sweep) method. PASS simply means to pull the safety pin out of the top of the extinguisher, aim the nozzle toward the fire, slowly depress the trigger and sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire.

6. Repeat the above steps until you're comfortable extinguishing fires.

Tips & Warnings

• While shopping for a fire extinguisher, ensure that it is free from dents and hard scratches. These are signs that the extinguisher was not handled properly during shipping and could possibly be faulty.

• Contact a local community college or fire department to see if it can assist with fire extinguisher training.

• Ensure that the weather outside is suited for burning.

• Have a telephone close by in case an emergency occurs or the fire gets out of control.

• Keep a safe distance from the fire to prevent getting burned.

• Fires can easily get out of control; someone must stay near the fire the entire time it is burning.

References

• Hanford Fire Department: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Fire Extinguishers