Promoting Fire Extinguisher Safety

Fire extinguishers are designed to fight fires in their early stages when the flames present a relatively minor hazard. Specifically, a fire extinguisher should be leveraged when the fire is small, growing at a slow pace, giving off little smoke and emitting minimal heat. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher during a workplace fire can make all the difference in preventing the flames from spreading and causing large-scale damage and injuries. With this in mind, it’s vital to understand the different types of fire extinguishers and basic operating procedures.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are divided into different classes, with each class of extinguisher designed for certain types of materials and fires. Here is a breakdown of these classes:

• Class A—This type of fire extinguisher can help fight fires involving wood, paper, trash and other items that produce glowing embers as they burn. Class A extinguishers should never be used on gas or electrical fires.
• Class B—These fire extinguishers are designed to combat flames generated from flammable liquids and gases (e.g., gasoline, paint thinners, solvents, grease and acetylene).
• Class C—This type of fire extinguisher can be used to put out energized electrical equipment fires.
• Class ABC—These fire extinguishers are designed to fight any type of fire.

Using the wrong fire extinguisher can result in more damage than the fire itself. All extinguishers have nameplates identifying their specific usage instructions.

Basic Operating Procedures

In addition to selecting the right type of fire extinguisher to put out a workplace fire, it’s essential to know basic operating procedures. In general, it’s best to follow the PASS method when using a fire extinguisher. This method involves the following steps:

• Pull. The safety pin is usually held in place by a plastic seal and will pull off. Do not push down on the operating lever while pulling the pin, or it won’t come out.
• Aim. Aim at the base of the fire, the lowest flame closest to you. The base of the fire will recede from you as you use the extinguisher, so you must adjust your aim.
• Squeeze. The operating lever is above the carrying handle. The operating lever opens the valve when you squeeze it down. When you let go, the valve closes and the discharge stops.
• Sweep. Sweep the nozzle by moving your arm at the elbow. Direct the discharge to cover the entire width of the base of the fire.

Above all, remember that you should never feel like you have to stay and fight a workplace fire. If you feel your safety is at risk at any point, exit the premises immediately. Speak to your supervisor for additional fire extinguisher safety guidance.