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When used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives
and property by putting out a small fire or controlling it until
the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers, intended for
the home, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. However,
even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions:
- The operator must know how to use the extinguisher.
There is no time to read directions during an emergency.
- The extinguisher must be within easy reach and
in working order, fully charged.
- Some models are unsuitable for use on grease or
electrical fires.
Select Your Extinguisher
Choose your extinguisher carefully. A fire extinguisher should
bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory. It should
also be labelled as to the type of fire it is intended to extinguish.
The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire.
Most portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as
eight seconds.
Classes of fires: There are three basic classes of fires.
All fire extinguishers are labelled with standard symbols for
the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any
of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on
that class fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher
has not been tested for use on a given class of fire.
Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper,
rubber, and many plastics.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease,
tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.
Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring,
fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.
Many household fire extinguishers are "multipurpose" A-B-C
models, labelled for use on all three classes of fire. If you
are ever faced with a Class A fire, and you don't have an extinguisher
with an "A" symbol, don't hesitate to use one with the "B:C"
symbols.
Warning: It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labelled
only for Class A fires on a grease or electrical fire.
Extinguisher sizes: Portable extinguishers are also rated
for the size of fire they can handle. This rating is a number
from 1 to 40 for Class A fires and 1 to 640 for Class B fires.
The rating will appear on the label. The larger the number,
the larger the fire extinguisher can put out. Higher-rated models
are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate the extinguishers
are rated 1A or 2A and/or 5B, 10B, or 20B. The "C" just indicates
that you can use it on electrical fires.
Installation and Maintenance
Extinguishers should be installed in plain view above the reach
of children near an escape route and away from stoves and heating
appliances.
Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator's manual
and ask your dealer how your extinguisher should be inspected
and serviced. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every
use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once; they
must be replaced after one use. Following manufacturer's instructions,
check the pressure in your extinguishers once a month.
Remember The Pass Word
Stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire and follow the four-step
PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out immediately,
leave the area at once. Always be sure the fire department inspects
the fire site.
PULL the pin out: This unlocks the operating lever and allows
you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers have other
devices that prevent inadvertent operation.
AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base
of the fire.
SQUEEZE the lever below the handle: This discharges the extinguishing
agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. Some extinguishers
have a button that you press.
SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire,
keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep
back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the
fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
Should You Fight The Fire?
Before you begin to fight a fire:
- Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving, the
building.
- Make sure the fire department has been notified
by dialling 911.
- Make sure the fire is confined to a small area
and that it is not spreading beyond the immediate area.
- Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route
to which the fire will not spread.
- Make sure that you have read the instructions
and that you know how to use the extinguisher.
It is dangerous to fight a fire under any other circumstances.
Instead, leave immediately and close off the doors and windows
if possible.
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