This is a brief overview of the important points of using a portable fire extinguisher. Fire can be devastating, but when used properly, a fire extinguisher can save lives and property.
FIRE
Fire is the process that occurs when heat, fuel, and oxygen join together, either by chemical chain reaction, Nature or by human intervention. Fire extinguishers work by removing one of these items. Fire can be prevented by keeping these items away from each other.
TYPES OF FIRE
There are three common types or classes of fire:
CLASS "A": class "A" type fires involve ordinary combustibles such as: wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics.
CLASS "B": class "B" type fires involve flammable liquids such as: gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paints, lacquer, and flammable gases.
CLASS "C": class "C" type fires involve energized electrical equipment such as: wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.
Fire extinguishers are tested to determine what class of fire they are suitable for. Fire extinguishers will be marked as to which fires they may or may not be used on. Make sure the fire extinguisher you select is rated for the class of fire you intend to fight.
USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
The "PASS" word is a method for operating most common fire extinguishers. It is a four step method.
"P" stands for PULL the pin. This will unlock the operating handle and allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
"A" stands for AIM at the base of the fire.
"S" stands for SQUEEZE the operating handle. This will discharge the fire fighting agent.
"S" stands for SWEEP from side to side. Move carefully in on the fire, aiming at the base, sweep back and forth.
IN CASE OF FIRE
Evacuate the building Call the fire department Make sure the fire is small Make sure you have a clear way out Make sure the fire extinguisher is rated for the type of fire and that you know how to use the extinguisher. Start as far away from the fire as possible Always back away from the fire even if it appears to be out. It is reckless to fight the fire if these conditions do not exist, instead leave the building closing the doors behind you to slow the spreading of the fire and smoke. (copied from the Littleton Fire Department Web site)
FIRE
Fire is the process that occurs when heat, fuel, and oxygen join together, either by chemical chain reaction, Nature or by human intervention. Fire extinguishers work by removing one of these items. Fire can be prevented by keeping these items away from each other.
TYPES OF FIRE
There are three common types or classes of fire:
CLASS "A": class "A" type fires involve ordinary combustibles such as: wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics.
CLASS "B": class "B" type fires involve flammable liquids such as: gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paints, lacquer, and flammable gases.
CLASS "C": class "C" type fires involve energized electrical equipment such as: wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.
Fire extinguishers are tested to determine what class of fire they are suitable for. Fire extinguishers will be marked as to which fires they may or may not be used on. Make sure the fire extinguisher you select is rated for the class of fire you intend to fight.
USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
The "PASS" word is a method for operating most common fire extinguishers. It is a four step method.
"P" stands for PULL the pin. This will unlock the operating handle and allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
"A" stands for AIM at the base of the fire.
"S" stands for SQUEEZE the operating handle. This will discharge the fire fighting agent.
"S" stands for SWEEP from side to side. Move carefully in on the fire, aiming at the base, sweep back and forth.
IN CASE OF FIRE
Evacuate the building Call the fire department Make sure the fire is small Make sure you have a clear way out Make sure the fire extinguisher is rated for the type of fire and that you know how to use the extinguisher. Start as far away from the fire as possible Always back away from the fire even if it appears to be out. It is reckless to fight the fire if these conditions do not exist, instead leave the building closing the doors behind you to slow the spreading of the fire and smoke. (copied from the Littleton Fire Department Web site)
How to Handle Kitchen Fires
Most home fires begin in the kitchen. The best way to prevent a kitchen fire is to stay near the stove whenever you are cooking something – especially when frying. Keep your stove and oven clean. Move anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the heat.
Pan Fires
* If you have a small pan fire on the stove, put on an oven mitt.
* Carefully slide a cookie sheet over the pan. A lid can also be used. This cuts off the oxygen and allows the fire to go down.
* Turn off the heat at the burner.
* Leave the pan covered and in place. Do not try to move it!
* Let the pan cool down before you take away the cookie sheet or lid.
Oven Fires
Turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Call the fire department so that firefighters can check for possible flame spread.
Toaster Oven or Microwave Fires
Keep the door closed. Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet. Call the fire department to report the fire. Have the appliance serviced before you use it again or replace it.
Most home fires begin in the kitchen. The best way to prevent a kitchen fire is to stay near the stove whenever you are cooking something – especially when frying. Keep your stove and oven clean. Move anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the heat.
Pan Fires
* If you have a small pan fire on the stove, put on an oven mitt.
* Carefully slide a cookie sheet over the pan. A lid can also be used. This cuts off the oxygen and allows the fire to go down.
* Turn off the heat at the burner.
* Leave the pan covered and in place. Do not try to move it!
* Let the pan cool down before you take away the cookie sheet or lid.
Oven Fires
Turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Call the fire department so that firefighters can check for possible flame spread.
Toaster Oven or Microwave Fires
Keep the door closed. Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet. Call the fire department to report the fire. Have the appliance serviced before you use it again or replace it.