How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: A Beginner’s Guide to Fire Safety

Introduction

Fire safety is a crucial life skill that everyone should know. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2018, there were 1,318,500 fires reported in the United States alone, resulting in 3,655 deaths and $25.6 billion in direct property damage. One way to prevent the spread of fires is to learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly.

The purpose of this article is to provide a step-by-step guide on how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, list the different types of fire extinguishers, offer do’s and don’ts when using a fire extinguisher, provide real-life examples of people who used fire extinguishers effectively, and suggest training resources for further education.

Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device that discharges a stream of chemicals, such as water, foam, carbon dioxide, or powder, to put out fires. Fire extinguishers come in different sizes, ranging from handheld to larger portable options.

Understanding the Different Parts of a Fire Extinguisher

Before learning how to use a fire extinguisher, it is essential to know its components. Every fire extinguisher has five basic parts: the pressure gauge, handle, nozzle, lock pin, and agent.

Steps for Using a Fire Extinguisher

1. Pull the pin. This is the first step in discharging the fire extinguisher. The pin is located on the handle, and pulling it releases the lock pin.
2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. The nozzle is the part through which the agent comes out. Direct the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames.
3. Squeeze the handle. Squeezing the handle releases the agent from the nozzle.
4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side. Move the nozzle from side to side, starting at the base of the fire and moving upward until the flames are out.

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are four main types of fire extinguishers:

1. Water-and-foam extinguishers: These extinguishers are used on Class A fires and are the most basic type of fire extinguisher. They work by cooling the fire and preventing it from spreading.
2. Carbon dioxide extinguishers: These extinguishers work best on electrical fires (Class C) and are designed to remove oxygen from the air, putting out the fire in the process.
3. Powder extinguishers: These extinguishers are useful for Class A, B, and C fires and work by smothering the fire and absorbing the heat it produces.
4. Wet chemical extinguishers: These extinguishers are designed for Class K fires, mainly in commercial kitchens, where cooking oils and fats cause fires. They work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire.

Fire Classes

Fire extinguishers are classified according to the type of fire they are designed to put out. The classes of fires are:

1. Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.
2. Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids or gases, such as gasoline, oil, and propane.
3. Class C: Fires involving electrical equipment, such as appliances and transformers.
4. Class D: Fires involving flammable metals, such as magnesium and titanium.
5. Class K: Fires involving cooking oils and fats commonly found in commercial kitchens.

Do’s and Don’ts

Precautions to Take Before Using a Fire Extinguisher

Before using a fire extinguisher, take the following precautions:

1. Call the fire department. If the fire is significant or you are unsure if you can put it out, contact the fire department through the emergency services.
2. Evacuate the area if the fire is spreading. Before you attempt to use a fire extinguisher, ensure that you’re not in danger and that everyone in the area is out of harm’s way.

Tips for Using a Fire Extinguisher

When using a fire extinguisher, follow these tips:

1. Use the right type of extinguisher for the fire. Each extinguisher is tagged to indicate the type of fire it is designed to put out. Trying to extinguish a fire with the wrong type of extinguisher can make the flames worse instead of putting them out.
2. Stand at a safe distance from the fire. It’s crucial to keep yourself at a safe distance when using a fire extinguisher. The heat from the fire is intense and can cause burns if you are too close.
3. Remember the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). The PASS method outlines the sequence of actions required when using a fire extinguisher. Pull the pin, aim the nozzle, squeeze the handle and sweep the nozzle from side to side to extinguish the flames.

Things to Avoid When Using a Fire Extinguisher

When using a fire extinguisher, avoid the following:

1. Using the wrong type of extinguisher. Using the wrong type of extinguisher for the fire can cause the flames to spread rather than putting them out.
2. Using a damaged or expired extinguisher. Fire extinguishers should be inspected for damage regularly. Also, they expire after a certain amount of time and will need to be replaced.

Real-Life Examples

Examples of Individuals Who Used Fire Extinguishers Effectively

There are a lot of examples of people who used fire extinguishers to put out fires effectively. A teenager in Colorado, who was volunteering at a local animal shelter, used a fire extinguisher to put out a fire in the kitchen and saved all the animals. In another example, an elementary school teacher in New Jersey used a fire extinguisher to put out a blaze in a trash can outside a school and kept the students safe.

Stories of Firefighters Who Saved Lives Through Their Quick Actions with Fire Extinguishers

Firefighters use fire extinguishers every day to save lives. In 2018, a firefighter in California saved a man who was trapped in a burning car using a fire extinguisher. In 2017, another firefighting team saved a four-year-old girl from a burning building using a fire extinguisher.

Training Resources

Online Courses and Tutorials on Fire Extinguisher Use

There are several online courses and tutorials that teach fire extinguisher use, such as the ones provided by the National Fire Protection Association. These courses are crucial for anyone looking to learn more about fire safety. They offer practical skills and important knowledge that can be used in everyday life.

Local Workshops and Training Sessions

Many local fire departments offer workshops and training sessions on fire safety. These sessions include information on how to use a fire extinguisher properly, fire prevention, and other essential skills. Attending these workshops can help you feel more confident and equipped in the event of a fire emergency.

Recommended Training Manuals and Guides

There are many fire safety manuals and guides out there. A recommended guidebook is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidebook on fire safety. This guidebook offers detailed information on fire safety regulations and the latest fire safety technologies.

Fire Safety at Home

Tips for Preventing Fires at Home

Prevent fires with these handy tips:

1. Install smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are an essential aspect of fire prevention because they are designed to alert you to the presence of smoke in your home.
2. Never leave cooking food unattended. Cooking fires are a common cause of fires in homes. Always stay in the kitchen when cooking, and never leave food on the stove or in the oven unattended.
3. Dispose of smoking materials correctly. Smoking materials, such as cigarettes or matches, cause many fires in homes. Ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished before disposal.
4. Regularly check heating appliances. Heating appliances, such as heaters and furnaces, should be checked regularly to ensure they’re not overheating or causing a fire.

Steps for Using Fire Extinguishers in Typical Home Fire Scenarios

If there is a fire in your home, follow these steps:

1. Call the fire department. If the fire is substantial or you’re unsure if you can put it out, contact the fire department via the emergency services.
2. Use the right type of extinguisher. The type of extinguisher you use depends on the type of fire. For example, a water-and-foam extinguisher should be used on Class A fires, such as those involving wood or paper.
3. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire. Aim the nozzle at the source of the fire and not at the flames. Directing the extinguisher at the flames might cause them to spread.
4. Move the extinguisher from side to side while spraying. With your device pointed at the fire’s base, move the nozzle from side to side to extinguish the flames until they’re gone.

The Importance of Conducting Regular Fire Drills at Home

Conducting fire drills at home is vital to ensure that your loved ones know how to escape a fire and to build their confidence in case of an emergency. Hold fire drills, and set aside time to educate your loved ones on fire safety and how to use a fire extinguisher.