How To Operate Your Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguisher is always needed to tackle fire-outbreak at its early stage.
Fire is caused by combustion, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke.
Fire is a very common word used very often, but its consequence is mostly overlooked. Fire outbreak could cause severe burns, damage and even death.
The good news is that fire can be tackled at its early stage with a workable fire extinguisher, but when fire has grown into an inferno, fire extinguisher will no more WORK, you will need to safe yourself and contact fire fighters.
It is very sad that most people only keep fire extinguishers in their vehicles to avoid sanctions from the Road Safety Commission Personnel. Most fire extinguishers in our filling stations, Offices, our homes, and even some large organization has no train fire extinguisher operator which is very unfortunate.
If you are reading this post, then you about to get a very invaluable knowledge about fire extinguishers.
Before we go into how to use fire extinguishers, I will like to let you know that different fire extinguishers works for different classes of fire.
Classes Of Fire (From MFS Fire Extinguishers)
| Class A: | SOLIDS such as paper, wood, plastic etc |
| Class B: | FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS such as paraffin, petrol, oil etc |
| Class C: | FLAMMABLE GASES such as propane, butane, methane etc |
| Class D: | METALS such as aluminium, magnesium, titanium etc |
| Class E: | Fires involving ELECTRICAL APPARATUS |
| Class F: | Cooking OIL & FAT etc |
Component Of A Fire Extinguisher
To understand the proper use of fire extinguisher, you must know the individual components. Check the picture and learn
Different Types Of Fire Extinguisher And Type Of Fire They Extinguisher
(From MFS Fire Extinguishers)
EXTINGUISHER CLASS OF FIRE COLOUR CODE
Water A RED
Foam A & B CREAM
DCP A, B & C BLUE
CO2 B & C BLACK
Wet Chemical F –
Dry Powder D –
NOTE: Most available portable fire extinguishers are of the DCP grade, graded A,B,C. So you may not need to choose the type, just to keep it functional and also know how to use it properly.
Keeping the fire extinguisher functional will involve ensuring that the nozzle is not blocked, the pressure gauge is still on GREEN, and shield the fire extinguisher from direct sunlight.
How To Use Your Fire Extinguisher
Do not FORGET your PASS
P – Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
A – Aim the hose nozzle low toward the base of the fire.
S – Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the flames until extinguished.
STAY SAFE AND NEVER FORGET YOUR P.A.S.S
