Fire Extinguisher Safety:

Fire extinguishers come in many shapes and sizes. They also have specific uses for different types of fires. These fires can be divided into several classes:

Class "A" -- Ordinary Combustibles (wood, paper, cloth, rubber etc.)

Class "B" -- Flammable Liquids (fuel oil, gasoline, cooking grease, solvents etc.)

Class "C" -- Energized Electrical Equipment (wiring, fuse box, electrical motors etc.)

Class "D" -- Combustible Metals (Magnesium, sodium, etc.)

Class “K” – These are a subclass of the flammable liquid/gas classification (cooking oils and fats)

The most common type of Fire Extinguisher is the Dry Chemical ABC Extinguisher. It is designed to fight A, B, and C class fires. These are normally found in residential and small business locations. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are used for class B and C fires.

Dry chemical extinguishers have an advantage over CO2 extinguishers since they leave a non-flammable substance on the extinguished material, reducing the possibility of a re-ignition of the material. CO2 extinguishers have an advantage over dry chemical extinguishers since they don't leave a harmful residue – These are a good choice if protection of electrical equipment such as computers, TV’s, etc. is required.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher 

You should familiarize yourself with the operating instructions before a fire occurs. One you have chosen the correct fire extinguisher for the fire, follow these steps:

• Pull the pin (the pin or tab on the activation handle prevents accidental discharge of the agent)
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (visible flame is a byproduct of combustion, the base of the fire is the material under the flame)
• Squeeze the handle (this releases the agent inside the fire extinguisher)
• Sweep from side to side at the base of the flame (side to side motion ensures coverage of the agent on the entire base of the fire)

Remember: A fire needs oxygen to sustain combustion. If you cover the base of the fire with the agent, it suffocates and will eventually extinguish the fire.

Extinguisher Tips

• 1.      Remember: fires can get very large-very fast, so make sure before you attempt to extinguish a fire, you have an exit strategy planned out.  
• 2.      Always place yourself between the exit and the fire to ensure that you can withdraw if the fire does not go out.
• 3.      Ensure the fire extinguisher is UL rated when making a purchase.
• 4.      Familiarize yourself with the location and operating instructions of extinguishers in your home, office or when traveling.

REMEMBER:
 

Do not put yourself or others in harms way by attempting to extinguish a fire. If the area becomes filled with smoke, leave the area. Close all doors to help contain and confine the fire. If a fire alarm is avialalbe, ensure you or someone else activates it immediately. Call 9-1-1 no matter how big or small the fire may be, even if you extinguish it. Fires can cause hidden fires in walls and cabinets. New technology allows us to search for fires in these spaces using thermal imaging cameras and heat sensing tools, thus preventing fires from smoldering in hard to reach areas.

When cooking, one of the best tools for extinguishing a fire is the pot lid. Always having a lid that fits the pan or pot that you are cooking with is important. If a fire occurs, placing the lid over the pot or pan on fire while using a oven mitt can cause the fire to go out by restricting the oxygen. Again, call 9-1-1 to make sure ther are no hidden fires if this occurs.

If you would like to schedule a fire extinguisher training class or would like more information on them, please contact our Public Education Coordinator at 843-757-2800.