Top Tips on How to Correctly Use a Fire Extinguisher

Whether in your home, a public building or your place of work, you will have seen a fire extinguisher before - they are a standard piece of fire protection equipment, afterall. But, if the situation called for it, would you know how to correctly use one?

Though you may have a general idea, it is best to be sure of all the necessary steps to take when planning to use a fire extinguisher, just in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to use one urgently, in which you will no doubt be feeling under pressure.

Here are our top tips on how to use a fire extinguisher in the correct way.

CHECK THE EXTINGUISHER

You wouldn’t put a freshwater fish in a saltwater tank, would you? Well, the same principle can be applied to fire extinguishers.

It is vital to check that you are using an appropriate extinguisher for the type of fire that needs to be put out. For example, a simple water extinguisher (these have a red label) is only safe for use on fires caused by wood, paper or textiles, whilst an ABC rated extinguisher (these have a blue label) can be used on all types of fires (including flammable liquids, gases and electricals) except from fires caused by cooking oils and fats, whereby only a wet chemical extinguisher (these have a yellow label) can be used.

Remember PASS

When planning to actively use a fire extinguisher, it is helpful to remember the acronym ‘PASS’. Each letter represents an action; it goes as follows:

Pull

Before using an extinguisher, you should sharply pull out the pin situated at the top by the handle. This will break the seal and allow the handle to be squeezed. At this point, you should also test the extinguisher immediately (aiming away from you) to ensure that it works and to gauge how far the stream will travel.

Aim

Next, you should approach the fire, keeping within a safe distance now you know how far the stream from the extinguisher will reach. Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher towards the base of the fire at all times. This is important to remember, as you are most likely going to kill the fire quickly by aiming at the base.

Squeeze

Once you’re aiming the extinguisher in the right direction, gently and evenly squeeze the handles together to discharge the extinguishing agent.

Sweep

When the extinguishing agent is coming out, and keeping the nozzle aimed at the base of the fire, move it in a sweeping motion from side to side while gradually moving closer to the fire as the flames extinguish. If and when you are successful in putting the fire out, you can release the handles again to stop the extinguishing agent from being released.

Training

To be ready for an emergency situation, it is always a good idea for you and any of your employees or designated fire warden(s) to have fire safety training as part of an effective fire protection plan. This may include fire extinguisher training among other things.

If you are looking for fire safety training in Essex, then look no further than Thameside Fire Protection. We offer a number of training courses, including fire extinguisher training, breathing apparatus training and more.

Get in touch with us today for more information.