Your Guide to Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is one of the most basic components of a fire protection system, but it can only save lives when it’s used the right way. It is also important to correctly maintain your extinguisher so it pulls through in your time of need. Keep reading for your guide to fire extinguishers.
Different Types
There are a few kinds of fire extinguishers for use in different situations, and you can identify them by their classes. Class A extinguishers are designed for wood, paper, and cloth, whereas Class B handle gasoline, grease, and other combustible or flammable liquids. Class C fire extinguishers are best for electrical equipment, and Class D are used in factories for flammable metals. Commercial kitchens should have Class K fire extinguishers to handle animal oils and fats. Combination extinguishers (BC or ABC) can also be purchased.
How to Use One
It’s easier to use an unfamiliar piece of equipment when you have an acronym to follow. PASS stands for pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. Start by pulling the pin, but make sure the nozzle is facing away from you. Then aim the extinguisher at the bottom of the fire and squeeze the lever. When you squeeze the lever on the fire extinguisher, try to be slow and consistent. Then sweep the nozzle back and forth and try to cover the entire fire.
Please remember: Fire extinguishers are meant to be used as the very first line of defense in extinguishing a small fire. However, it is important to know and understand the limits of an extinguisher. Do not place yourself in danger by remaining in the vicinity of a growing fire. When in doubt, it is always best to evacuate the building as quickly and efficiently as possible, allowing the fire sprinkler system and the professional fire fighters to do their jobs.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Maintain your fire extinguisher before you need it, so it won’t let you down when you do. First, make sure it’s easy to get to your extinguisher in an emergency. Check each of its parts for damage, make sure it’s at the correct pressure level, and clean off grease and oil from the outside of the unit. Extinguishers should also be inverted back and forth several times as part of their monthly inspection to ensure the powder inside of them stays loose and ready for use.
You can trust the team at Kazal Fire Protection, Inc. , for your fire protection needs. To find out what we can do for you, including our fire extinguisher inspection service, check out our website or give us a call at (520) 323-1518 today.