Fire Extinguishers – Facts & Use

iStock_000043661630_Large

SHOULD YOU FIGHT THE FIRE?

BEFORE you consider fighting a fire . . . .

  • Call the Fire Department (Dial 911).
  • Make sure the building is being evacuated.
  • Determine whether the fire is small and is not spreading.
  • Confirm you have a safe path to an exit not threatened by the fire.
  • Know how to use a fire extinguisher.

NEVER fight a fire if even one of the following is true:

  • The fire is spreading beyond the immediate area in which it started or is already a large fire.
  • The fire could block your escape route.
  • You are unsure of the proper operation of the extinguisher.
  • You doubt that the extinguisher you are holding is designed for the type of fire at hand or is large enough to fight the fire.

FIGHTING SMALL FIRES

Used properly, portable fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing one until the fire department arrives. It is essential that everyone be familiar with the proper use of portable extinguishers and know when and when not to use them.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS HAVE LIMITS

  • Portable extinguishers are not designed to fight large or spreading fires.  Even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions.
  • The operator must know how to use the extinguisher
  • The extinguisher must be within easy reach, in working order, and fully charged
  • The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by fire
  • The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought.  (Extinguishers containing water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.)
  • The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable fire extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight to ten seconds.

And remember, always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you’ve extinguished the fire.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER LOCATION

Fire extinguishers should be placed conspicuously and within easy reach so they can be accessed quickly while a fire is still small.

THE PROPER  FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Select only fire extinguishers that have been tested by an independent laboratory and labeled for the type and size of fire they can extinguish.  Use the labels below as a guide to purchase the kind of extinguisher that suits your needs.