How to Use a Fire Extinguisher with a 4-step Process

Fortunately, you’re lucky that you have not experienced any fire tragedy! But imagine if any fire mishaps, how would you react? Do you have any idea to do what during a fire emergency? The answer is to operate a fire extinguisher correctly. Therefore, we all should learn the process of using a Fire Extinguisher to avoid the minor damage and a full-scale disaster at your home or business.

Comprehending this fact in mind, I am going to discuss the fire extinguisher guide, which describes the proper methods and proceedings to use it. In this blog post, you will get guidance to use a fire extinguisher properly and also helps to evacuate safely if the fire gets massive despite your efforts.

Now a question comes, what are the 4 steps in using a Fire Extinguisher? Consider the list of the following 4 steps to use a fire extinguisher accurately.

1. Distinguish the fire classification (what kind of fire)

When any fire tragedy occurs, it seems a fire mishap. But you should know that the fire categorizes into different classifications. And, it’s essential to know, what type of fire you’re trying to put out, especially when thinking to buy a fire extinguisher. The different kinds of fire or its classification named as Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, and Type K and this 5-letter naming system is capable of helping you in using the right type of fire extinguisher.

It’s also important to remember that the type of fire depends on what’s burning, and therefore you’ll be able to use the right type of fire extinguisher. Have a look below to the different types or classes of fires.

• Type A - Fire happens linking to wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics.
• Type B - Fire occurs due to flammable liquids and gases or wet chemical including gasoline, solvents, propane, and paints.
• Type C – Fire mishaps involving energized electrical equipment, including fuse boxes, wiring, control panels, computers, copiers, machines, and appliances (anything plugged into electricity).
• Type D - Fire tragedy arises concerning metals, including combustible powders, shavings, or flakes of metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, sodium, and other dry chemicals.
• Type K - Fires involving cooking oil and fats (uses in commercial kitchens).

                                                         (Image Source: Comfire.ca)

2.Get the accurate type of fire extinguisher

Get the accurate kind of fire extinguisher to put out the fire, and check the correct one after knowing the type of fire.  For instance, if you face a Type B fire, then you need a fire extinguisher that enables you to put out the same type of fire, which you’re experiencing. Understanding this point, now a question arises how do you know the type of fires that a fire extinguisher can put out? The answer is to look at the label highlighted on the fire extinguisher. It will help you to understand what type of fire it is to which the fire extinguisher can safely put out.

There are some extinguishers those can only put out one type of fire (extinguisher with an “A” rating puts out the only Type A fires); some other fire extinguishers can put out different types of fire (a fire extinguisher with an A, B, and C rating put out Type A, Type B, and Type C fires). VariEx is one of the trusted manufacturer, supplier, and dealer of fire extinguisher that helps in extinguishing the fire of every type.

3.Follow the PASS method for using a Fire extinguisher

People will want to use the extinguisher to put the fire after they get to know the type of fire, and selection of a suitable fire extinguisher. But this not enough to use an extinguisher because everybody does not know how to use an extinguisher. Hence, there’s a step by step method that anyone can follow to use a fire extinguisher correctly, and the method is known as PASS.

Let us explain the steps of fire extinguisher procedure (PASS) to operate a fire extinguisher. 

• P for Pull: Pull the pin (it may break the tamper seal) while holding the extinguisher away from you to unlock the device.
• A for Aim: Aim low and indicate the nozzle of the extinguisher towards the base of fire. It is recommended not to touch the horn on a CO2 extinguisher as it gets very cold that can damage the skin.
• S for Squeeze: Squeeze the knob or handle of the extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent.
• S for Sweep: Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire, the fuel source, until the fire is out. 

                                                      (Image Source: Firstlinefire.com)

4.What time to leave to fighting the fire and evacuate the fire part?

When you fight the fire actively, remember there may be cases when you’ll have to give up, quit fighting the fire, and evacuate the fire area for your safety. Here is a list of reasons to quit fighting a fire and to evacuate yourself immediately:

• If the fire is spreading too quickly
• If the fire might block your only exit
• In case the fire is too massive
• Even when the fire is so hot you can’t get close enough (10-15 feet) to fight it effectively
• The minute you’ve had to get down on your knees because you can’t see well; otherwise, because of high temperature, or smoke

Last Word

We hope this blog post has made you found the best answer to how to use a fire extinguisher. Check your house or office or shop to make sure that you have the appropriate fire extinguishers available.

STAY SAFE!!