How to use a portable fire extinguisher

How to use a portable fire extinguisher

Fire Safety advocates continue to promote the benefits of portable fire extinguishers as part of a complete and balanced approach to fire protection. The reason portable fire extinguishers remain at the forefront is becasue they are your first defense against small fires once the fire department base has been called and everyone is safe. Consider this: 94 percent of the time a portable fire extinguisher is used, it puts our the fire - typically within the initial two minutes.

To use the "PASS" method:

PULL the pin

AIM the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire from the recommended distance

SQUEEZE the operating lever to discharge the fire extinguishing agent

SWEEP - Starting at the recommended distance, sweep the nozzle or hose fromo side to side until the fire is out. move forward or around the fire areas as the fire diminishes. Watch the area in case of re-ignition.

TYPES OF FIRES

Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics.

Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil, and paint. also included are flammable gases such as propane and butane. Class B fires do not include fires involving cooking oils and grease.

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, and appliances. Remove the power and the Class C fire becomes one of the other classes of fire.

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as potassium, sodium, aluminum, and magnesium.

Class K fires involve cooking oils and greases such as animal fats and vegetable fats.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING

On-site fire extinguisher training conducted by the Deputy Fire Marshall is available by application.

ON-SITE TRAINIG CRITERIA:

* 20x20' clear, outside area

* Water availability

* Demo fire extinguishers provided

* 10 or more attendees

* Length of training session -- approx 1 hour

* Sessions to be scheduled between 10am & 2pm

* Applications available at Station 1

* Questions: Contact Deputy Fire Marshall - 209-599-4209