How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are installed in workplaces, shopping outlets and houses to douse a fire in case of emergency. They serve as the most useful fire safety unit in working zones and people should always know how to use it. A fire extinguishing cylinder contains a discharging agent which is pressure filled and let off on a fire for the purpose of extinguishing it. If you do not know how to use a fire extinguisher then all your efforts will go in vain during a sudden fire breakout. The process will be explained to you in the upcoming segment.

Fire Extinguisher Types

You should always know the different classes of fire extinguishers for installing them at the correct place and for the desired purpose. A regular fire extinguisher inspection is carried out in working zones with large-scale manpower. Fire extinguisher training is also provided to people so that they can use it effectively in emergency situations. Similarly, you should also know the technical aspects and the types of extinguishers before installing it at your home.

• Water extinguishers are red in color and are suitable to be applied over wood, textiles and paper or any type of Class A fires. They should never be let off in an electrical fire or Class B fire.
• Carbon Dioxide extinguishers come as black cylinders are used for liquid fires or Class B fires. They are usually found in workplaces that have extensive electric supplies.
• Foam fire extinguishers or the AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) are meant for Class A and B types of fire. The foaming agent cuts off oxygen supply and thus, the fire cannot spread. The color code for AFFF bottles is cream.
• Wet chemical fire extinguishers are devised for dousing flames from cooking oil, butter, lard and fatty substances. They show instant action and prevent re-ignition of fire. Their color code is yellow.
• Dry powder fire extinguishers are known to be the most versatile having the color code blue. They can be used in any type of fire outbreak, viz, Class A, B and C types. They work best for liquid fires and but you should be careful while spraying it in confined places.
• Halon extinguishers have color code green that requires permission for use or else it's illegal. Legal use is permitted only in aircraft, armed forces, and police. It was banned for causing depletion to ozone layer.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

The correct procedure for using the various types of extinguishers differs from each other. The instructions are clearly explained on the cylinder and you can follow the same. However, there are certain precautions that you should always know before opening the nozzle. Always keep the mouth directed towards the fire and keep yourself at a certain distance away from the fire as well as from the mouth of the cylinder. The steps below shall explain you the basic process on how to use a fire extinguisher.

• The extinguisher has a pin on the top. First pull the pin to release the lock for subsequent discharge of the anti-fire or the extinguishing agent.
• Point the nozzle of the mouth at the bottom or the base of the fire and never spray directly on the flames.
• Now squeeze the top of the handle or the lever to discharge the extinguishing agent efficiently.
• When you squeeze the handle, the button below it gets pressed and the chemical or the water gets discharged. Releasing the handle stops the discharge of the agent.
• Keep spraying in a side wise sweeping motion and keep yourself at a certain distance so that the flames do not cause irritation to you.
• Release the handle after the fire has been put off. Wait for sometime to ensure that it has been completely extinguished.

I'm sure after reading this article, your doubts on how to use a fire extinguisher have been cleared. During a fire outbreak, always set on the fire alarm system so that rescue operations arrive immediately at your doorstep before any major damage has been caused.