safety corner

HOW AND WHEN TO USE A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

BY ALEXIS ROTHRING H aving a portable fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it can be extremely valuable when a small fire occurs. Before we learn how to use a fire extinguisher, it’s important to understand not all fires are the same, and therefore not all fire extinguishers are the same. Let’s look at the different types of fires you could encounter in your home or workplace: » Class A: Made up of ordinary combustibles. These include wood, paper, cloth, rubber or plastics. » Class B: These are flammable liquid fires such as gasoline, oils, solvents or alcohols. » Class C: These involve energized electrical equipment such as computers, servers, motors or appliances. » Class D: Made up of flammable metals such as magnesium or titanium. » Class K: Fires in cooking oils and greases such as animal and vegetable fats.

Some types of fire extinguishers can be used on more than one type of fire. These are the type of extinguisher you are likely to encounter in your home or workplace. Look at your extinguisher; it is probably an ABC extinguisher, which means it can extinguish a Class A, B or C fire. Now that we know, we must match the type of fire to the type of extinguisher when fighting a small fire.

Now, let’s take a look at the steps for using an extinguisher.

When a small fire occurs in the home or workplace, your first two steps should include calling 911 and assisting anyone in immediate danger or those incapable of exiting on their own out of the building. After those two steps have been completed — and if there is no risk to yourself, the fire is small and contained, you are safe from toxic smoke, and you have a means of escape — you may now use the fire extinguisher to attempt to extinguish the fire.

When operating a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:

» Pull the pin. » Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. » Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the fire extinguishing agent. » Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire diminishes. Watch the area in case of re-ignition.

As with any life safety device, proper maintenance is important. Check your fire extinguishers regularly for the following:

» Easy access in an emergency » The recommended pressure level » Working parts » Cleanliness

Contact your local fire district with any questions or to inquire about upcoming hands-on learning opportunities.

Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org. Alexis Rothring is the public education specialist and public information officer for the San Carlos Park Fire District. She writes on behalf of Safe Kids Southwest Florida.

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