Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can save your life in an emergency. The key in extinguishing a fire using a fire extinguisher is to apply the PASS strategy, namely: P (pull) pull the pin, A (aim) point slang, S (squeeze) press the lever, and S (sweep) sweep the hose. However, before trying to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, make sure whether you really deserve to put out the fire or not, and whether you believe you can put out the fire or not. If you feel you can't put out the fire, or are unsure, get out of the building immediately and call the fire department.
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Part 1 of 3: Reacting to Fire
Step 1. Ask someone to call the fire department or call yourself
First get everyone out of the building. Ask someone to call the fire department or emergency services if he or she is safely out of the building. Although you can extinguish the fire yourself, the best course of action is to ask the fire department for help just in case something untoward happens.
When firefighters arrive, they can check if the fire is completely out. Something that looks safe is not necessarily the truth
Step 2. Stand with your back to the exit
Before using an extinguisher to extinguish a fire, you must take a number of safety precautions. Look for the closest exit, and position your body so that your back is facing the exit. This makes it easier for you to escape from the building in an emergency.
Always keep your back to the exit so you know where you are and don't lose your way or get confused
Step 3. Move the right distance
Most fire extinguishers have a range of between 2.5 and 4 meters. Before using a fire extinguisher, position yourself approximately 2 to 2.5 meters from the fire.
You can move closer when the fire is out and the flames have died down
Part 2 of 3: Extinguishing Fire
Step 1. Pull the pin
All extinguishers have a pin that is inserted into the handle to prevent the contents of the extinguisher from accidentally gushing out. Grasp the ring and pull the pin from the side of the handle.
- When the extinguisher is ready to be sprayed, hold the device so that the nozzle is positioned away from the body.
- Extinguishers typically placed in non-residential or densely populated areas may have straps attached to pins to let firefighters know if they have been used. The straps are designed to be easily disconnected.
Step 2. Direct the hose to the base of the fire
Hold the lower handle lever (carrier handle) with one hand and hold the hose or nozzle with the other. Point the hose directly at the base of the fire because you'll need to turn off the fuel that makes the fire start.
- Do not point the hose at the fire as this is not the fuel, and the fire may not be extinguished.
- If using a carbon dioxide extinguisher, keep your hands away from the nozzle, as this part emits a very cold substance.
Step 3. Press the lever
To spray the extinguisher, press both levers simultaneously with one hand, while the other hand directs the hose to the base of the fire. When pressing the lever, apply pressure slowly and evenly.
To stop the fire extinguisher, release the lever
Step 4. Sweep the hose from side to side
To extinguish all fire fuel, run the hose slowly and back and forth across the base of the fire while spraying the extinguisher. Move closer to the fire when the flame subsides.
Keep spraying the extinguisher until the fire is out. This includes embers that are still smoldering because they can start fire again
Step 5. Move back and repeat the process as the fire gets hotter
Watch the fire carefully to make sure it doesn't flare up again. Step back a little if the fire is getting hotter. Redirect the hose, press the lever, then run the hose again to the bottom of the fire to extinguish it.
Never turn your back on the fire. You should always be aware of the position and movement of the fire
Step 6. Get out of the building immediately if you can't put out the fire
The average fire extinguisher fills the extinguisher in its canister so that it can be used for about 10 seconds. Move back and get out of the building immediately if you can't put out the fire when the extinguisher is out.
Call the fire department or emergency services if they haven't been called
Step 7. Replace or refill the extinguisher as soon as possible
Some extinguishers can only be used once and must be discarded when their contents are exhausted. Other extinguishers can be refilled with extinguishing agent and re-pressured.
- Do not place an empty extinguisher in an easily accessible location. Maybe someone will try to use it to put out a fire in an emergency.
- If the extinguisher can be refilled, do this as soon as possible. Don't delay filling it up as you could end up in an emergency situation without having a fire extinguisher at your disposal.
Part 3 of 3: Using Fire Extinguishers Safely
Step 1. Order everyone to get out
Do not attempt to extinguish a fire yourself using an extinguisher, unless everyone else has safely left the building. In addition, only continue extinguishing efforts if you are able to extinguish the fire safely and have a route to safely exit the building.
When everyone is out of the building and you have prepared a safe exit, start putting out the fire
Step 2. Use extinguishers only for small, controlled fires
Fire extinguishers are not designed to deal with large fires, or fires that continue to spread. Only extinguish the fire if the fire is in a small room. Get out of the building immediately if the fire exceeds your height, or the fire spreads and gets bigger.
An example of a controlled fire is a fire in a trash can. The fire will be trapped by the trash can wall and will not be able to spread
Step 3. Get out of the room filled with smoke
Never put out a fire alone if the room is filled with smoke. Inhaling smoke can knock you unconscious, and trapped in a room filled with fire.
When the smoke fills the room, cover your mouth and bend down to the floor. Maintain the position below so that you are out of the smoke, then crawl out of the room to a safe place
Step 4. Use fire extinguishers appropriately
Fire extinguishers are stocked with a variety of sprinklers that are only suitable for dealing with certain types of fires. Some types of extinguishers will not be effective against the wrong type of fire, while others can actually make things worse. Before putting out a fire, be sure to find out the cause of the fire. Only continue the process if you have the right type of fire extinguisher.
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Class A:
Suitable for use on cloth, wood, paper, rubber, various types of plastic, and ordinary fires. The material used is usually foam or water.
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Class B:
Suitable for use on gasoline, grease, or oil fires. It contains carbon dioxide or dry chemical. Fire extinguishers weighing less than 3 kg are not recommended.
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Class C:
Suitable for use on electrical fires containing energy. It contains carbon dioxide or dry chemical.
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Class D:
Suitable for use on flammable metals. It contains chemicals in the form of a dry powder.
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Class K:
Suitable for use on kitchen fires, such as oil, grease or grease. It contains dry and wet chemicals.
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ABC class:
This is a versatile fire extinguisher that can be used to deal with fires in class A, B, and C. It contains dry chemicals.
