How to properly use fire extinguishers? The fire extinguisher is a very important tool in case of an emergency.
It’s easy-to-use nature make it possible for everyone to use and understand it thus preventing any casualties or damage in case of an occurring fire.
The fire extinguishers also come in a variety of types depending on the fire classification that might happen.
Also Read
But, although its role is so important, some of you may still not understand how to correctly use fire extinguishers.
So, how to use fire extinguishers? Let’s find the answer in the explanation that dimulti have prepared just for you down below!
Table of Contents
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?
Light fire extinguisher is a portable extinguishing device that is used to extinguish a fire in the early stages, before the fire grows larger and becomes more difficult to put out.
Components of a light fire extinguisher are usually carbon dioxide (CO2), dried chemical powders, foams, or fire-extinguishing gasses, depending on their type.
The fire extinguisher is important in maintaining safety in a variety of environments, including homes, offices, factories, vehicles, and other public places.
Understanding of how to use the fire extinguisher properly is essential for quick protection in a fire emergency situation.
1. Identify the Fire Classification
The first thing that needs to be done is to identify the type of fire to determine the kind of fire extinguisher that will be used.
For example, a fire extinguisher for a class A fire may not be effective in dealing with a class B or class C fire.
You can identify the classification of fire by paying attention to what kind of material that causes the fire in the first place.
Pay more attention to the details of what it is, whether it is solid, liquid, or electrical equipment.
Once you know what classification the fire is, then you can choose the appropriate fire extinguisher for the situation.
Also Read: “NFPA Fire Classification“
2. Check Your Fire Extinguisher
Conducting an early inspection of the fire extinguisher is an important step to ensure that the device works properly when needed in an emergency.
Visually check if there is any physical damage to the fire extinguisher, such as cracks, leaks, or damage to parts of the nozzle and hose.
A physically damaged fire extinguisher may not function optimally or may even suffer leakage when used thus reducing the effectiveness of the fire extinction process.
3. Direct the Nozzle to the Fire Source
Once you understand the type of fire and choose the appropriate fire extinguisher, the next step is to direct the nozzle to the point of fire you want to extinguish.
This is done with the aim of focusing the flows of the extinguishing media precisely on the source of the fire.
When directing the nozzle, make sure that you are at a safe distance according to the type of fire extinguisher and the kind of fire you encounter.
However, be sure to stay at a distance of 3-5 meters (9-16 feet) so that you do not get too close to the point of fire as it is very dangerous.
4. Release the Safety Mechanism
Most if not every fire extinguisher device is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent any accidental usage.
With that being said, releasing the safety mechanism is important before using the fire extinguisher.
The safety mechanism of every fire extinguisher is also different from one another. But mostly, it consists of a safety pin, or safety seal.
With the fire extinguisher that uses a safety pin, simply pull out the pin to use the fire extinguisher.
On the other hand, a fire extinguisher that uses a safety seal, you need to release it according to the instruction that usually is on the fire extinguisher itself.
5. Press the Button
Once you unlock the safety mechanism and direct the nozzle to the fire point, the fire extinguishment can already be done.
To do so, you need to press the appropriate handle or trigger on the fire extinguisher.
Press the handle until the fire extinguisher material from the fire extinguisher is coming out towards the fire.
When you press the trigger, the channel of the extinguishing agent will open and allow the agent to flow out with pressure to the point of fire.
Also Read: “5 Types of Fire Extinguisher and Its Uses“
6. Move the Nozzle
To completely extinguish the fire, try to move the nozzle carefully from side to side to spray the fire extinguisher evenly at the point of fire.
This movement helps in spraying the fire extinguisher material evenly around the fire and ensuring that the entire burning area is covered.
During this process, make sure to keep a safe distance from the fire point. Also make sure you keep moving with swivel movements from side to side to make sure that the fire extinguisher reaches the entire fire area.
This technique helps ensure that fire is completely extinguished and there is no risk of fire reigniting.
So there you have it, a guide on how to use a fire extinguisher properly!
