Fire extinguisher is but one of small component of overall fire safety drills and programs yet it plays a vital role in saving life and reducing property damage. The hope of people not to use fire extinguisher, give the fire extinguisher least priority. Though it would be better to never have to use them at all, having it at arm’s reach is essential most especially in fire-prone areas such as kitchen, fireplaces and workshops.
Types of Fire Extinguisher
When buying fire extinguisher, it is important to know what type of fire the extinguisher is expected to snuff out. Not all fires are the same so the type of fire extinguisher to be used must be appropriate. For light materials or common combustibles such as papers and wood, a Class A extinguisher should be used while Class B for flammable liquids such as grease and oil, and Class C for electrical fires. There are also specialized extinguishers such as Class D for metal that are highly combustible and Class K that are designed for commercial kitchens. In addition to these letter designations, extinguishers also carry a numerical rating code. The numbers, assigned by Underwriters Laboratories, indicate the amount of fire the extinguisher can put on regardless of its weight and chemical uses. The higher the number is, the greater the effectiveness (and most likely the higher the price).
The Right Fire Extinguisher for You
Now that you have learned the importance and types of fire extinguisher, you may opt to buy all three types of fire extinguishers from fire protection online. Though the canister adds to the pounds, the weight of the fire extinguisher is based on the amount of the chemical stored inside. Of course, bigger is better in most cases but sometimes bigger extinguishers are hard to maneuver. A 10-pounder is best for kitchens or workshops but a 2-pound canister will do for car.
How to Use the Fire Extinguisher
Regardless of what type of extinguisher is to be used, the basic techniques are the same except for the specialized extinguishers which require professional training. For the non-specialized extinguishers, you need to follow the instructions on the label…P.A.S.S.
Pull the pin
Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly.
Sweep the spray from side to side as you approach the shrinking fire.
When to Replace Fire Extinguisher
Though fire extinguisher do not normally expires, you can never be so sure if it will fire away when you have to use it that is why it is required to be inspected annually for leakage, corrosion and other defects. If it has been used, replace it right away.
22 replies on “Important Things You Should Know About Fire Extinguishers”
Great post! I remember the acronym PASS on our training 2 years ago, but I forgot the meaning.. haha.. This refreshed my memory! hehe.. Thanks!
The first thing that I know about fire extinguisher is the type of fire. And fire is classified as A, B, and C. And this is the first time that I know P.A.S.S. on how to use fire extinguisher.
I actually need this information. Extinguishers may be common but that doesn’t mean we know ho to use them.
These are great tips, because I honestly don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher and choose the best one. Should probably think of getting a fire extinguisher for the home.
wow .. this is very helpful. part of safety in every establishment or even in our home should always be prioritized…
Thanks for sharing this. It’s really important not only to have a fire extinguisher handy for emergencies. You also need to know what kind will be the best for homes and for the kind of business you’re in.
didn’t know that there are several types of fire extinguishers.. we learned about PASS during a fire drill in office 🙂
Which type of fire extinguisher should I keep inside the classroom?
Very important and informative post. We should always be reminded how to use this. Panic takes over in an actual fire, so we should know what to do.
I just hope we will never get to use our fire extinguisher! Period. But thanks for the info! I’ll also let hubby read this! 🙂
it is indeed important for all of us to know how to handle a fire extinguisher… never know when it’ll come handy… Yahweh bless.
I know that we’re all hoping that we never have to use one. But then again, it pays to be ready when a fire incident does happen. This actually made me think about getting a few fire extinguishers bought for our house.
Thank you for sharing this information. I always see Class A fire extinguishers and rarely encounter the other classes. I haven’t used one too, so I’ll keep in mind the P.A.S.S 🙂
This is really important to be aware of. Some just do not know how it saves the lives of the many. Thanks for posting this…:D
just remembered my disaster preparedness training last year. It is important to know the different kinds of fire extinguisher before purchase, very useful tips
Now I should remember to PASS. Might save my life one day. 🙂
Thanks for sharing as I really don’t know how to use it. Fire Extinguisher is a big help especially during summer since March to May has lots of cases of fire.
It’s important to know how to use fire extinguisher as you can never know what happens so better be safe.
Also, I’ll keep on mind the PASS when it comes to fire extinguishers.
It would be nice if there is a graphic representation of the P.A.S.S. Youngsters might very well learn from this post.
indeed a great share. We always make sure that our fire extinguisher is always at sight.
I think the PASS code is one thing to bear in mind, just in case tragedy happens. I didn’t know that fire extinguishers have classes until I read your post.