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Today we will look at picking out the right fire extinguisher for that just in case scenario. Having the knowledge of how to use a fire extinguisher would be beneficial just as much as passing the information along. You may even potentially save someone’s life by sharing with them this information.
Table of Contents
How To Use a Fire Extinguisher
P.A.S.S is the acronym to Remember.
- Pull the safety pin on the top of the fire extinguisher.
- Aim fire extinguisher hose towards base of fire.
- Squeeze the handle to spray extinguisher chemicals.
- Sweep the hose side to side at the fire’s base.
Accessibility
Fire extinguishers can be placed in homes, business, workshop, even vehicles such as campers. The extinguisher should be placed in an area easily accessible in case of a fire. Often time you can acquire a fire extinguisher that comes with brackets. This will allow you to mount it on the wall. Make sure the extinguisher is clear of any objects blocking it. Items blocking the extinguisher will only extend the time frame it takes to access it and extinguish a fire.
Five Types of Fire Extinguishers
Believe it or not there are several classification types of fire extinguisher. They all have various purposes.
| Class | Uses | Types of Material | Pictogram/
Symbol |
Locations |
| A | Extinguish ordinary material that are combustible. |
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| B | Extinguish grease fires or flammable liquids. |
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| C | Extinguishing electrical fires. |
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| D | Extinguish flammable metal material. |
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| K | Extinguish fires in commercial kitchen equipment. |
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There are fire extinguishers that are available in combination class such as A-B, B-C, and A-B-C. These extinguishers have multipurpose uses within the home and business. Equivalency of chemical volume examples Class A: 1-A is equivalent to 1.25-gallon of water and 4-A is equivalent to 5 gallons of water. Class B: a 10-B covers 10 square feet. Class K: Sub-class of Class B, low velocity yet high volume.
Chemical Types in Fire Extinguishers
The different class types of fire extinguishers are filled with various chemical agents.. There is
- CO2 (carbon dioxide) … a chemical compound that removes oxygen from fire.
- Dry chemical … a powder chemical that coats the fuel preventing reignition.
- Foam … a substance to restrain the fire.
- Water … used to cool down and suppress the fire.
- Wet…chemicals made for extinguishing grease and oil fire.
Maintenance
Carbon dioxide and smoke detectors should be checked at least once a year. Fire extinguishers showed be checked at least every 6 months. If you have a fire extinguisher make sure to maintain it by doing the following below.
- Always follow instructions and guidelines on the fire extinguisher.
- Make sure they are up-to-date and not expired.
- Check to make sure it is full and undamaged.
- Check to see if it is free of debris, dust, grease, and oil buildup.
- Confirm monthly that gauge is at the recommended pressurized level.
- Inspect all parts on extinguisher making sure there not dented, damaged, or rusty (ex. handle, hose, nozzle).
- Recommended by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recharge every 6 years rechargeable extinguisher. Also replace disposable/ one-time use fire extinguisher every 12 years.
Where To Purchase
Portable handheld fire extinguisher can be purchased for a reasonable price at most hardware stores. Check out physical locations such as Home Depot and Walmart. Or just have it delivery right to your door step from websites Amazon.com [(paid link): https://amzn.to/3WZy2bs ], HomeDepot.com, or Walmart.com. They can weigh anywhere from 1.5 pounds to 40 pounds. Keep in mind, a fire extinguisher is recommended for the use on small fires. Multipurpose and rechargeable fire extinguisher types and sizes range in price from $23 up to $300. You may find some fire extinguishers that come with a 5-year, or even a 6-year manufacturer warranty when purchased.
Conclusion
You should be a little assured on how to keep you and your family extra a safe. And that is just by knowing how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn where to have it visibly accessible. Having knowledge of the different types and their uses. Find out the different chemical compound inside of them. Don’t worry if you feel uncomfortable with using the extinguisher. No worries! On your spare time check out your local fire department. They may provide fire training courses for local residence. In case of an emergency, alert others in the surrounding area. Find a clear safe pathway to exit. Then, quickly call 911 or the local fire department.
Stay Safe.