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Proper Usage of a Fire Extinguisher
In the event of a fire,
activate a fire alarm or call
9-1-1
immediately
There are 5 Classes of Fire
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Class A Burn Materials Consist of
Paper, Greenery, Textiles, and Many
Plastics |
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Think A for Ash The
residue left behind in Class A Type
Fires |
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Class A fire extinguishers can be fought with a Class A
rated or Pressurized Water Extinguisher |
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Class B Burn Materials Consist of
flammable or combustible liquids or
gases |
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Think of B for Boil
which liquids do before they burn |
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Class B fire extinguishers can be fought with a Class B
rated or Dry Chemical Extinguisher |
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Class C Burn Materials Consist of
Energized electrical equipment.
Kitchen appliances, switch gears, or
faulty wiring. |
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Think of C for Circuit
which is a part of most electrical
equipment |
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Class C fire extinguishers can be fought with a Class C
rated or Carbon Dioxide or Halon
Extinguisher |
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Class D Burn Materials Consist of
Combustible metal fires. Sodium,
potassium, magnesium, and aluminum. |
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Think of D for Dangerous
which is what a class D Fire is. No
household should ever have to deal
with a class D fire, and many times,
fire extinguishers alone will not
put the fire out. |
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Class D fire extinguishers can be fought with a Class D
rated or Large Volume Dry Powder
Extinguisher |
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Class K Burn Materials Consist of
vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats
in cooking appliances.
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Think of K for Kooking
(Cooking) which is what a class K
Fire exists during. These are
larger fires that occur in
industrial or restaurant kitchens.
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Class K fire extinguishers can be fought with a Class K
rated or Wet Chemical Solution Extinguisher |
Typically, Fire Extinguishers Are Found with
Multiple Ratings such as Class ABC or Class BC
The
most important item to remember is to use the
right extinguisher for the right fire.
For
instance:
If
you had a small grease fire in your kitchen, that
classifies as a class B fire. If you had an ABC
rated extinguisher, you would be able to put out the
fire because that particular extinguisher is rated
for class B fires as well as A, and C.
Step 1
If
you are confronted with a fire in your environment,
your first action should always be. Activate the
building fire alarm, or send someone else to do it.
Only after the fire alarm is sounding should you
consider using a fire extinguisher.
You should NOT try to fight a
fire if:
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it is generating a substantial amount of smoke
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it is in close proximity to other flammable or
combustible materials
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it's too large to handle with one extinguisher
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it could cut off your exit
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you're unsure about the use of an extinguisher
Step 2
Determine the Class of the fire: A, B, C, D, or K
Step 3
Verify that the extinguisher you will be using is rated for
this Class of fire. It can save valuable time if you
have already familiarized yourself with the
extinguishers (and their class ratings) in your area
Step 4
Use the extinguisher to put out the fire by employing the
PASS technique.
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P |
Pull the pin of the extinguisher. This pin normally prevents
accidental discharge, and its removal
unlocks the trigger mechanism. Don't squeeze
the lever as you remove the pin, but hold
the extinguisher by the lower handle only. |
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A |
Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher at the BASE of the fire.
This is where the fuel is actually burning. |
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S |
Squeeze the handle lever. This allows the pressurized
extinguishing agent to be discharged onto
the target area. |
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S |
Sweep from side to side. Work the extinguishing agent over the
entire surface of the fire, starting at the
closest point and forcing the fire BACK and
out. Watch for possible re-ignition. It's
better to use too much extinguisher than too
little. |
If you have any questions, or would like to attend a
live fire extinguisher training course , or would
like one tailored for your business or workplace,
contact the Englewood fire department - special
arrangements can be made
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