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Portable Fire Extinguishers
Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires.
Classes of Fires
There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled using standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.
Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth and paper.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil and oil-based paint.
Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, and appliances.
The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type of fire being fought. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse. Multipurpose fire extinguishers marked ABC may be used on all three classes of fires.
Extinguisher Sizes
Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle. This rating will appear on the label, for example 2A:10B:C. Larger numbers mean the extinguisher is capable of handling a larger fire; however, higher-rated models are often heavier.
Installation & Maintenance
Fire extinguishers should be installed in plain view, above the reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves and heating appliances. Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator's manual to learn how to inspect your extinguisher and follow the manufacturer's instructions on maintenance. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. (Service companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Fire Extinguishers.") Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use.
Safely Extinguishing a Fire
Keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Follow the four-step PASS procedure:
- Pull the pin: this unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other lever-release mechanisms.
- Aim low: point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever above the handle: this discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)
- Sweep from side to side: moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area - if the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you have extinguished the fire.