Fire extinguishers can save lives and your property. Below are some basic tips about using fire extinguishers in your work place.
WHAT ARE EXTINGUISHER RATINGS AND CLASSIFICATIONS?
There are multiple types of fire extinguishers, which are classified to stop the spread of a specific types of fires.
- Class A: Designed to stop fires involving clothing, wood, rubber, plastics, and paper.
- Class B: Designed to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids, including grease, gasoline, oil, and others.
- Class C: Designed to stop fires involving electrical equipment, appliances, and tools.
- Class D: Designed for use on flammable metals, and are usually metal specific. These are usually only found in factories.
- Class K: These extinguishers are typically found in commercial kitchens, and are designed to extinguish fires involving animal fats, oils, lards, and other cooking elements.
Safety Tips:
Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area such as a wastebasket, and is not growing (incipient stage).
Ensure everyone is out of the building or area.
Ensure someone has called for help/fire department.
Always have an escape route, never get blocked in or surrounded by the fire.
If the fire gets out of control, exit immediately.
Always inspect your fire extinguishers to ensure they are properly charged and in the proper locations.
To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
Nobody wants a fire. But if one starts, know what extinguishers to use and how to use them!!
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