EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS POINTERS - NOVEMBER 2000

HOME PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

When used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or controlling it until the fire department arrives. However, even against small fires, they are useful only under the following conditions:

The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency.
The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged.
The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by the fire.
The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable extinguishers discharge in 8 to 10 seconds.

Choosing Your Extinguisher

Select only fire extinguishers that have been tested by an independent laboratory and labeled for type and size of fire they can extinguish. Use these labels as a guide to purchase the kind of extinguisher that suits your needs.

Classes of Fires

Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer and flammable gas.
Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.

Many household fire extinguishers are "multi-purpose" A-B-C models, labeled for use on all three classes of fire. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse.

Extinguisher Sizes

Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of the fire they can handle. This rating will appear on the label, for example 2A:10B:C. The larger the numbers, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out, but higher rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate an extinguisher before you buy it.

Installation and Maintenance

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 and ask your dealer how your extinguishers should be inspected and serviced. Rechargeable models must be serviced after each use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used once and must be replaced after each use. Following manufacturer's instructions, check the pressure in your extinguishers once a month.

Remember the PASS Word

Stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire and follow the PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out immediately, leave the area at once. Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site.

PULL the pin out: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.

AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the lever below the handle: This discharges the extinguisher agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.

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.

Should You Fight the Fire?

Before you begin to fight a fire, make sure:

Everyone has left or is leaving the building and the fire department has been called.
The fire is confined to a small area and that it is not spreading beyond the immediate area.
You have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
The extinguisher is the right type for the fire.
You have read the instructions and you know how to use the extinguisher.
It is risky to fight a fire under any other circumstance. Instead, leave immediately, close off the area and call 911.

Ada City-County Emergency Management
7200 Barrister Drive, Boise, Idaho 83704
377-6645, fax 377-7319
http://www.accem.org