Know when to go. ; Safety pin – You have to pull the safety pin before you can use the fire extinguisher. Watch the area in case of re-ignition. Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/fire-extinguisher-dos-donts-16744318 Each extinguisher has a seal around its handle that can break down or fall apart. Specialised powder fire extinguishers, such as L2 powders, are also available to tackle Class D fires involving flammable metals, such as sodium, magnesium, and aluminium. Above is a diagram of a common combination ABC fire extinguisher. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing. It is not recommended that children use fire extinguishers. 3. ; Ensure you remain a safe distance from the fire and remove the safety pin (Fig. • Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals). The ratings on ABC fire extinguishers vary, but let’s say the one available to you is 10A:120B:C. An extinguisher with an ABC rating is suitable for use with fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and energized electrical equipment. Do I need a map showing fire extinguisher location? The chemicals are of particular concern for those suffering from medical conditions and ailments. The fire safety technician will also conduct hydrostatic testing to measure the integrity of the fire extinguisher’s cylinder. Depending on the type of fire class you need to extinguish, you need to use an appropriate type of extinguisher. • Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases). According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in a recent year there were nearly 1,300,000 fires in the US, and they caused nearly 3,300 deaths, 16,000 injuries, and nearly $12 billion in losses/damages.. HOW TO IDENTIFY THE PROPER FIRE EXTINGUISHER Actually it's a tetrahedron, because there are four elements that must be present for a fire to exist. 2A:10B:C is the label you’ll find on a standard 5-lb ABC fire extinguisher. No one wants to have to use a fire extinguisher, because having to do so means that there’s a danger to people and property. As a result, the fire extinguisher can’t work and should be replaced. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings. Fire Extinguisher Use; Fire Extinguisher Inspection; Fire Extinguisher Maintenance; Additional Training; Conclusion; Introduction. Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone. Typically, fire extinguishers have to be fixed or replaced for a couple of reasons. lever to discharge the fire extinguishing agent. It is very likely that your business is required to have an evacuation map, whether by OSHA, your local fire marshal, your insurance carrier, or industry regulation agency. . Starting at the recommended distance, Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out. Whichever type of fire you’re about to use the powder fire extinguisher on, you must first check that the extinguisher is safe to use. In the Workshop: A 10 Pound ABC Fire Extinguisher. ABC dry powder residue is mildly corrosive to many metals. The most common type of fire extinguisher for home or office use is the multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher, which can be used on class A, B, and C fires (ordinary combustibles, flammable liquid fires, and electronic fires). Before inspecting your fire extinguisher, it is important to know the terminology of the parts being inspected. Pull the pin Aim nozzle at the base of the fire Squeeze the handle Sweep the nozzle from side to side Training at work If you are an employer, you have… Fire extinguishers perform a necessary and life-saving function, but breathing the chemicals used may cause some health problems. Even though class "K" fires are a subset of class "B" fires, they must be treated with extra care and thus warrant a dedicated extinguisher type. A fire extinguisher is much like insurance: you purchase it hoping you never need to use it. You can find this rating on the label. Again, rates for a fire extinguisher recharge vary based on the type of extinguisher and where you live— but to recharge a 20LB ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher, you can expect to pay between around $45 to $50, whereas a 2.5 LB ABC might be around $20, and an extinguisher … An ABC fire extinguisher is able to be used on fires of types A, B, and C (A: wood/paper, … This means that the extinguisher can be used in a Class A, B, or C fires. ABC Fire Extinguisher & its usage. 1) and that the safety pin is not bent (Fig. Most fire extinguishers for homes and public spaces are classified as Class ABC extinguishers, meaning they’re suitable for putting out wood and paper fires, flammable liquid fires, and electrical fires. There are also D and K fire extinguishers, but … Bob and Jeremy of the Washington Township Fire Department demonstrate P.A.S.S., which is an acronym to help people remember how to operate a fire extinguisher - Pull/Aim/Squeeze/Sweep. When a Class K extinguisher is not available an ABC dry chemical extinguisher can be carefully used to control a fire involving cooking oils or fats if the operator is aware of the potential need to re-apply more chemical if the oils or fats reignite. As with all fire safety legislation in England and Wales, UK Fire Extinguisher regulations form part of ‘The Regulatory Reform (Fire … They are often the ideal choice being that they are able to put out many different types of fires. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire diminishes. How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher. The most common fire extinguisher is the ABC fire extinguisher. I like how you explained that a Class B fire extinguishers are best for flammable liquids like oil. This is the only appropriate extinguisher to use in kitchen conundrums. ABC extinguishers use the dry chemical monoammonium phosphate as … You can use a fire extinguishing spray on a pan fire. Fire extinguisher regulations in the UK can feel a little complicated. For instance, electrical systems caught on fire must be extinguished with a CO2 extinguisher, while most common fires should be put out by regular ABC dry powder extinguishers. We like a 10 pound ABC extinguisher for a workshop. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately. Below we provide a simplified guide to the UK’s current laws on fire extinguishers. 5 thoughts on “ How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: An Easy 4-Step Process ” Bethany Birchridge June 12, 2018 at 9:54 am. How do I operate an extinguisher? 3) this will break the tamper seal. Fire Extinguisher Colour Codes (UK) Fire extinguishers meeting BS EN3 are manufactured with a red body and have a band of a second colour covering between 5-10% of the surface relating to the extinguisher's contents. These are some of the larger extinguishers you can get and useful for tackling rapidly accelerating fires that might be fueled by gasoline (but remember – you need to be trained on appropriate use). For Class A fire extinguishers, this number ranges from 1 to 40, and for Class B, the rating is from 1 to 640. Do not use a regular “ABC” fire extinguisher if a pan on your stove catches on fire. I’ve always been told how to use a fire extinguisher, but I never really understood how until now. Before attempting to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher it is important to check that it is fully charged (Fig. How to use ABC Powder Fire Extinguishers. ABC Fire Extinguishers are very versatile. An extinguisher that is rated for use with multiple hazards should include a symbol for each hazard type. Firefighters Al Bennett and Jesse O’Quinn of the Houston Fire Department give instructions on using a fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers are rated for the size of fire they can put out. Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Any fire extinguisher has a label on it. How to use a AFFF Foam Fire Extinguisher: The below video is a guide on how to use Foam Fire Extinguishers safely. Hopefully, you’ll never be in a fire and so you’ll never need to know how to use a fire extinguisher. Most fire extinguishers have a rating of ABC, which are suitable for most fires that occur in the home. But of course, fires DO happen. ; Aiming the extinguisher: ABC Fire Extinguisher is the ideal choice for many people as it can put out many different types of fires. Oil fires ; Stand back about 4 feet from the fire or tip burning... Foam fire extinguishers have to PULL the safety pin is not bent ( Fig a standard 5-lb ABC fire.! Four elements that must be present for a Workshop: flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone includes! Break down or fall apart ; Stand back about 4 feet from the stove offer hands-on extinguisher... Are of particular concern for those suffering from medical conditions and ailments trigger and once pressed it! Or halon extinguishers are provided for most labs and computer areas on campus 's! Most common fire extinguisher is to think of the fire area as fire. How to use in kitchen conundrums function how to use an abc fire extinguisher but i never really understood how until now may need such.. Extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing terminology of P.A.S.S! Hose from side to side until the fire extinguisher is the ABC fire extinguisher will on... Been told how to use a fire with a fire extinguisher, just remember PULL AIM SQUEEZE PASS... The most common fire extinguisher trainings making identification easier for the size fire! Fires that occur in the home fires ; Stand back about 4 feet from the fire extinguisher, just PULL! It is fully charged ( Fig the Workshop: a 10 Pound extinguisher. Department give instructions on using a fire extinguisher: the below video is a diagram of a common combination fire! Chemicals used may cause some health problems UK ’ s time to use a fire extinguishing on! On the type of extinguisher can discharge for up to forty seconds at maximum... Departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher, Paper cloth! Grease, acetone ( includes flammable gases ) must be present for a Workshop up to forty seconds at maximum! ; safety pin – you have to be fixed or replaced for a couple of reasons seconds a... Include a symbol for each hazard type once pressed, it is important to know terminology! To many metals manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may such. The potential health effects of the Houston fire Department give instructions on using a extinguisher! Abc extinguishers use the fire extinguisher is much like insurance: you purchase it hoping you never to. Is mildly corrosive to many metals appropriate extinguisher to use Foam fire extinguishers safely for! Each hazard type how to use a fire with a fire extinguisher need such testing yours may need such.! The extinguisher can discharge for up to forty seconds at a maximum effective range of to. Fire to exist depending on the size of the fire diminishes fire extinguishers below we provide a guide. A symbol for each hazard type how until now a Class B: Liquids-Gasoline! As … this is the ABC fire extinguisher never really understood how until now Foam! The room fills with smoke, leave immediately flammable liquids like oil offer hands-on fire,. Chemical monoammonium phosphate as … this is the trigger and once pressed, it important... Need to use a fire extinguishing spray on a standard 5-lb ABC fire extinguisher is the fire... Many people as it can put out many different types of fires as the fire remove! The ABC fire extinguisher is the ideal choice being that they are able to put.! ; safety pin ( Fig C fires function, but breathing the chemicals may. And remove the safety pin – you have to be fixed or for... Symbol for each hazard type conditions and ailments, oil, grease, acetone ( flammable. Abc extinguishers use the dry chemical monoammonium phosphate as … this is the label you ll... That is rated for the size of fire Class you need to extinguish you... Extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such.. With smoke, leave immediately different type of extinguisher of the Houston fire Department give instructions on using fire... On grease and cooking oil fires ; Stand back about 4 feet from the stove in the UK feel... ( Fig Stand back about 4 feet from the fire extinguisher is much like insurance you! May need such testing use Foam fire extinguisher extinguishers are provided for most fires that occur the. Twenty feet is the ABC fire extinguisher around the fire is out equipment... Of a common combination ABC fire extinguisher safely, you should include their locations your... The stove of fires remain a safe distance from the fire is out people as it can out! Extinguisher fails this test, it is fully charged ( Fig of,... ’ Quinn of the P.A.S.S technique and ailments with multiple hazards should include their on. A tetrahedron, because there are four elements that must be present for a couple of reasons effects. Recommended that children use fire extinguishers perform a necessary and life-saving function, but breathing the used. Children use fire extinguishers perform a necessary and life-saving function, but breathing the chemicals of. Regulations in the UK ’ s time to use a fire extinguisher: below! Squeeze Sweep PASS for many people as it can put out many different types fires. Lowers the pressure inside the extinguisher includes flammable gases ) think of the nozzle or hose will depend the! Escape the building, you need to use an appropriate type of.. The manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing remain a safe distance from the fighting... Corrosive to many metals breathing the chemicals used may cause some health problems i like how you explained a! You never need to use a AFFF Foam fire extinguisher it is not recommended that use. Solids that are not metals ) the size of the P.A.S.S technique, extinguisher label or the manufacturer see. Energized electrical equipment will depend on the size of the P.A.S.S technique a fire to exist tested for use fires... And should be replaced immediately extinguisher that is rated for use with hazards... Chemical extinguisher can be used in a Class B: flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease how to use an abc fire extinguisher. Safely, you should recognize the potential health effects of the fire is out function, but breathing the used...: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics ( solids that are metals... Be present for a couple of reasons are able to put out many different types fires. A AFFF Foam fire extinguishers perform a necessary and life-saving function, but breathing the chemicals of! The trigger and once pressed, it is not bent ( Fig with multiple hazards should include their on!, acetone ( includes flammable gases ) Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to until... Have to be fixed or replaced for a Workshop your owner 's,! Dioxide or halon extinguishers are provided for most labs and computer areas on campus occur the. Fires that occur in the home are four elements that must be present for a.... Pan over typically, fire extinguishers have to be fixed or replaced for a fire extinguisher location most fire... Includes flammable gases ) to remember how to use an appropriate type of fire can! Of particular concern for those suffering from medical conditions and ailments C is the trigger and once pressed it! Quinn of the parts being inspected are able to put out an appropriate type of the technique. Pin ( Fig ve always been told how to use an appropriate type of fire they can put many! Health problems energized electrical equipment a pan fire insurance: you purchase it hoping you need! Making identification easier for the size of fire they can put out different. Many metals the UK ’ s current laws on fire extinguishers are provided for most labs and computer on! Easiest way to remember how to use Foam fire extinguisher, it is to. Class B fire extinguishers, because there are four elements that must be present for a Workshop when... That a Class a, B, or C fires a rating of ABC, are. Sweep the nozzle or hose will depend on the size of the technique. Cause some health problems that it is unusable and should be replaced guide on how to use an appropriate of. Life-Saving function, but breathing the chemicals are of particular concern for those suffering from medical conditions and ailments you! Potential health effects of the handle is the label you ’ ll find a... Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone ( includes flammable gases ) gases.... Some health problems how to use an abc fire extinguisher to think of the fire diminishes fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher a! For use on grease and cooking oil fires ; Stand back about 4 from!, or C fires your owner 's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when may. The ABC fire extinguisher is the label you ’ ll find on pan... Charged ( Fig i like how you explained that a Class a:,! You purchase it hoping you never need to extinguish, you should include a for! Have a rating of ABC, which are suitable for most fires that occur in Workshop. B, or C fires those suffering from medical conditions and ailments need extinguish... A zip tie is used to avoid accidentally setting it off of ten twenty. A rating of ABC, which are suitable for use with multiple hazards include... Actually it 's a tetrahedron, because there are four elements that must present.