How to use a fire extinguisher

Caused by solid combustible materials such as wood, paper or fabrics.

To use a water extinguisher, follow these steps:

• Pull the safety pin;
• Squeeze the lever;
• Spray water at the base of the flames, keeping the extinguisher about one meter away from the fire source;
• Move the extinguisher from left to right to fully cover the area affected by the flames.

3. Foam Extinguishers (Class AB)

Foam extinguishers are suitable for putting out Class A and B fires, which are caused by flammable liquids such as gasoline or alcohol.

To use a foam extinguisher, follow these steps:

• Pull the safety pin;
• Squeeze the lever;
• Spray foam at the base of the flames, keeping the extinguisher about one meter away from the fire source;
• Move the extinguisher from left to right to fully cover the area affected by the flames.

4. CO2 Extinguishers (Class BC)

CO2 extinguishers are suitable for putting out Class B and C fires, which are caused by flammable liquids and combustible gases.

To use a CO2 extinguisher, follow these steps:

• Pull the safety pin;
• Squeeze the lever;
• Spray CO2 gas at the base of the flames, keeping the extinguisher about one meter away from the fire source;
• Move the extinguisher from left to right to fully cover the area affected by the flames.

Remember that fire extinguishers should only be used in case of emergency and when it is safe to do so. In case of a severe fire or if you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, immediately call the fire department.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher in Case of Emergency

First of all, remain calm. In case of a fire, it is easy to panic but it is important to stay composed in order to act effectively.

Step 1: Evaluate the Situation

Observe the fire and evaluate if you can put it out with the extinguisher. If the fire is too big or out of control, immediately call the fire department and move away from the area. Never attempt to put out a fire that you cannot handle.

Step 2: Grab the Extinguisher

Grab the nearest extinguisher and check the instructions on its label. Instructions may vary slightly between different types of extinguishers, so make sure you understand how your specific model works before proceeding.

Step 3: Position Yourself Correctly

Position yourself at a safe distance from the fire, but close enough to easily reach the point where it is burning. Make sure you have an exit route behind you in case

The situation suddenly worsens.

Step 4: Use the fire extinguisher

Release the safety device of the extinguisher and aim it at the base of the flames. Spray the extinguisher to completely cover the area affected by the flames. Move the extinguisher back and forth to cover the entire area, but do not get too close to the flames.

• Remember the acronym PASS:
• P - Pull: pull the trigger to activate the extinguisher.
• A - Aim: approach the fire until you are about 2-3 meters away.
• S - Spray: spray the extinguisher towards the base of the flames.
• S - Sweep: if the flames do not go out or worsen, immediately leave the area.

Step 5: Continue to monitor the situation

After using the extinguisher, make sure that the flames are completely extinguished. Continue to monitor the area for a while to make sure there are no more hidden fires. If the flames resume or if you have doubts about your ability to handle the situation, call the fire department immediately and move away from the area.

What to do after using a fire extinguisher

After successfully using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, there are still some important things to do.

1. Verify that the fire is completely extinguished

Even if it seems that the fire has been completely extinguished, it is important to check for any residual embers or coals that could reignite. Continue to monitor the fire area for at least 30 minutes after extinguishing it. If you notice smoke or flames, use the extinguisher again or call the fire department immediately.

2. Fresh air

After using the extinguisher, the area will be filled with dust and smoke. Open all windows and doors to circulate fresh air in the room. This will help dissipate the smoke and reduce unpleasant odors.

3. Clean up the area

Start cleaning up the fire area as soon as you finish using the extinguisher. Remove all debris and dirt left from the fire and extinguisher powder. Use soap and water to wash surfaces affected by the fire. Otherwise, it could cause permanent damage to surfaces.

4. Replace the extinguisher

After using the extinguisher, it is important to immediately replace or recharge it. Do not leave an empty extinguisher lying around, as it could be dangerous in case of another emergency. Take it to the store where you purchased it or contact an expert for recharge.

• In summary, after successfully using a fire extinguisher:
• Verify that the fire is completely extinguished
• Circulate fresh air in the room
• Clean up the area

• Fire zone
• Replace or recharge used fire extinguisher

Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers: How to Keep Them Ready for Use

The fire extinguisher is a vital tool for safety in case of a fire, but it's important to maintain the device in good condition to ensure its effectiveness. Regular maintenance of the fire extinguisher is essential to keep it ready for use.

Periodic Checks

It's important to periodically check the state of the fire extinguisher. Ideally, it should be checked every month to ensure that it's still functional and that there are no visible damages.

In particular, you should check:

• The pressure of the fire extinguisher: if the pressure is too low or too high, it may mean that the fire extinguisher isn't working correctly.
• The seal status: if the seal is broken or missing, it may mean that the fire extinguisher has been used or tampered with by someone and therefore may not be safe to use anymore.
• The state of the flexible hose: if the flexible hose has cracks or breaks, it may not be able to dispense the extinguishing liquid correctly.
• The valve status: if the valve isn't functioning correctly, the fire extinguisher may not work effectively when needed.

Recharging and Inspection

The fire extinguisher must be recharged and inspected every year or every time it's used, even partially. Recharging the fire extinguisher involves replacing the exhausted extinguishing liquid with a new one. Inspecting the fire extinguisher involves a complete inspection of the tool to ensure that it's still in good condition and working properly.

Storage

The fire extinguisher should be stored in an accessible and easily visible place, away from sources of heat or direct sunlight. Additionally, it should be protected from any physical or environmental damages. If the fire extinguisher has been used, it should be immediately replaced or taken for repair.

Regular maintenance of the fire extinguisher can ensure its effective functionality in case of an emergency. Remember to periodically check the state of your fire extinguisher and schedule its annual recharge and inspection.

Conclusion

As we have seen, keeping the fire extinguisher ready for use requires some attention to regular maintenance. It's important to periodically check the state of the fire extinguisher and schedule its annual recharge and inspection. This way, you can be sure to have a reliable and functioning tool in case of an emergency. Always remember to store the fire extinguisher in an accessible place and protect it from any damages.