Fire Extinguishers

Know what to do
  • When the fire alarm sounds, everyone should get out of the building and stay out.
  • If fire extinguishers are available to fight small fires, know where the closest extinguisher is located.
Before fighting a fire, be sure that:
  • You have been trained to operate the extinguisher.
  • Everyone is leaving the building someone has sounded the alarm or called the Fire Department.
  • You have a clear escape route in case you can't put the fire out.
  • You know what's burning and your extinguisher is right for the job.
Things you should know:
  • It is dangerous to use water or a class A extinguisher on a fire involving flammable liquids or energized electrical equipment.
  • Class D fire extinguishers require specialized training.
  • Class K extinguishers are used for fighting fires in commercial kitchens where combustible cooking oil is used.
  • The dry chemical discharged from multipurpose extinguishers is corrosive. It can damage electronic components if it is not cleaned up immediately.
The 5 classes of fire:
A portable extinguisher must match the fire you're fighting. There are 5 classes of fires. Extinguishers are labeled with letters and symbols for the classes of fires they can put out.
  • Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles, such as wood, cloth and paper.
  • Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and some paints and solvents.
  • Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as power tools, wiring, fuse boxes, computers, TV's and electric motors.
  • Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium and sodium. Fighting class D fires requires specialized training.
  • Class K fires involve cooking oils used in commercial cooking equipment.
To use your extinguisher, Remember "P.A.S.S."
  • PULL the pin that unlocks the lever.
  • AIM low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
  • SQUEEZE the lever above the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. To stop the discharge, release the lever.
  • SWEEP the nozzle or hose from side to side. Keep the nozzle aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames are out.