How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fire Safety

Fire is a destructive force that can cause significant damage and, tragically, loss of life. Knowing how to react quickly and effectively during a fire is crucial. While calling the fire department is paramount, understanding how to use a fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a small incident and a major catastrophe. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fire extinguishers, from identifying the right type to employing it effectively. It’s important to emphasize that fire extinguishers are tools for small, contained fires. If a fire is too large, spreading rapidly, or you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately and let the professionals handle it.

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types

Before we delve into the steps of using a fire extinguisher, it’s essential to understand that not all fires are the same, and therefore, not all extinguishers are the same. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on a particular fire can be ineffective or even dangerous. Fire extinguishers are classified by the types of fires they are designed to extinguish, which are represented by letters:

• Class A: These extinguishers are for ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics. They typically use water or dry chemicals to extinguish the fire.
• Class B: These are for flammable liquids and gasses, such as gasoline, oil, grease, paint, and propane. These extinguishers often use dry chemicals, carbon dioxide (CO2), or foam to smother the fire. Never use water on a Class B fire!
• Class C: These extinguishers are designed for electrical fires involving energized electrical equipment. It’s crucial that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive to prevent electric shock. Dry chemical and CO2 extinguishers are typically used.
• Class D: These extinguishers are for combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium. These are very specialized and require specific agents, usually dry powder.
• Class K: These extinguishers are specifically for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats. They use a wet chemical agent to cool the fire and prevent reignition.

Many extinguishers are designed to handle multiple fire classes, often labeled as ABC, BC, or similar combinations. Always check the label on your fire extinguisher to understand what types of fires it is suitable for. This label will be near the nozzle and usually includes text and pictograms to make understanding easier.

The PASS Method: Remembering the Steps

The acronym PASS is a helpful mnemonic device to remember the steps for operating a fire extinguisher:

• P – Pull: Pull the safety pin.
• A – Aim: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• S – Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent.
• S – Sweep: Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire.

Let’s break down each step in detail:

Step 1: Pull the Safety Pin

The first and most crucial step in using a fire extinguisher is removing the safety pin. This pin is designed to prevent accidental discharge of the extinguisher and is typically located at the top of the handle mechanism. The pin has a small ring or tab at one end. Here’s how to remove it properly:

1. Grasp the Extinguisher Firmly: With one hand, firmly hold the extinguisher by its carry handle. Make sure you have a good grip, and the extinguisher feels balanced. Do not try to operate an extinguisher that is loose or difficult to hold.
2. Locate the Safety Pin: Look for the safety pin, which is typically secured by a plastic or metal seal.
3. Break the Seal (if present): If there is a plastic or metal seal on the pin, break it with your fingers or by using a key or other tool. The seal should be easily broken. This is to prevent tampering.
4. Pull the Pin: Firmly pull the pin straight out, with a slight twisting motion if needed. This can take a little effort, so make sure you are gripping the extinguisher firmly and pulling with a steady force. If the pin is stuck and won’t come out, do not force it or try to use the extinguisher with the pin still in place. You would need to get an alternative extinguisher or evacuate.
5. Keep the Pin: Do not discard the pin yet. You may need it later. This seems contradictory, but there is a reason for it. If you discharge the extinguisher without fully extinguishing the fire, you may need to re-pressurize it for short term use. The manufacturer will have instructions, but keeping the pin can be useful in many circumstances.

Why is this step so important? The safety pin is in place for a reason. It prevents the lever from being squeezed accidentally, which would cause the extinguisher to discharge, making it useless when you actually need it. Taking the time to remove this pin before you approach the fire is critical to being able to put the fire out. If you have to fight to pull the pin after you approach the fire, you may lose precious seconds in your attempt to extinguish it.

Step 2: Aim at the Base of the Fire

Once the safety pin is removed, you need to position yourself correctly to effectively use the extinguisher. The next most critical step is aiming the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not at the flames themselves. The base of the fire is where the fuel source is burning, and it’s where you need to direct the extinguishing agent. This process is just as important as pulling the pin itself. Doing this incorrectly can simply spread a fire or make the situation worse. Here’s how to aim correctly:

1. Maintain a Safe Distance: Always maintain a safe distance from the fire. Do not get too close to the fire, as it can quickly grow out of control and present a dangerous risk. A good rule of thumb is to be about 6-8 feet away from the fire, depending on the size of the fire. Err on the side of caution if you are unsure. The correct distance will depend on the size of the fire and the type of extinguisher. Most extinguishers are effective with a fairly long nozzle spray.
2. Identify the Base: Look carefully at the fire. Focus on the base of the flames, where the actual burning material is located, rather than the flames themselves. Sometimes it is not always apparent where the source is. Look for where the burning material is being consumed, typically at the bottom.
3. Aim the Nozzle: With your free hand, take hold of the nozzle or hose of the fire extinguisher. Point the nozzle directly at the base of the fire. Do not aim it into the air, at the flames, or in any other direction. Aiming at the base ensures you are targeting the source of the fire and not simply the effects of it.
4. Use Short Bursts (If Possible): If you are using an extinguisher with a short hose or nozzle, use short bursts to aim properly. This will give you some chance to evaluate the efficacy of your aim. Once you have achieved the correct aim, you are ready to move to the next step.

Why is aiming at the base so critical? Flames are the visible product of combustion; they are the result of the fire, not the fire itself. The fire is the consuming of the material source. When you direct the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire, you’re cutting off the source of the combustion, which is the fuel. Targeting the flames may appear to put the fire out, but if you do not cool the burning material, or cut off the oxygen, the fire will quickly reignite.

Step 3: Squeeze the Handle

Once the safety pin is removed and you have properly aimed at the base of the fire, the next step is to squeeze the handle or lever to release the extinguishing agent. This is a simple but crucial step that you must do correctly and deliberately. Here is how to perform this action:

1. Grip the Handles Firmly: Use one hand to hold the extinguisher steady by the handle at the top. Then, use your other hand to firmly grasp the lever that is located just above the top handle.
2. Squeeze the Handles: Squeeze the lever on the handle using a firm grip. This action depresses the button or valve that releases the pressure within the fire extinguisher and discharges the extinguishing agent. You will immediately feel the force and hear the spray.
3. Maintain Consistent Pressure: Continue to apply consistent pressure on the handle to ensure a constant and steady flow of extinguishing agent. Do not release the handle unless the fire is extinguished or you need to move the extinguisher.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Use the Entire Extinguisher: When faced with a fire, do not hesitate to use the entire contents of the extinguisher. The amount of the extinguishing agent may seem like a lot at first but is only effective for a very short period of time (as little as 8-30 seconds). Use it all to ensure the fire is extinguished. If you do not use it all and the fire reignites, it will be harder to put it out with a partially empty extinguisher.

Why is squeezing the handle correctly so important? Squeezing the handle is the step that releases the agent to fight the fire. You must perform it deliberately with a firm grip to ensure that the extinguishing agent is discharged effectively and continuously. Without a steady stream of agent, the fire could reignite or not be extinguished at all. Releasing the handle means stopping the flow, so only do so if the fire has been extinguished and the hot material is cool. Never release the handle unless the fire is completely extinguished, you are changing your aim, or you need to retreat.

Step 4: Sweep from Side to Side

After squeezing the handle and discharging the extinguishing agent, the final step is to sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. This helps to ensure that the agent covers the entire area of the fire and effectively suppresses it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Maintain Aim: Make sure you continue to aim at the base of the fire as you sweep. Do not let your aim wander to the flames or other areas. Keep the focus on the burning fuel.
2. Sweep the Nozzle: Move the nozzle slowly back and forth using a sweeping motion, covering the entire area of the fire. Be methodical and thorough, making sure all parts of the base are hit. Do not use a random sweeping motion. Be slow and deliberate.
3. Watch for Extinguishment: Observe the fire as you sweep. Once the flames disappear, continue to discharge the extinguisher for a few more seconds to cool down the fuel source. Never assume the fire is out just because you no longer see flames.
4. Monitor for Re-Ignition: After you have swept the base of the fire and are sure it is extinguished, continue to monitor the area. It’s essential to watch for any signs of re-ignition. Hot embers can reignite.
5. If the Fire Persists: If the fire does not diminish, or if it re-ignites, and the extinguisher is empty, evacuate immediately and call the fire department.

Why is sweeping so important? The sweeping motion ensures you cover the entire base of the fire. Fires can spread quickly, so you need to make sure you are coating all the burning areas. This technique not only extinguishes the flames, but it also cools the fuel source down, preventing reignition. It is important to remain vigilant for any further flames or smoldering materials that might indicate the fire is not completely out. If you do not sweep and merely use the extinguisher in one area, the fire might remain active in other parts of the flammable source.

Post-Fire Procedures

Once the fire is extinguished, there are still a few important things you need to do:

• Evacuate Safely: If the fire is near a building or poses any other threat, evacuate everyone from the building immediately. Once everyone is at a safe distance, call the fire department. Always assume the fire can reignite.
• Call the Fire Department: Even if you believe the fire is completely extinguished, always call the fire department. They will inspect the area to ensure that there is no risk of re-ignition and can take further precautions. They also have equipment that can identify hot spots and potential fire hazards that a non-professional will not detect.
• Report the Incident: If the fire took place in a work environment, report the incident to your management, supervisor, or safety officer. This helps to ensure all procedures are followed and safety records are maintained.
• Recharge or Replace the Extinguisher: Fire extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after use, even if you only discharged a small amount. A partially used extinguisher will lose its pressure over time and won’t be as effective. Contact a professional for servicing, maintenance or disposal. Never try to refill or recharge the extinguisher on your own, as this can be very dangerous.
• Inspect Other Extinguishers: Check other fire extinguishers in your building, workplace, or home to ensure they are in working order and properly maintained.
• Review Your Fire Safety Plan: Use this incident as an opportunity to review your fire safety plan, make improvements, and ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of a fire. Regular fire drills can be helpful in this regard.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspection

Fire extinguishers require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they work properly when you need them. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Monthly Visual Inspections: Check the extinguisher regularly (at least monthly) to make sure the pressure gauge is within the acceptable range, the nozzle isn’t clogged, and there is no visible damage, corrosion, or tampering. Make sure the pin is secure and sealed.
• Annual Professional Inspection: Hire a certified professional to conduct an annual maintenance and inspection. This ensures the extinguisher is fully functional and compliant with fire safety regulations.
• Recharge After Use: As stated earlier, recharge or replace an extinguisher after each use, regardless of how much you discharged.
• Proper Placement: Make sure fire extinguishers are easily accessible and strategically located in areas where a fire could occur. They should be mounted so that they do not pose a safety risk.
• Clear Signage: Ensure there is clear signage indicating the location of fire extinguishers in your building, workplace, or home.

When NOT to Use a Fire Extinguisher

While fire extinguishers are valuable tools, it is important to know when to not use them and when to evacuate. Here are a few situations where using a fire extinguisher may not be the best course of action:

• When the Fire Is Too Large: If the fire is too large, spreading rapidly, or involves the entire room, evacuate immediately.
• When You Are Unsure: If you are unsure of the type of fire or the type of extinguisher, do not use the extinguisher. Evacuate and call the fire department.
• When You Feel Unsafe: If you feel unsafe attempting to extinguish a fire, evacuate immediately. Your life and safety are always the highest priority.
• When There Is Smoke: If the room is filled with smoke, it is difficult to see and breathe and may be toxic. Do not attempt to use an extinguisher; evacuate the area.
• When You Are Not Trained: If you have not been trained to use a fire extinguisher, do not attempt it. Knowing how to use it properly can be beneficial, but guessing can be dangerous.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is a valuable skill that could potentially save lives and property. Always remember the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Regular maintenance, inspections, and training are essential to ensure that your fire extinguishers are ready when you need them. Always prioritize safety, and if you have any doubts, evacuate immediately and call the professionals. Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and understanding how to use a fire extinguisher is just one important component of a comprehensive fire safety plan. By taking the time to educate yourself and others, you can help to create a safer environment for all.

This article is meant to provide general advice and instruction for fire extinguisher use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local fire codes.