Every day we walk past fire extinguishers in our workplaces, public areas and possibly in our homes. But can you say that know how to use a fire extinguisher? We are going to explain how to use a fire extinguisher correctly and ensure you are ready in case of an emergency. Before Using A Fire ExtinguisherOnly use a fire extinguisher when:
Remember, life is more important than property. Don’t put yourself or others at risk. How To Use A Fire Extinguisher, PTASS TechniqueThe PTASS Fire Extinguisher technique should be common knowledge to EVERYONE! PTASS is the acronym used to describe the four necessary steps of operating a fire extinguisher. Pull The very first step is to pull the safety pin at the top of the fire extinguisher. This pin is in place to stop the handle from being accidentally squeezed. Test Give a quick test squirt to make sure the extinguisher is working. Aim Standing at a safe distance from the fire, aim the extinguisher nozzle toward the base of the fire. Squeeze Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. Always make sure you are at a safe distance from where the fire was before releasing the handle as the fire could flare up again. Sweep Sweep the hose and nozzle of the fire extinguisher from side to side, directing your aim at the base of the fire. ![]() Knowing How To Use A Fire ExtinguisherA fire always starts small. It can cause extensive damage to property and threaten lives if not handled appropriately within the first few minutes of combustion. If you have a maintained fire extinguisher and you also know how to use it, possible accidents can be limited. Understanding The Different Types Of Fire ExtinguishersAll Fire extinguishers have a coloured band at the top of the cylinder to indicate their contents. The five most common types of fire extinguishers in New Zealand are: Remember that each of these different types of fire extinguishers is designed for fighting different classes of fire. Common Misconceptions And MistakesSince the majority of people have only seen a fire extinguisher being used on TV, they aren’t knowledgeable of the different types of fire extinguishers and their different capabilities. It is a common mistake that all fire extinguishers are the same. It is essential to recognise that this is not the case, and using the incorrect fire extinguisher can often cause additional damage. For example, if you used a Water extinguisher to fight an electrical fire, you stand the chance of getting a shock or cause even more damage. Additional Tips About Fire Extinguishers
from https://fireextinguishersnz.co.nz/how-to-use-a-fire-extinguisher/
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A fire extinguisher is a fire fighting device used mostly for small fires to control it or extinguished it all together immediately. There are different kinds of this type of product for different classes of fire which are based on the material that fuels the fire. More often than not, ignorance on such matters results to worse case scenarios like using a water fire extinguisher to stop a fire caused by some electrical problems as this would make the fire more prominent and more uncontrollable. It is therefore not enough that you have one in your house or workplace but that you got the right one for the kind of fire that is likely to occur to put it out safely.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are commonly used to extinguish most types of fires from paper, wood, and textile to flammable or combustible liquids and even for electrical fires but due to the risk of inhalation that it poses, this is not recommended for used on enclosed areas. An automatic extinguisher is then used on enclosed spaces that require dry powder fire extinguishers like marine engine compartments since these areas are usually unmanned. They are also suitable for use in vehicles. On the other hand, a wet chemical extinguisher is commonly used on most general household fires. It is the only appropriate kind of extinguisher used for cooking fat and oil fires. While a dry powder extinguisher can be used for electrical fires, the performance of electronic equipment may be affected as corrosion may ensue due to the residue left behind. For this, carbon dioxide extinguishers were developed as it does not leave any residue making it safe for use on electrical equipment. CO2 automatic extinguishers are just the perfect fight fighting equipment to keep in workplaces where there is sensitive electrical equipment like computers. CO2 fire extinguishers are also useful for use with flammable or combustible liquids. Another kind of extinguisher that can also tackle flammable liquids is the foam fire extinguisher. Still, it is not recommended for use on fires caused by deep fryer fats. This is also good for putting out fires feeding on solid materials like wood, paper, and even on soft furnishings. A water extinguisher is considered the most common type of fire extinguisher and most households are equipped with this type of fire fighting device as this is best suitable to fight fires on solid materials like wood, paper, and textiles. Since there are different kinds of fire extinguishers, you have to get the ones that would effectively and safely suit your needs. For example, you can equip your home with a wet chemical extinguisher which could then be placed near the kitchen where it could best serve its purpose and a CO2 extinguisher where there is a likelihood of a fire occurring due to wiring or electrical problems. For offices where there are lots of paperwork and computers, getting a water fire extinguisher and a CO2 extinguisher is a right combination so that you can have a suitable device for use for the solid materials and the electrical equipment respectively. |
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