No one likes to imagine that they are in an emergency situation and don’t know what to do. As a training exercise, we often imagine in our heads the steps we would take or what we should do to help. Often in this mental exercise, people consider a fire outbreak. Unfortunately, people feel completely prepared simply by confirming the location of the fire extinguishers and reading how to activate the device. This is all well and good, but the question of how to actually use the device is often overlooked. There are specific techniques that can be used when fighting a fire and failure to adhere to them can render your efforts completely ineffective. That can be a scary thought!
To properly use a fire extinguisher, remove it from its storage location, point it away from you, and pull the latch. The device is now ready to use.
Get as close to the flames as possible without risking your own safety. Point the extinguisher at the base of the flame where it meets whatever fuel source is burning. A fire can burn very high and it can be tempting to aim for this mass. Doing so is completely ineffective as the extinguishing agent is simply passed through the flame. By aiming at the base of the fire, you are covering the fuel source and preventing the fire from burning out.
Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cover the entire base of the fire. Just extinguishing a section of the fuel source will not stop the fire. Also, walk closer to the fire when it burns out to ensure maximum effect. Again, don’t compromise your security by doing so.
Also, be sure to release the handle of the extinguisher once the fire is out. This may seem obvious, but it’s not uncommon for a fire extinguisher to have about ten seconds of extinguishing agent. You could run out of extinguishing agent if you have to fight a second flame and it doesn’t release as you transition to the new fire.
Finally, before you use your fire extinguisher, make sure it’s rated for the type of fire you’re having. Not all fire extinguishers work for all types of fuel. Check labels and make sure you have a suitable extinguisher before applying it to a flame.
Hopefully these tips will help you effectively put out any fire you may have to fight. But let’s hope you never have to use this ability!