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EXTINGUISHERS HAVE LIMITS
USED PROPERLY, a portable fire extinguisher can
save lives and property by putting out small fire or containing it
until the fire department arrives.
Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed
to fight large or speeding fires. Even against small fires, they
are useful only under certain conditions.
The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no
time to read directions during an emergency.
The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order,
fully charged.
The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked
by fire.
The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought. Extinguishers
that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.
The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable
extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 to 10 seconds.
CHOOSING YOUR EXTINGUISHER
Fire extinguishers are tested by independent laboratories and labeled for
the type and size fire they can extinguish. Use these labels as a guide to
purchase the kind of extinguisher that suits your needs.
CLASSES OF FIRE
There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled
using standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash
thorough any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher can not be used on that
class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that extinguisher has not been
tested for a given class of fire.
The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type of fire being fought.
If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and
make the fire worse. Multipurpose fire extinguishers marked ABC may be used
on all three classes of fires.
Remember, in some cases it may be dangerous to use any type of extinguisher.
For instance, pressurized extinguishing agent could spread a grease pan
fire rather than put it out.
EXTINGUISHER SIZES
Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can
handle. This rating will appear on the label; for example, 2A:10B:C. The larger
the numbers, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out, but the
higher-rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate an
extinguisher before you buy it.
INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE
EXTINGUISHERS SHOULD BE installed in plain view, above the
reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves and heating
appliances.
Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator's manual to learn
how to inspect your extinguisher. Follow manufacturer's instructions on maintenance.
Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. (Service companies
are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Fire Extinguishers.") Disposable
fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use.
REMEMBER THE PASS-WORD
Keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away
from the fire. Follow the four-step PASS procedure.
Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you
think you've extinguished the fire.
SHOULD YOU FIGHT THE FIRE?
BEFORE YOU BEGIN to fight a fire:
Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving, the building.
Make sure the fire department has been called.
Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.
Be sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
Be sure you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.
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