Fire extinguishers are one of the most critical fire safety components in fire protection service that every residential home and commercial building should have. In Brisbane, fire extinguishers are considered a legal requirement, and every commercial building must have an efficiently working one at its place. Fire suppression equipment such as fire extinguishers can restrict minor flames from becoming catastrophic. However, simply installing a fire extinguisher at your place wouldn’t be enough. Your safety and property protection against fire depends on how to use a fire extinguisher safely and correctly. Considering fire extinguisher testing in Brisbane ensures a better functioning and optimal performance of the fire safety feature.

If your fire extinguisher is somewhere under the kitchen sink collecting dust, we suggest you brush it off and learn how to use them the right way. 

Choose The Right Fire Extinguisher

Before getting started on how to use a fire extinguisher, you need to understand the various classifications of fires. By doing so, you will be able to deal with fire and ensure your fire extinguisher works optimally.

Most household fires come under the following categories:

Types of Fire	Description
Class A	Fires fueled by wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and plastic
Class B	Fires fueled by flammable liquids such as oil, petroleum, gasoline, solvents, propane, and paints.
Class C	Fires fueled by faulty wiring, fuse boxes, and appliances. In short, anything plugged into the electrical system.
Class D	Fires fueled by combustible powders, shavings, or flakes of metals
Class K	Fires fueled by cooking oils and greases, animal fats, and vegetable fats.

Most household fire extinguishers can be used for multiple purposes and are designed to combat Class A, B, and C types of fire. While Class D and K fire extinguishers are used to tackle the bigger fire. Each fire extinguisher type has different symbols that indicate which types of fires the extinguisher is designed to tackle.

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

One of the best ways to tackle any fire emergency is to consider the actual steps of using a fire extinguisher and maintain a habit of checking them regularly.

Here are a few critical steps you should take before, during, and after using a fire extinguisher.

 

1. Identify a Safe Exit Route

Before using the fire extinguisher, always make sure you have a clear and safe exit route. If you are unable to put out the fire, the clear evacuation path will help you make a safe exit. Additionally, try installing fire extinguishers at every exit or stairway.

2. Inform The Fire Department

Before discharging the fire extinguisher, you should inform your local fire department about the incident.

3. Stand Back

When using a fire extinguisher, you must face the fire and keep your back to the safe exit route. Make sure you maintain a safe distance – particularly six and eight feet away – from the fire. Once done, you can prepare yourself to operate the fire extinguisher.

4. Follow PASS Method To Operate Extinguisher

Here is an easy-to-remember four-step process to operate a fire extinguisher – PASS method.

P: Pull the pin near the handle at the top of the fire extinguisher.

A: Aim the extinguisher nozzle low toward the base of the fire.

S: Squeeze the handle or lever slowly to discharge the extinguisher.

S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire and keep moving until you put out the fire.

5. Monitor The Fire Area

Once you put out the fire, keep a close eye on the fire area to restrict flames from reigniting. If the fire starts again, consider repeating the PASS method.

Require any assistance with fire services in Brisbane? Get in touch with us! At MFE Services, we offer state-of-art fire equipment and fire protection services in Brisbane. To know more about our other fire services and products, call us on 07 3390 6055 today!