MJS Traders Fire Extinguisher Instructions
- August 14, 2024
- MJS Traders
Table of Contents
MJS Traders Fire Extinguisher
Safety
Safety: Fire Extinguisher Use
Portable fire extinguishers have two functions to control or extinguish small or incipient stage fires and to protect evacuation routes that a fire may block directly or indirectly with smoke or burning/smoldering materials. To extinguish a fire with a portable extinguisher, a person must have immediate access to the extinguisher, know how to actuate the unit and know how to apply the agent effectively. Attempting to extinguish even a small fire carries some risk. Fires can increase in size and intensity in seconds, blocking the exit path of the firefighter and creating a hazardous atmosphere. In addition, portable fire extinguishers contain a limited amount of extinguishing agent and can be discharged in a matter of seconds. Therefore, individuals should attempt to fight only small or early-stage fires. Prior to fighting any fire with a portable fire extinguisher, you must perform a risk assessment that evaluates the fire size, the fire fighter’s evacuation path and the atmosphere in the vicinity of the fire.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
The following steps should be taken when responding to an emerging fire.
- Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate. Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Do not allow fire, heat or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
- Select the appropriate type of extinguisher.
- Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).
- Back away from an extinguisher fire in case it flames up again. Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.
- Evacuate immediately if the fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.
Most fire extinguishers operate using the following P.A.S.S. technique:
-
PULL: Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
-
AIM: Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
Note: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on Co2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin. -
SQUEEZE: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
-
SWEEP: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2-4.