Portable Fire Extinguishers

 There is always the chance that you might come upon the need to extinguish minor fires in order to save the lives of others or even you own.  It is for this reason that a basic knowledge of the principles of fire extinguishment is essential. 

Extinguishers have limits 

 A portable fire extinguisher is a first aid device.  They are not to be used to put out large or spreading fires.   They are designed for fighting small fires, such as wastebasket (contained). 

Most portable fire extinguishers discharge distance of 6 to 10 feet [2 to 3 meters] and have a discharge time of approximately 8 to 10 seconds.   

When to fight a small fire

             Personal safety and the safety of others is of the most importance when deciding to fight the fire.  Before trying to extinguish a fire, be sure of the following.

 ·        fight a fire only if the home has been evacuated

·        the fire department has been called

·        never allow a fire to come between you and an exit

·        the fire is small and contained in one area

·        the extinguisher you are using is suitable for use on the type of fire

Fire Extinguisher Ratings 

Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper.  The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish. 

Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc.  The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish. 

Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically energized fires.  This class of fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating.  The presence of the letter "C" indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.

Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question.  There is no picture designator for Class D extinguishers.  These extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of fires.

Learn How to PASS

Pull the pin. Holding the extingusher with the nozzle pointing away fro9m you, release the locking mechanism.  In most cases this means pulling out the pin located below the trigger.

Aim low.  Standing 6 to 8 feet (2 - 3meters) away from the fire, point the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the trigger.  Squeeze the trigger slowly and evenly.

Sweep side to side at the base of the fire and discharge the contents of the extinguisher.

 

 For more information, please call Central York Fire Services at 905-895-9222