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| Extinguishers
Have Limits
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- 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 extinguisher must be kept
near the exit, so the user has an escape route that
will not be blocked by fire.
- The extinguisher must match the
type of fire you are fighting. Extinguishers that
contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or
electrical fires.
- The extinguisher must be large
enough to put out the fire. Most portable
extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight
seconds.
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Used properly, a portable fire
extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small
fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. |
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Choosing Your
Extinguisher
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Fire extinguishers are tested
by independent testing laboratories. They will be labeled
for the type of fire they are intended to extinguish.
Class of Fires: 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 through any of the symbols tells
you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of
fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the
extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of
fire. |
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| Class A: Ordinary
combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and
many plastics. |
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| Class B: Flammable liquids
such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint,
lacquer, and flammable gas. |
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Class C: Energized
electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes,
circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.
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Many household fire
extinguishers are "multipurpose" A-B-C models,
labeled for use on all three classes of fire. If you are
ever faced with a Class A fire and don't have an
extinguisher with an "A" symbol, don't
hesitate to use one with the "B-C" symbol.
WARNING: It is very dangerous
to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A
fires on a grease or electrical fire. The "C"
in a rating indicates that you can use the unit on
electrical fires.
EXTINGUISHER SIZES:
Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of
fire they can handle. Normally, an extinguisher that has
a rating of 2-A:10-B:C on its label is recommended for
each floor level. The larger the number, the larger the
fire that the extinguisher can put out. Higher-rated
models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and
operate the extinguisher before you buy.
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| Installation/Maintenance
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Extinguishers should be installed
in plain view, above the reach of small children, near
an escape route and away from stoves and heating
appliances. Ask you local fire department for advice on
the best locations.
Extinguishers require routine care.
Read your operator's manual and ask your dealer how your
extinguisher should be inspected and serviced.
Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use.
Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once, and
must be replaced after use. Following manufacturer's
instructions, check the pressure in your extinguishers once a month. |
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Remember the PASS-word
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Keep your back to an exit and
stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Follow the
four-step PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to
go out immediately, leave the are at once.
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| PULL the
pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you
to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may
have other seals or tamper indicators. |
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| AIM low:
Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of
the fire. |
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| SQUEEZE the
lever above the handle: This discharges the
extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the
discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of
a lever.) |
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| SWEEP
from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire,
keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and
sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out.
Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the
process. |
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| Always be sure the fire
department inspects the fire site, even if you think
you've extinguished the fire. |
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Should You Fight the Fire?
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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 escaped route to which the fire will
not spread.
- Be sure you have read the
instructions and that you know how to use the
extinguisher.
It is reckless to fight a
fire in any other circumstances. Instead, leave
immediately and close off the area.
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