How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

From a small kitchen fire to an electrical fire, a fire extinguisher is a vital tool to keep the flames from spreading in your business.

What Is the Best Way To Use A Fire Extinguisher?

From a small kitchen fire to an electrical fire, a fire extinguisher is a vital tool to keep the flames from spreading in your Miami Lakes, FL, business. Since this first line of defense is so important, it is also imperative that people know how to use it and that the equipment is properly maintained.

Remember PASS

Luckily, regardless of the brand or class of the extinguisher, they are all designed for easy operation. The key is to remember the word PASS.

• Pull: There is a pin at the top of the extinguisher that ensures the handle isn’t accidentally pressed. In an emergency, pull the pin.
  
• Aim: Maintain a safe distance from the flames and aim the nozzle toward the bottom of the fire.
  
• Squeeze: To discharge the extinguishing agent, squeeze the handles.
• Sweep: Use a side-to-side sweeping motion to extinguish the flames.

If the fire continues to spread, evacuate and get help. It’s better to have a professional fire damage restoration clean up the aftermath than to have anyone get injured.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Tips

Knowing how vital it is to have an extinguisher on-site, it’s important to ensure that is easily accessible and taken care of. When an emergency happens, you want the confidence to know that no one has to go searching for it or move things around to access it. As for maintenance, it is ideal to regularly check the pressure gauge and inspect the unit for any dents, rust or damage. The hose should also be looked over for cracks. A general rule of thumb is to replace the equipment every

12 years.

Every business needs to have a fire extinguisher available. While hopefully it won't ever be needed, it is important that everyone knows how to use it and that the fire-fighting tool is regularly inspected.