0. Using Fire Extinguishers Safely

1. What we will learn today
We will talk about different types of fire extinguishers, how to use them safely, and in what situations you would use them.

2. We have already learned that:
Fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen to create the chemical chain reaction that causes fire
If you remove one of the elements, the fire cannot survive

3. Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home?
Every home should have one
Where is it located?
Extinguishers should be located in plain view, near an escape route
Kitchen, garage, workroom

4. Fire extinguishers have chemicals in them that suppress the fire
There are four different classes of fires
Class of fire determines which extinguisher to use
Most common type of extinguisher - use on most household fires - contains a combination of dry chemicals that look like a white powder
powder interrupts the chemical chain reaction and suffocates the fire

5. Just like matches and lighters are not toys, a fire extinguisher is not a toy
Cause damage if not used properly
Should only be used in emergency situations for one purpose - to extinguish a fire

6. Fire extinguishers are identified by a letter that determines what materials it will be most effective on and a number that determines how much area it covers.
4-A 20B:C
Those two factors determine where and how long a fire extinguisher is most effective

7. Letter designation tells us what the extinguisher is most effective on
Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, clothing, household furnishings B
Flammable liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, paints, motor oil, cooking oil and cleaners C
Energized (plugged in) electrical equipment like televisions, computers or wiring

8. The numbers tell us how large an area the extinguisher is most effective on.
A number 1 would be on a small area extinguisher, like what you would find in a kitchen.
Means there is only contents to be used on a very small, ordinary fire like wood or paper
A number 4 rating means that it can extinguish a fire 4 times larger than a number 1 rating

9. So the rating on our 4-A 20 B:C extinguisher means:
Multipurpose extinguisher because of its A-B-C rating
Can extinguish a Class A fire times larger than a 1-A
Can extinguish a Class B:C fire 20 times larger than a B:C
4-A 20B:C

10. Fire extinguishers should only be used in certain situations:
the fire is smaller than a waste basket
the fire is contained to one item (like a small waste basket) and has not spread anywhere else
everyone else is out of the building
you have a clear exit to safety
And only if you have been taught how to use it

11. It is important to know when to use a fire extinguisher - and when not to.
Unless the fire is very small and contained, do not try to fight a fire yourself
Get out, make sure everyone else is out, and call the fire department

12. When using a fire extinguisher, remember to PASS
Pull the pin
Aim the nozzle
Squeeze the handle
Sweep the nozzle
Always aim at the base of the fire for the most effective use

13. Like your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers need to be checked often to make sure it is in good working order
After use, it should be maintained or replaced

14. REMEMBER - a fire extinguisher is an important fire safety tool
REMEMBER - a fire extinguisher is an important fire safety tool. It should never be played with or pointed at someone.