Fire Extinguishers Effectively Put Out 80% of All Fires
Learn How to Use One Properly, Follow OSHA:
From OSHA.gov:
The following steps should be followed when responding to incipient stage fire:
- Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate.
- Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
- Select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher.
- Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).
- Back away from an extinguished 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:
| 1. | PULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal. |  |
| 2. | 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. |
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| 3. | SQUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. | |
| 4. | 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. |
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| If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY! |
