Five Important Things You Need to Know About Fire Extinguishers

The best tool to prevent fire from spreading is thefollowing:o P - This stands for pulling of the pin off
extinguisher. It is easy to find and very portable asthe top of the device. Pulling the pin is a way to
well. However, there are important things you shouldunlock the device.o A - This stands for aiming at the
know about them. Knowing the extinguishers isbase of the flame. Before releasing its content, point
important because its misuse can be very costly.the nozzle at the source of fire. Aiming at the flame
Here are five things you should know about them:will not stop the fire.o S - The first S stands for
1. Several typessqueeze. Squeeze the handle to release the content
Not everyone knows that there are different typesof the extinguisher.o S - The second S is for the
of extinguishers. There are those that containsweeping motion. While squeezing the lever to
compressed water. Others have chemicals. And thererelease, do a sweeping motion. This is necessary to
are those known as co2 fire extinguishers. In orderput out the fire from its base.
to identify the types, you familiarize the differentAll the adults at home should know how to use the
classes of fire.tool. In the workplace, you can invite someone to
The classification of fire depends on the fuel source.conduct fire safety training. Teaching the employees
The different sources are:o Flammable solids likeon how to use the extinguisher is part of it.
paper and woodso Flammable liquids like oil and4. Maintenance
greaseo Electricityo Flammable metals such asThese devices need maintenance as well. You may
magnesium and sodiumnot need to use the device until it is ten years old, so
The type of extinguisher indicates the type of fuelyou had better make sure that they are in top
source it can deal with.shape. Remember that the different types of
2. Where to place themdevices need different maintenance requirement.
In some cases, people were not able to use theWater extinguishers are different from co2 fire
device because they could not find it. If you will installextinguisher. To be certain, consult the manufacturer.
the device, place it somewhere accessible and visible.5. Signs found on their label
These are the hallways and exits. At home, placeCertain types of extinguishers can handle multiple
extinguishers near the different areas of the house.classes of fire. The sign on the label will indicate this.
See to it that family members can get to it whenCheck the different signs so that you will know when
needed.you can use it.
3. How to use themKnowing certain information about the fire
Even if the device is accessible, it is useless if no oneextinguisher will help you understand its importance.
knows how it works. It is easy to use. JustYou will also end up using the right type and saving
remember the word PASS. It stands for theyour property and your life.