The ABC's of Fire Extinguishers
The ABC's of Fire Extinguishers!
Fire is a very common event during disasters like earthquakes, but can occur at anytime due to other circumstances. Having the right tools and knowledge are essential for you to safely fight a fire.
We will discuss the proper tools that you should consider having at home. First, let’s review the Rules of Firefighting!
General Rules of Firefighting
Almost all fires start out small and could easily be extinguished if the proper type and amount of extinguishing agent is promptly applied. Portable fire extinguishers are designed for this purpose, but their successful use depends on several factors. The extinguisher must be readily accessible, in good working order, and of the proper type for that particular fire. The fire must be discovered while it is still small enough for the extinguisher to be effective, and the extinguisher must be used by a person who is ready, willing, and able to use it.
Before you consider fighting a fire:
- Notify the Fire Department.
- Make sure everyone has left the building or is leaving.
- Never, never try it alone. Work in pairs, and with two extinguishers, if available.
Never Attempt to Fight a Fire if:
- The fire is spreading beyond the immediate area where it started, or is already a large fire.
- The fire could block your escape.
- You are unsure of the proper operation of the extinguisher.
- You are in doubt that the extinguisher is designed for the type of fire at hand, or may not be large enough to extinguish the fire.
Fire extinguisher come a variety of types, sizes and shapes, so which one do you use?
First, many fire extinguishers are rated with letters, such as A, or B, or ABC. These letters stand for the “type” of fire the extinguisher is designed to put out. This is determined by what type of material is burning.
Types of Fires
Type A: Ordinary combustibles
- Paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics.
- Extinguished by cooling.
Type B: Flammable liquids
- Oils, gasoline, paints, cooking grease, and other liquids.
- Extinguish by coating to exclude air.
Type C: Energized electrical equipment
- Wiring, fuse boxes, any energized or “live” electrical equipment.
- If you shut down the electricity, the fire becomes a Class A fire and can be extinguished by cooling.
Type D: Combustible metals
- Magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and powered aluminum.
- Combustible metals burn extremely hot and require a special extinguishing agent.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are several types of extinguishers. The letter assigned to an extinguisher tells you what type of fire it should be used to extinguish.
Note: all extinguishers should be checked annually and refilled/replaced as needed!
The “ABC” Fire Extinguisher
- Multipurpose dry chemical type
- Used on Type A,
Type B, and Type C fires.
- Ordinarily combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.
- The most versatile of all extinguishers.
Many CERT programs recommend the “ABC” type of extinguisher. It is a multipurpose extinguisher, and should have the designation of 3-A:40-B:C, or larger. This one is light enough for most anyone to use, but has a greater capacity than smaller rated extinguishers.
Water Extinguisher
- Used on Type A fires.
- Ordinary combustible solids.
CO2 Extinguisher
- Used on Energized electrical fires.
Halon Extinguisher
- Used in computer rooms and museums.
- Excludes air.
Garden Hose
- Used on Type A fires, can be very effective.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
First, nothing is as good for teaching how to use an extinguisher as getting good instruction from your local fire department in actually using an extinguisher. Check with your local station to see if they are having public demonstrations and instruction. Many stations do this on a scheduled basis.
P – A – S – S (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
Remember “PASS” when using a fire extinguisher.
Pull the pin
- Must be done to operate a trigger handle extinguisher.
Aim low
- Point nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Stay low to avoid inhaling extinguisher agent and heated gases.
- Keep extinguisher upright.
Squeeze the handle
- This releases extinguisher agent.
- Start at a distance, around 8 feet, and move closer as the fire is extinguished.
Sweep from side to side
- At base of fire until it is out.
- Do not exhaust extinguisher on initial attack.
- If fire breaks out again, repeat use of extinguisher.
Multi-purpose dry chemical are surface-coating agents, Even though an extinguisher of this type may rapidly put out flames in combustible materials, it is important that the deep-seated burning embers (especially in furniture cushions and bedding) be thoroughly wetted with water. Do this for Class A fire.
Refill or Replace!
It is very important that once an extinguisher is used, even for just one short burst, that you refill or replace that extinguisher. Even a short burst from the extinguisher will cause complete loss of pressure in a very short time.
Information courtesy of – The Fremont Fire Department Community Emergency Response team Student Training Manual – ci-082/ss – 12/99