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July 29, 2021 0 Comments

How To Properly Operate A Fire Extinguisher

So you own a fire extinguisher just in case a fire breaks out at your home or office. But do you know how to properly operate a fire extinguisher? What’s the point of having an extinguisher that just serves as a piece of wall art?

How To Operate A Fire Extinguisher

There are times when it’s appropriate (and not appropriate) to use a fire extinguisher(I’ve written another blog discussing those). Should you determine a fire extinguisher is indeed the proper decision, take the following steps:
  • Call 911 and follow their instructions. If it’s a small contained fire like a trash fire or stove-top fire, you may decide to skip this step. If the fire spreads or grows, call 911 immediately.
  • Alert everyone in the house or office to evacuate. Second count.
  • Position yourself so that there is an exit door behind you. If the fire grows, you don’t want to find your only escape route blocked by fire.
  • To operate the fire extinguisher, there will be a metal or plastic pull pin with a round loop inserted through the handle. Grab the pin loop with your finger and pull firmly to break it free. Sometimes, twisting the pin while pulling makes it easier to free it from the handle.
  • If your extinguisher has a hose, grab it with one hand while holding the extinguisher in your other hand by the handle.
  • Stand back from the fire 6 to 10 feet, depending on the size of the fire.
  • Aim the spray nozzle at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the handle to start the chemical spray.
  • Sweep the nozzle left and right along the base of the fire. Depending on what’s on fire, you may need to spray upwards as well. This may be the case for something like curtains. As the fire subsides, and if it’s safe, you can move closer when the fire is almost extinguished.
  • Observe the situation for a few minutes to make sure the fire doesn’t restart.
  • If the fire was on part of the structure of your home or office, call the fire department. Smoldering embers can restart a fire well after you think it’s safe.

After You Use An Extinguisher

Once a fire extinguisher has been used, even a 1 second blast, it should not be used again until it’s serviced by a licensed company. The discharged chemical contaminates the internal rubber seals and it will lose pressure over time.

Don’t dispose of your fire extinguisher if there is any pressure remaining. Give it to your inspection company or call the local fire department for disposal instructions.
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