Fire Extinguisher: Simple and Safe

• Class A — Used for paper, wood, cloth, or other common trash fires
• Class B — Used for fires caused by petroleum, gasoline, oil, paint, propane and butane
• Class C — Used for fires caused by active electrical devices, fuse boxes, wiring, computers, and electrical sources
• Class K — Used for kitchen-based fires, such as restaurants.

Portable fire extinguishers apply an extinguishing agent that will either cool burning fuel, displace or remove oxygen, or stop the chemical reaction so a fire cannot continue to burn. When the handle of an extinguisher is compressed, the agent is expelled out of the nozzle.

Once you've made your purchases, familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you’ll be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are fairly easy to use in the case of a fire. Most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

• P.     Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal.

• A.     Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the   fire. 

• S.      Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent. 

• S.      Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. 

During an event of a fire, fire extinguishers are the first line of defense, largely due to their accessibility and portability in any space. Per NFPA, your fire extinguishers are required to be inspected monthly and maintained annually, keeping your facility safe and compliant. Portable extinguishers should be available in all areas of your facility, especially in the kitchen or cooking areas, electrical panels, chemical storage areas, restrooms, trash placement and other locations with a high risk of fire. Fire Protection ORUZ offers services to keep your portable extinguishers up to code and ready to use on an annual basis.