Things You Should Know About Fire Extinguishers
How Do I Use a Home Fire Extinguisher?
- Alert others of the fire. Call out for help. Begin the evacuation
process.
- Have someone call 911.
Stand well back from the fire. Start out 8 feet away from the object on
fire.
- Locate the safety pin. Firmly grip the extinguisher and turn it so
that the nozzle points away from you and you can get a good grip on the
safety pin.
- Pull and remove the safety pin from the extinguisher.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. (Don't aim at the top of the
flames, instead aim at the object on fire)
- Sweep the nozzle back and forth across the base of the fire.
- Slowly walk towards the object on fire while squeezing the handle of
the extinguisher and sweeping the nozzle.
- Discharge the entire fire extinguisher.
- Keep your face away from any smoke from the fire or dust from the
extinguisher.
What Type of Portable Fire Extinguisher Should I Buy?
Size
The best fire extinguisher is one that you can safely use that extinguishes
the fire. We recommend a dry chemical extinguisher filled with a minimum of
2-1/2 pounds of powder. A very small fire extinguisher may run out before
you've fully extinguished the fire. Don't cut corners to save three or four
dollars. You should consider purchasing a 4-1/2 pound extinguisher for
longer extinguishing capability. We don't recommend extinguishers larger
than 4-1/2 pounds for home use. Remember that a fire extinguisher needs to
be easy to use by all members of the family. A fire extinguisher that is
to heavy will be difficult to use.
Rating
We recommend that you purchase 1A 10BC or 1A 20BC rated extinguishers for
your home, car and boat. These kinds of extinguishers are often referred
to as multipurpose or household fire extinguishers. Extinguishers with all
three ("A", "B" and "C") ratings are the most versatile because they are
effective on ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastics as well as
on oil, grease, and electrical fires. Dry chemical extinguishing agents are
safe for use on household electrical fires because dry chemical powder does
not conduct electricity. These dry chemical extinguishers typically contain
monoammonium phosphate, a powder that has properties similar to baking
soda. The dry chemical powder residue acts to prevent fire re-ignition,
and vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth can clean it up.
Some extinguishers are sold specifically for use in cars and boats. These
extinguishers are similar to the household extinguishers described above,
but they often lack the "A" rating. This signifies that they are not
effective on wood, paper, cloth and other common combustibles.
UL Listing or FM Approval
This is your assurance that your new fire extinguisher meets minimum
performance requirements and was manufactured using materials and processes
that will provide a suitable degree of reliability.
A Pressure Gauge
Some extinguishers don't have a pressure gauge. They have a
pressure-indicating button. A gauge is generally more accurate and more
easily understood.
Cost
Be prepared to spend $15 to $20 dollars. Many fire extinguishers go on
sale during fire prevention week. Look for value.
How Should I Maintain My Fire Extinguisher?
- Check the pressure gauge regularly. Read the instructions yearly.
- Inspect the extinguisher for broken parts and deterioration.
- Once per year turn the extinguisher upside down and shake it to keep
the powder from caking in the bottom. If it has a hose check the condition
of the hose.
- Ensure that the extinguisher is accessible. One extinguisher should be
in the kitchen in a location where it is accessible in event of a stove
fire.
- Most home fire extinguishers have plastic valves that can not be
recharged. Extinguishers with aluminum valves may be serviceable and
refillable.
What if I Have an Old Extinguisher?
Because most fire extinguishers cost less than $20, (some as low as $10) we
recommend that your home extinguisher be replaced if:
- It is more than ten years old
- The pressure has leaked
- It has been used
- It appears damaged
- Parts have deteriorated.
Ten years is a reasonable time to replace older extinguishers. Plastic
parts can deteriorate or break over time.
What About Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Agents?
Aren't They New and Better?
Some fire extinguishers contain liquefied gases, such as carbon dioxide or
halogenated hydrocarbons. These agents serve special purposes. We do not
recommend them for home or auto use. Gases are best used in enclosed
equipment such as electrical switchgear. Also, using gasses requires
additional training.
Any Questions? E-Mail: ehvfc12@hotmail.com
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Last updated March 16, 2006