Using a Fire Extinguisher
Use the PASS technique:
- PULL the pin at the top of the extinguisher. (Note: The pin keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed when not in use. The pin will most likely have a tamper seal that will break when the pin is pulled.)
- AIM the nozzle toward the base of the fire. Stand 8 to 10 feet from the fire.
- SQUEEZE the handle lever to discharge the extinguishing agent.
- SWEEP the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire as you squeeze the handle lever. Repeat steps 2-4 if fire re-ignites.
Classes of Fires
- Class A – Fires involving ordinary combustible materials (e.g. wood, paper, cloth, plastic and garbage)
- Class B – Fires involving flammable liquids (e.g. gasoline, oil, solvents and grease
- Class C – Fires involving energized electrical equipment (e.g. appliances, switches, panel boxes and power tools)
- Class D – Fires involving combustible metals (e.g. magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium)
- Class K – Kitchen fires involving cooking oil and fat
Types of Fire Extinguishers
- Class A-rated (Water Extinguishers) – for fires caused by ordinary combustibles only.
- Class ABC-rated (Dry Chemical Extinguishers) – for fires involving Class A, B and C fires
- Class AC-rated (Water Mist Extinguisher) – for fires involving Class A and C fires (Safety from electrical shock, good choice in hospitals and clean rooms)
- Class BC-rated (Dry Chemical Extinguishers) – for fires involving Class B and C fires
- Class BC-rated (Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers) – for fires involving Class B and C fires (good choice for electronics)
- Class BC-rated (Halon Extinguishers) – for fires involving Class B and C fires (good choice for valuable electrical equipment – leaves no residue)
- Class BC-rated (Halotron I Extinguishers) – for fires involving Class B and C fires (good choice for computer rooms, clean rooms, telecommunications equipment and other electronics)
- Class BC-rated (FE-36 Extinguishers) – for fires involving Class B and C fires (good choice for expensive computer and electronic equipment – less toxic than Halon and Halotron I Extinguishers)
- Class D-rated (Metal/Sand Extinguishers)
- Class K-rated (Wet Chemical Extinguishers) – for kitchen fires