The Role of the Portable Fire Extinguisher

1. The vast majority of fires are small at first and might be extinguished easily if the proper type and amount of extinguishing agent were promptly applied. Portable fire extinguishers are designed for this purpose, however their successful use depends upon the following conditions:
   
   1. The extinguisher must be located properly and be in good working order
   2. The extinguisher must be the proper type for the fire which occurs
   3. The fire must be discovered while still small enough for the extinguisher to be effective
   4. The fire must be discovered by someone who is ready, willing and able to use the extinguisher
2. To be effective, portable extinguishers must be
   1. Approved by a recognized testing laboratory
   2. The right type for each class of fire that may occur in a given area
   3. In sufficient quantity for the expected risk of fire in a given area
   4. In a location that is accessible for immediate use and is clearly identified
   5. Maintained in operating condition, regularly inspected and serviced
   6. Operated by personnel familiar with the area, the extinguisher and the intended use
3. Types and Classification of fire extinguishers:
   
   Portable fire extinguishers vary in type based upon the extinguishing agent they contain. Every extinguisher must be clearly labeled to show the classification of fire it is effective against. Extinguishers may carry labels or pictograms or both to indicate which fires it may be used against and which ones it should not be used on.
   1. Class A extinguishers are used to extinguish fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and plastics. They should not be used on electrical fires, flammable liquid or combustible metal fires. This type of extinguisher contains water or a special dry chemicals
   2. Class B extinguishers are used to extinguish flammable liquids and gas fires such as solvents, oil, gasoline and grease. The agent used is normally dry chemical, carbon dioxide or halogenated. Water will normally only spread a flammable liquid fire and should not be used
   3. Class C extinguishers are used to extinguish fires in energized electrical equipment. Water must not be used in this type of fire. The same type of materials used in Class B extinguishers may be used in Class C if they are non-conductive.
   4. Class D are used to fight combustible metal fires. Other types of extinguishers could increase the intensity of the fire.
   5. Class ABC are used to extinguish most of the fires that would be found on campus or at home. These are multi-purpose dry chemical agents (ammonium phosphate).
4. Use of a Portable Fire Extinguisher
   
   Never attempt to extinguish a large fire with a portable fire extinguisher. It is never wise to attempt to extinguish any fire without someone alerting the fire department. If the fire is not blocking your exit from the area of fire origin, it may be extinguished by someone trained to do so.
   
   Use the acronym PASS to remember how to use the extinguisher.
   
   Pull the safety pin on the extinguisher. Grasp the extinguisher neck with one hand and pull the pin with the other hand. Stand back 5 to 8 feet from the fire.
   
   Aim at the base of the fire(unless it is a grease fire on a range top) In the case of a grease fire, stand back and aim a little above the base.
   
   Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher.
   
   Sweep from side to side until the fire is extinguished or the extinguisher is empty. Do not hold the extinguisher in one spot.
   
   If the fire does not extinguish, do not get a second extinguisher. Evacuate the building.
   
   NEVER fight a fire if: the fire could block your escape route; you are uncertain about which extinguisher to use; or you are not certain how to use the extinguisher. These situations could delay your escape.
   
   FIGHT the fire only if: the fire department has been notified; the area is being evacuated; the fire is small and confined to the immediate area; you can fight the fire with your back to the exit; you have the proper extinguisher and know how to use it; and you use good judgment about when to evacuate.