Fire extinguisher is a fire protection device which is very useful to control or diffuse small level fires that may be caused due to several reasons. It is a very essential item that should be present in all sorts of labs or places that have chances of catching fire. There are different kinds of fire extinguishers for different kinds of fires. Fires are classified into 5 categories, with the top 3 being the most common ones:-
1. Type A fire
Fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
2. Type B fire
Fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases.
3. Type C fire
Fires that involve energised electrical equipment.
4. Type D fire
Fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.
5. Type K fire
Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
How to use
Fire extinguisher should be used if and only if there’s a case of fire. Always follow the acronym P.A.S.S (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep):-
1. Pull the pin to unlock the fire extinguisher to be used.
2. Aim the extinguisher discharge nozzle towards the fire from at least 6-8 feets away.
3. Squeeze the discharging lever to discharge the content of the extinguisher.
4. Sweep the nozzle back and forth to cover a larger area until the extinguisher empties out.
Safety Tips and Precautions
1. The nozzle shouldn’t be pointed towards any human as it is toxic.
2. Once opened, an extinguisher should be completely used.
Important Links
How to use a fire extinguisher – ( )
YouTube video
https://youtu.be/lUojO1HvC8c
How fire extinguishers work – ( )
YouTube video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuUM9V5_j88
