How to use a fire extinguisher is extremely important and everyone should learn how to deal with sudden and emergency fires that can occur anywhere. Although the steps involved are very simple, there are a large number of people who still don't know how to use one. Now, let's learn how to control a fire and save lives.
How to use a fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are found everywhere. They are considered the most important safety and security tool. Using them only requires a good knowledge of the following steps:
1. Pull the safety pin.
Every fire extinguisher has a screw in the handle to hold the extinguishing agent and prevent it from escaping. Hold the ring and pull the screw out from the side of the handle. The extinguisher is then ready. Be careful and keep the nozzle facing away from you.
2. Direct the hose towards the base of the fire.
In this step, you have to hold the carrying handle (lower handle) with one hand and hold the hose or nozzle with the other hand, then direct the hose directly towards the base of the fire because first you have to extinguish this base that causes the ignition.
Note that if you are using a CO2 extinguisher, keep your hands well away from the plastic hose horn as it gets very cold.
3. Press the extinguisher handle.
Are you ready? Now the extinguishing process begins. Press firmly and slowly, evenly, on both handles of the extinguisher, pointing the hose toward the base of the fire. Be aware that once you release the handles, the extinguishing agent will stop coming out.
4. Move the hose
Here, the firefighter has already left the area and you must move the hose horizontally to cover the base of the fire. You must get a little closer to the fire but carefully, and you can stop when the fire is completely extinguished.
If the fire breaks out again, point the hose at it and begin implementing all the previous steps. Before leaving the fire site, you must ensure that there is no trace of fire, even if it is small.
How often do you use a fire extinguisher?
Many people who have a fire extinguisher in their home or workplace wonder how many times they can be used. Some types of fire extinguishers are only used once, while others can be refilled with the extinguishing agent and repressurized, thus allowing them to be used more than once. This depends on the type of extinguisher they have.
Where should you point the nozzle of a fire extinguisher when putting out a fire?
Many people don't know where to point the nozzle of a fire extinguisher, which can cause a fire to linger for a long time and even worsen the situation. However, a fire can be extinguished in just a few minutes if the extinguisher users know where to point the nozzle.
Anyone who wants to put out a fire must point the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire, as by extinguishing it, they have extinguished the source of the fire and thus made it easier to extinguish the flames. Therefore, this information is crucial and very important when a fire breaks out.
How long is a fire extinguisher valid for?
Everything has an expiration date, after which it becomes spoiled and unusable. A fire extinguisher has a specific expiration date, after which its use becomes very harmful and makes the fire situation worse.
The expiration date of a fire extinguisher is written on the card located on the outer body of the fire extinguisher, and this period is usually one year.
How to use a car fire extinguisher
Cars are never without a fire extinguisher, which is considered one of the most important safety features. Although it is always present in front of car owners' eyes, many of them have not thought about learning how to use it, which is what causes them to lose their cars when a fire breaks out.
To use a car fire extinguisher, pull the front valve, point the hose at the fire location, and then press the fire extinguisher handles.
Fire extinguisher validity CO2
One type of fire extinguisher is the CO2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguisher, which is always used for fires involving flammable liquids and materials, as carbon dioxide helps extinguish these fires quickly.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers have the longest shelf life, depending on the instructions and information written and affixed to the extinguisher. This shelf life can be up to 12 years.
Types of fire extinguishers
There are many different types of extinguishers depending on the type of fire. Some of them are:
1. Water-filled fire extinguisher
This type of extinguisher is used for fires involving fabrics, wood products, plastics, and paper.
2. Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher
Filled with carbon dioxide gas under high pressure until it becomes a liquid, this type of extinguisher is used to put out petroleum and electrical fires.
3. Wet powder fire extinguisher
It is a cylinder filled with organic chemicals. It is specifically designed to extinguish fires caused by burning oils and grease. It is not recommended for use on electrical appliance fires.
4. Dry powder fire extinguisher
Dry powder filled cylinder with the unique feature of high fire extinguishing capacity for all types of fires.
5. Foam fire extinguisher
It is called this because it produces a foam that is a mixture of water and carbon dioxide due to being filled with organic materials. It is only used to extinguish electrical fires.
Use of powder fire extinguisher
It is mentioned that one of the most important uses of powder extinguishers is to extinguish fires resulting from flammable solids such as wood, paper, and cloth, as well as flammable liquids such as gasoline, turpentine, and finally flammable gases such as hydrogen, methane, and butane.
Steps to take the correct action in the event of a fire
Many people feel fear, anxiety, and confusion when a fire breaks out in their area or even nearby. However, this fire can pass safely if they are able to follow the correct and precise steps, which are as follows:
- First press the fire alarm button.
- stay calm
- Don't waste time collecting what doesn't matter.
- Feel the doors first to make sure there is no fire on the other side of the door, then open them.
- Try to lower your body or lie down to avoid inhaling smoke.
- Try to get out, preferably crawling next to the wall to get there as quickly as possible with minimal losses.
- Immediately contact the fire-fighting authorities.
Renewing the validity of the fire extinguisher
Some fire extinguishers are designed to be of high quality and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
It is known that the extinguisher can be renewed if its outer casing and other components are in good condition. It must also be subjected to a hydrostatic test to ensure its durability. It is recommended to perform this test every time you intend to renew it.
You must be well aware of how to use a fire extinguisher and memorize the steps accurately and in order. It is recommended that you teach this to others, as this will greatly contribute to reducing the damage caused by fires.
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