| Whether you have fire extinguishers at home or | | | | extremely cold and you could suffer a serious |
| in the work place it is of vital importance to know | | | | freeze burn. Simply aim the horn and either hold |
| how to operate one correctly in the event of a | | | | the handle if its of 5kg size or above or hold the |
| fire. You should remember, that even small fires | | | | body of the extinguisher. |
| can be a huge risk and source of danger to life | | | | In the event of a Class D fire such as one |
| and property. The main thing to remember is that | | | | involving metals the specialist extinguishers come |
| if you encounter a fire and have any doubts in | | | | with a lance. This emits the extinguishing agent at |
| regards to tackling it, get out and call the fire | | | | low velocity so as to not spread the fire source. |
| brigade immediately. Never risk your life or the | | | | For the use of this type of extinguisher it is vital |
| lives of others with a fire. This is why it is | | | | that you actually receive specialised training in its |
| essential to know how to correctly operate an | | | | use. Fires involving metals are amongst the most |
| extinguisher. | | | | dangerous. |
| There is a very simple acronym you can | | | | If you work in a kitchen and have deep fat |
| remember when using a fire extinguisher. PASS. | | | | fryers then a Class F extinguisher should be used |
| What's it stand for, I hear you ask? Well here we | | | | which is commonly referred to as a Wet Chemical |
| go: | | | | extinguisher. This is the only type of extinguisher |
| P - Pull the safety pin out at the top of the fire | | | | that should be used on fires involving cooking fats |
| extinguisher in order to free the lever. | | | | and oils. Again specialised training should be |
| A - Aim the fire extinguisher hose or nozzle at | | | | offered. |
| the base of the fire (not the flames) and | | | | For any fire that involves materials such as wood, |
| remember to stand around 8 feet away. | | | | paper or fabrics then the use of either a foam, |
| S - Squeeze the handle gently to release the fire | | | | water or powder based extinguisher is fine. Follow |
| fighting material. | | | | the PASS acronym above and you should be fine. |
| S - Sweep the extinguisher hose or nozzle from | | | | Remember that a CO2 model should not be used |
| side to side over the base of the fire until the fire | | | | on any Class A fire involving such materials as the |
| is fully extinguished. | | | | CO2 comes out under high pressure and could |
| If the fire you are tackling involves electrical | | | | blow the source of the fire around, thus spreading |
| equipment such as computers then it is vital that | | | | it further. |
| you use an extinguisher that is designed for that | | | | So there you have it, the simple way to safely |
| very purpose. CO2, powder and clean agents | | | | operate a fire extinguisher. They are designed to |
| such as FE-36 are all manufactured to tackle | | | | be simple and can make all the difference |
| electrical fires safely. | | | | between a fire causing minor damage instead of |
| As a side note it is important to remember one | | | | getting out of control and destroying your home |
| thing when using a CO2 extinguisher. Never hold | | | | or office. Always call the fire brigade after a fire |
| the horn, even if you believe its a frost free horn. | | | | to ensure it is 100% tackled safely as it could still |
| The reason for this is that the agent comes out | | | | re-ignite. |
