Fire Extinguishers

Using a Fire Extinguisher

The use of a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life and property saving tool. However, a majority of adults have not had fire extinguisher training and may not know how and when to use them. Fire extinguisher use requires a sound decision making process and training on their proper use and maintenance.

Should I Use a Fire Extinguisher?

1. What type of fire extinguisher is needed?

Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. For example, a grease fire and an electrical fire require the use of different extinguishing agents to be effective and safely put the fire out.

Basically, there are five different types of extinguishing agents. Most fire extinguishers display symbols to show the kind of fire on which they are to be used.

There are also multi-purpose fire extinguishers - such as those labeled "B-C" or "A-B-C" that can be used on two or more of the above type fires.

For home, a Class 2A- 10 BC fire extinguisher is recommended. The size of this extinguisher makes it very easy to use.

2. Is the fire at a point where it might still be controlled by a fire extinguisher?

Portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing material and need to be properly used so that this material is not wasted. For example, when a pan initially catches fire, it may be safe to turn off the burner, place a lid on the pan, and use an extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, however, these actions will not be adequate. Only trained firefighters can safely extinguish such fires.

3. Am I physically capable of using the extinguisher?

Some people have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their ability to properly use a fire extinguisher. People with disabilities, older adults, or children may find that an extinguisher is too heavy to handle or it may be too difficult for them to exert the necessary pressure to operate the extinguisher.

Use a fire extinguisher only if: 

• You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department; 
• The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket; 
• You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire; 
• You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the escape route; and
• Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher.

If all of these conditions are not present, you should not try to use a fire extinguisher. Alert other occupants, leave the building following your home escape plan, go to the agreed-upon meeting place, and call the fire department from a cell phone or a neighbor's home.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

The acronym P-A-S-S is used to describe the four-step process in operating a fire extinguisher.

Pull: Pull the safety pin on the extinguisher.

Aim: Aim the hose of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to discharge the material.

Sweep: Sweep the hose across the base of the fire from side to side.

Business

If you are in business or planning on opening a business in La Grange, please refer to the Business Requirement (PDF) letter from the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Maintenance

Fire extinguishers need to be regularly checked to ensure that: The extinguisher is not blocked by furniture, doorways, or anything that might limit access in an emergency.

The pressure is at the recommended level. Some extinguishers have gauges that indicate when the pressure is too high or too low.

All parts are operable and not damaged or restricted in any way. Make sure hoses and nozzles are free of insects or debris. There should not be any signs of damage or abuse, such as dents or rust, on the extinguisher.

The outside of the extinguisher is clean. Remove any oil or grease that might accumulate on the exterior.

Additionally: Shake dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling or packing. Check the manufacturer's recommendations.

Pressure test the extinguisher (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Find out from the owner's manual, the label, or the manufacturer when an extinguisher may need this type of testing.

Immediately replace the extinguisher if it needs recharging or is damaged in any way.

Sound Decision Making, Training, and Maintenance are all required to safely control a fire with an extinguisher.

Should you need to discard an old fire extinguisher never throw away a pressurized extinguisher in the trash. Contact a Fire Extinguisher Company (PDF) for details.

For additional information please contact the Fire Department at 708-579-2338.