Types Of Fire Extinguisher, Their Classes And How To Use Them

No one ever prayed for fire incident especially in a car but at times it happens when we have electrical spark or when things wrong, fire may happen and most case, we are left at the mercy of our fire extinguisher. Many drivers do not have a fire extinguisher in their car despite the FRSC warning, sanctions and fines but it seems no one car. For those that have it, many do not know how to use it especially when an emergency happens.

In this post, AutoReportNG will take you through all you need to know about the fire extinguisher, the types and many more.

How To Use The Fire Extinguisher

The first question to ask yourself before buying a fire extinguisher is that, do I really need, for what purpose, what are my aims and objectives and why do I need such? It is important to note that every homes, offices, shops and place of worship needs a fire extinguisher in case of a fire outbreak. You should keep at least one on each level of your house. Make sure you keep fire extinguishers handy where fires are more likely to start, like in the kitchen and garage.

Classes Of Fire Extinguisher

There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

• Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
• Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires
• Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals

Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labelled with more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C.

Buying A Fire Extinguisher

Since you have known the types and how a fire extinguisher works, it is important by now you have an idea of the type you want to buy, either for cars, home or for kitchen. Buying a fire extinguisher means you have to look for fire extinguishers that you can easily carry from place to place. Larger extinguishers may pack more power, but you must be able to use it properly.

How To Use And Operate A Fire Extinguisher

Now that you have bought your extinguisher, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher directions so you’ll be prepared in case you need to put out a fire. Typically, fire extinguishers are fairly easy to use in the case of a fire. Most of the types operate using the P.A.S.S. technique:

• P. Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal.
• A. Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire.
• S. Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent.
• S. Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.
• If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.