Carbon Dioxide, Dry Powder, Fire Extinguishers, Foam, Information, Water

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

how to use a fire extinguisher

Steps Of How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

Knowing the steps of how to use a fire extinguisher before a fire occurs could be the difference between successfully extinguishing the fire or the fire getting out of control. Fire extinguishers should only be used in the following circumstances:
  • Once evacuation has been initiated.
  • When the fire service has been called.
  • When it is safe to do so considering the size and location of the fire.
  • Access to the fire is unrestricted, and a safe retreat is possible at all times.
Remember life is more important than property, don’t put yourself or others at risk.

What Does Pass Mean When Using A Fire Extinguisher?

  1. Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
  2. Aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire.
  3. Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher.
  4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side aiming at the base of the fire.

Remembering how to use a fire extinguisher, remember the PASS-word

What Are The Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers?

Not all fire extinguishers are suitable for all classes of fire. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is one thing. Knowing what extinguisher to use on what class of fire is another. The five general types of fire extinguisher in New Zealand are:
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Dry Powder
  • Foam
  • Water
  • Wet Chemical
For more details about fire extinguisher types have a look at our article Fire Extinguisher Types NZ Use A fire Extinguisher

Fire Suppression Techniques

   

EXTINGUISHANT

 RANGE CLASS OF FIRE

TECHNIQUE USED

Carbon Dioxide

 Approx. 1 to 2m

B & E

 Starting back from the fire, aim at the front edge of the fire and gently sweep from side to side.

Fire Blanket

 N/A

F

 For clothing: wrap the person on fire in the blanket. Class F: protecting hands, hold the blanket in front and lay the blanket on fire.

Foam

 Approx. 3 to 3.5m

A & B

 Class A: Aim jet or spray at the base of the fire and sweep stream from side to side. Class B: Aim jet or spray above the fuel to fall on it, or at a back wall to flow back over it. A blanket must be formed over the fuel.

Powder

 Approx. 2.5 to 6m

A, B &E

 Aim at the front edge of the fire and sweep side to side rapidly, pushing the fire back.

Water

 Approx. 6m

A

 Aim the jet at the base of the fire and sweep stream from side to side, saturate the fuel.

Wet Chemical

 Approx. 3 to 6m

A & F

 Class A: Aim the spray at the base of the fire and sweep side to side. Class F: Aim at the heart of the fire and allow the extinguishant to fall on the fire and form a blanket.
 

Video On How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

Fire Extinguisher Training

Reading about what to do and actually being able to fight fire are two different things. Most fire companies offer on-site fire extinguisher training. We suggest you contact your local fire protection company and ask for more information about their hands on trainging.