How To: Use a Fire Extinguisher

There's a fire extinguisher outside our apartment; one hangs on the wall across from our office. Given a fire, we're not sure we'd know how to use them. So we read up when we came across a website that explained how...

Remember the acronym PASS:

Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important - in order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.
Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.
Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher - different fire extinguishers recommend operating them from different distances. Remember: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames!

For more details, click here

[Image via Brittney Bush]

Comments (4)

i was trained on this in college.

rule #1: Cover Your Ass: Keep your back to the exit at all times. You must be able to leave no matter what.

posted by Lady J on May 28th 2008 at 12:33pm
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I never knew how to use one until I HAD to use one. And trust me, you learn pretty quick under that kind of pressure.

posted by aladywhoknows on May 28th 2008 at 12:54pm
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I was just putting together some materials about fire extinguishers today, as we (American Red Cross -- Oregon Trail Chapter) get ready to go door-to-door educating neighbors about fire safety/disaster prevention in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood.

The one tip that's missing here is much like what Lady J said -- before using the PASS method, stand 5 to 6 feet away from the fire with a clear path to an exit behind you.

You should also keep in mind that fire extinguishers are designed to put out SMALL fires and most portable extinguishers only last about 10 to 18 seconds. If the fire gets large, don't try to extinguish it -- get out and stay out!

posted by liseah on May 28th 2008 at 4:02pm
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Stop by any fire department and a firefighter will be happy to teach you how to use one.

posted by SleepyDweller on May 29th 2008 at 3:34am
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