Fire Extinguisher Technique

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Do your employees know the techniques of fire extinguishers?  A fire extinguisher is one of the most essential pieces of life-saving equipment in your commercial property.  While your fire suppression system is excellent for your overall facility and alarms will ensure the safe evacuation of your employees or tenants, extinguishers provide a direct line of defense and allow for immediate response to manageable fires.  With this being said, there is a four-step process known as the P.A.S.S. technique.

1. Pull-The first step is to pull the pin from the extinguisher handle.  The removal of this pin will allow the handle to be fully compressed, releasing the compressed air and chemical mixture to extinguish the flames.
2. Aim- A fire extinguisher will typically have a short, flexible, rubber hose attached to the nozzle and extending away from the handle.  This will allow you to aim the compressed mixture at the fire.  However, be sure to avoid contact with the discharge opening as the CO2 can damage your skin.
3. Squeeze- Squeezing the handle will release the extinguishing agent.  Its mixture will come out quickly and somewhat powerfully, so be prepared and keep firm aim on the blaze.
4. Sweep- While focusing on the extinguishing mixture at the base of the fire, you will want to use a sweeping motion.  After the fire is out, watch the area and ensure that there are no remaining embers.  It is possible for a fire to reignite, causing more fire damage.

Keep everyone in your work place safe with the knowledge of proper procedure of fire extinguishers.  If you have any questions regarding the proper technique, you can contact your local fire department for help.