Fire extinguishers are an important item in the home but when was the last time you checked that yours actually worked? Whilst a number of us own these devices, few of us think to test them on a regular basis and some of us don’t even know how to operate them. So why should you know this information and why is it important to complete regular checks?
Regular checks
Checking your fire extinguisher is just as important as checking your fire alarm and should be completed on a regular basis. In the event that you are faced with a small fire, an extinguisher could be the quickest and easiest way for you to stop it from escalating. Finding that your fire extinguisher does not work could see you put yourself and others in unnecessary danger.
Fire extinguishers should be checked annually as a bare minimum precaution, but testing them every 3-6 months will help to provide you with greater security and peace of mind.
How to operate
The operation of fire extinguishers is fairly easy but in pressurised situations it can be difficult for people without prior experience or knowledge to know what to do. A simple acronym (PASS) has been used to explain the process of operating a fire extinguisher in the simplest way possible. The operation guidelines are as follows:
Pull the pin: all fire extinguishers have a locking mechanism on the top of the unit. To release this you need to first pull the pin from the top. This will be easily identifiable and will allow you to discharge the contents of the extinguisher.
Aim at the base: one of the most common mistakes when trying to extinguish fires is aiming the contents at the flames. This will not get rid of the fuel or cause of the fire and therefore you should always aim the extinguisher at the base. This will stop the source of the fire and therefore the flames.
Squeeze the lever: this will discharge the contents of the extinguisher and should be done slowly. Apply gentle pressure to ensure you get the best level of flow from your fire extinguisher to achieve the best results.
Sweep sideways: this is the best way to extinguish a fire so make sure you sweep the extinguisher back and forth in a sideways direction. Ensure you cover the full length of the fire and operate the fire extinguisher from a safe distance away.
Types of fire extinguisher and when to use them
There is not one universal type of fire extinguishers and different types of fire require different forms. They are colour coded for their use and the most common examples are as follows:
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Water: used for solid fires using wood, paper and textiles.
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Carbon Dioxide: used for electrical fires as they extinguish flames without causing further damage
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Foam: can be used on solid fires as well as on fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol and diesel
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Powder: used for most types of fires but can cause damage to electrical.
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Wet chemical: used for fires involving cooking oils and fats as they prevent re-ignition and cool the temperature of the substance.