Safety Moment – Portable Fire Extinguisher Types

Guest Blogger: Simon Mac Innes

Before you ever use a portable fire extinguisher, you better know the extinguisher to use for each fire class:

• ( A ) for fires involving combustibles like wood or paper
• ( B ) for flammable liquids and gases
• ( C ) for fires where electricity may be present
• ( D ) for combustible metals like magnesium

Fire extinguishers are labeled for use on either a single class of fire (A) or (D), or for multiple classes fires (BC), or (ABC). Only trained employees should use fire extinguishers.

Use the PASS method when using a fire extinguisher:

• P Pull the pin
• A Aim hose at the base of the fire
• S Squeeze the trigger
• S Sweep back and forth with the extinguisher

Remember these firefighting tips:

• Most fire extinguishers are emptied in less than a minute.

• Do not attempt to fight a large fire.

Always leave yourself a way out–keep your back to an exit.