choosing your extinguisher

SELECT ONLY fire extinguishers that have been tested by an independent laboratory and labeled for the type and size of fire they can extinguish. Use these labels as a guide to purchase the kind of extinguisher that suits your needs.

classes of fires

There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled using standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.

Class A: 
Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cloth) The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.

Class B:
Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, grease, kerosene) The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish.

Class C:
Energized electrical equipment (wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery) This class of fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C” indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.

Your extinguisher must be appropriate for the type of fire being fought. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse. Multi-purpose extinguishers, labeled ABC, may be used on all three classes of fires. In some cases, it may be dangerous to use any type of extinguisher. For example, an extinguishing agent released under pressure could spread a grease fire in a frying pan instead of putting it out. Read directions on how to use the extinguisher carefully before the fire.

extinguisher sizes

Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle. This rating will appear on the label, for example, 2A:10B:C. The larger the numbers, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out, but higher rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate an extinguisher before you buy it.

installation and maintenance

Extinguishers should be installed in plain view, above the reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves and heating appliances.

Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator's manual to learn how to inspect your extinguisher. Follow manufacturer's instructions or maintenance.

Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. (Service companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Fire Extinguishers".) Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use.

how to use a fire extinguisher

Any extinguisher has the same methods in principle application. Be sure you have the right type for the right class of fire.   Keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet (two to three meters) away. Follow the four-step P-A-S-S method of using a fire extinguisher .

P     PULL the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other lever-release mechanism

A    AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire

S    SQUEEZE the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)

S     SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.

Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you've extinguished the fire.

should you fight the fire?

Before you begin to fight a fire, make sure:

•  Everyone has left, or is leaving, the building and make sure the fire department has been called.

• The fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.

• You have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.

• The extinguisher is the right type for the fire.

• You have read the instructions and you know how to use the extinguisher.

It is reckless to fight a fire under any other circumstances. Instead, leave immediately and close off the area.

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