Do I really need Fire Extinguisher?

Do I really need Fire Extinguisher?

Many people are not aware on how important of having a fire extinguisher in their home. Some are just thinking that it’s just a waste of money if they will purchase for their home. Fire Extinguisher is one among the most-deadly workplace hazards but is the most preventable of accidents. Due to the serious danger of fire, it is always beneficial to know what to do should a fire erupt. Fire safety becomes everyone’s job at a workplace. Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency. They should be given the appropriate equipment and also train them to use the fire extinguisher properly. Most of the fires start small. Fires can usually be contained, if they are attacked by properly trained personnel with the right type and size of extinguisher within the first few minutes.

 There are basically a few types of Fire Extinguishers:

  1. Water Extinguisher: These Fire Extinguishers are basically filled with water and pressurized air extinguishing agents. 
  2. Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher: It contains non-flammable gas extinguishing agents. 
  3. Dry chemical Extinguisher: These Fire Extinguishers are having multipurpose uses. It contains dry powder extinguishing agents. 
  4. 4. Foam Extinguisher: The foam extinguishes liquid fires by sealing the surface of the liquid, preventing flammable vapour reaching the air and starving the fire of fuel 
  5. Wet Chemical Extinguisher: The wet chemical rapidly knocks the flames out, cools the burning oil and chemically reacts to form a soap-like solution, sealing the surface and preventing re-ignition 6. Fire Blanket Fires are classified into Class A, B, C, D, E, F. The type of Fire Extinguisher chosen will be accordingly with the type of fires.

How to use Fire Extinguisher?

First and foremost thing that matters is Fire Extinguisher should be used by the people who are trained. Hence the employer should educate the worker to use it in case of emergency. Prior to that, either the person who is using the Fire Extinguisher or someone should raise a fire alarm indicating that you have a safe evacuation route. 

With type of Fire Extinguisher, follow the four step PASS technique. 

  1. Pull: Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal 
  2. Aim: Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or it turn horn or hose) at the base of the fire. [Note: do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 Extinguisher, it gets cold and may damage skin] 
  3. Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. 
  4. Sweep: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the step 2 to 4.

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