And it’s important to know what type of fire you’re trying to put out so that you can be sure to use the right type of fire extinguishers. Fire mean seem simple, but in reality there are different types of fires (these are also called fire classifications). 5 Check if more flames are remaining Don’t use the wrong type of fire extinguisher: Never use a fire extinguisher for a class of fire that is not indicated on the label. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Safe Operating of a fire extinguisher. Gas Station & Convenience Store Some fire extinguishers require that you apply the fire suppressant that shoots out of the extinguisher in a top-down, rain-like manner (instead of aiming at the base and sweeping). 2/10/2021 . Also, it makes sense that we should get a class K extinguisher because this helps to put out cooking-related fires. If you’re involved in a fire, there may be times when it’s best for you to get to safety instead of trying to fight the fire. Break the seal and pull the pin from the handle in order to use the extinguisher. Fire Drill: Are Your Fire Prevention Practices Alarming? Top articles, guides, and freebies delivered straight to your inbox. Using a fire extinguisher requires just 4 easy steps, each represented by a letter in the word PASS: Pull the pin: every fire extinguisher has a safety pin to prevent accidental discharge of the extinguishing media during handling. Step 4: Remember the acronym PASS Remember the acronym PASS. Every fire extinguisher has a pin inserted into the handle. Using a fire extinguisher just takes four easy steps aka PASS! Swipe from side to side to cover all areas the fire may have spread to. This information contains only a general description of coverages and is not a statement of contract. What’s the first thing you think of when you think of fire extinguisher steps of operation? Aim: Aim low, pointing the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. As you probably know, fires tend to move around. Although the PASS method works for many fire extinguishers, it’s not the right method for all. Fires involving wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics. Place the extinguisher on the floor. We’ve explained the four steps of the PASS method for using a fire extinguisher below. Once you know the type of fire, check to see if you have the right kind of fire extinguisher to put out that fire. Evaluate the fire and select the correct fire extinguisher for the blaze, if you are unsure of the cause, evacuate immediately. Browse our Fire Prevention blog series, including these topics and more: Download this PASS system infographic to share: To learn more about how Society can help protect your business, contact your local Society Insurance agent. Thankfully, most people haven’t had to contain a fire. Using a fire extinguisher is actually quite easy as long as you keep the four easy steps in mind and these steps could be effortlessly remembered with the help of the acronym P.A.S.S. I will make sure to share this information with my husband. This will cause the fire extinguisher to begin working. For example, you may see a fire extinguisher with an A, B, and C rating. There are four basic steps to using a fire extinguisher. #firesafety #Fire Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. step 2.1. The video below from our Fire Extinguisher Safety Online Training course demonstrates the entire PASS method of how to use a fire extinguisher. All rights reserved. We mentioned this in the earlier section, but when you’re looking at the fire to determine what type of fire it is, make sure it’s not too big to fight and make sure you’ve got a way to get away if things get worse. In my opinion, everyone should have a fire extinguisher handy to put out fires in their homes. But of course, fires DO happen. Fortunately, there’s a simple, 4-step method you can follow to use a fire extinguisher properly. Do not touch the horn on a CO2 extinguisher, it gets very cold and can damage the skin. Jeffrey Dalto is an Instructional Designer and the Senior Learning & Development Specialist at Convergence Training. The fire extinguisher steps method is known as PASS, and each letter in the word PASS (P, A, S, and S) stands for the first word of each step. When in place, the pin keeps the handle from being pressed and accidentally operating the extinguisher. By using a sweeping motion, you target all parts of the fire. The key to putting out a fire with an extinguisher is to use the PASS strategy: Pull the pin, Aim the hose, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep the hose. Looking for more information to keep your business safe from fire risks? In short, anything plugged into electricity. Pull the pin. Download this Fire Safety Checklist so you and your employees are ready to spring into action in a fire emergency. As always, the best thing to do is know exactly what kind of fire extinguisher you’ve got at home or work and exactly how to use it before you need to use it. I’ve always been told how to use a fire extinguisher, but I never really understood how until now. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher could save your life in an emergency. Class D: Combustible metal fires such as sodium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, lithium or potassium. S queeze the lever slowly. Fire extinguishers can be simple to use if these steps are followed. I hear my friend planning to buy a fire extinguisher for her new house. Next, squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, remember to PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep). Was your first step something like “determine if I should use a fire extinguisher or get to safety instead?” If not, you overlooked a very important decision point. Any fire extinguisher has a label on it. We hope you’ve found this explanation of how to use a fire extinguisher helpful and informative. Step 3: The PASS Method for Using a Fire Extinguisher. He's worked in training/learning & development for 25 years, in safety and safety training for more than 10, is an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer for General Industry OSHA 10 and 30, has completed a General Industry Safety and Health Specialist Certificate from the University of Washington/Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center and an Instructional Design certification from the Association of Talent Development (ATD), and is a member of the committee creating the upcoming ANSI/ASSP Z490.2 national standard on online environmental, health, and safety training. Sweep across the base of the fire. 4. The easiest way is to look at the label on the fire extinguisher. It stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. One of my friends is working on starting up his own little game shop and he would like to install so fire equipment, like sprinklers. So how do you know the type or types of fires that a fire extinguisher can put out? Each letter in “PASS” stands for one of the four sequential steps to properly use the extinguisher: “P” stands for “PULL” the pin. The important thing to remember from this section is to make sure the fire extinguisher you want to use has a label saying it can safely extinguisher the type of fire you’re trying to extinguish. Grab the ring and pull the pin out from the side of the handle. Make sure you know how to properly use your fire extinguisher If you are fighting the fire and the fire begins to spread or burn out of control GET OUT IMMEDIATELY! The best way to know what type of fire extinguisher you have is to look at the label, as shown below. Your email address will not be published. Only stay and fight the fire if you can say “yes” to every item on the list. If you CAN remember them, great. The type of fire depends on what the fire is burning. Use the PASS technique to tackle the fire. (You can unsubscribe anytime), Restaurant Insurance If the fire appears to be extinguished, back away and wait, watch for reignition. Your email address will not be published. Using the correct type of extinguisher for the fire, use the four-step PASS technique. Immediately test the extinguisher. Stand at a safe distance from the grease and activate the extinguisher. The PASS method works for many common fire extinguishers. When thinking about how to use a fire extinguisher, it’s easy to overlook the first issue, but it may be the most important of all. Pull. Don’t put yourself or others at risk by attempting to follow the fire extinguisher steps listed below if it’s not a fire you can put out safely. 1. Also, these extinguishers can combat fire cases caused by electrical equipment up to 1000 volts. However, it is safe to use an extinguisher labeled for Class B and C fires on a Class A fire. Knowing how to operate a fire extinguisher could save your life in an emergency. Would you know what to do? Hold it by the tank (pressure on the handle could pinch the pin). Be prepared with the appropriate fire extinguisher based on the combustible materials you may come into contact with. My husband and I recently bought a house and I want to get a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen in case there is an emergency. There are four (4) basic steps for using modern portable fire extinguishers. Use a Sweeping Motion. These are safe and effective to use on Class A, B, C, and F fires. But not everyone knows how to use an extinguisher. Can you be certain that you won’t be putting yourself or others at risk if you use the fire extinguisher to fight the fire? Be prepared. Once you know the type of fire and have selected an appropriate fire extinguisher, you’ll want to use the extinguisher to put the fire out. Before you go, please feel free to DOWNLOAD OUR FREE ONLINE SAFETY TRAINING BUYER’S GUIDE CHECKLIST, BELOW. Thanks for letting me know that there are different types of fire extinguishers depending on the kind of materials that are being burnt. Pull the pin straight out. Grocery Stores & Supermarkets I had no idea there was an acronym for using a fire extinguisher, I will have to write that down. Remember this article is a good start but additional training and preparation is wise. The Fire Equipment Manufacturer’s Association has more information if you’d like to learn even more about types of fire extinguishers. To properly execute the steps to use the fire extinguisher, you must take some safety precautions. S queezing the handle which releases the extinguishing agent. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Society Insurance Blog. Continue moving the extinguisher from side to side until the fire is gone. If you know just what are the 4 steps in using a fire extinguisher, you may be in the appropriate location.Comprehending how fire extinguishers job will certainly aid keep yourself as well as your family members safe from fire. Hotels & Hospitality It’s true that it’s always best to know the right tool for the job to ensure effectivity. It works particularly well. Auto Service Repair Shops The final step of most fire extinguisher inspections is to check over the physical condition of the unit. Class K: Combustible cooking media such as vegetable or animal oils and fats. Your email address will not be published. The table below explains these different types of fires. Aim the nozzle 3. Depending on the type of fire class you need to extinguish, you need to use an appropriate type of extinguisher. Task/Procedure Procedure/Task Step Potential Hazard Controls The acronym PASS is used to describe the following four basic steps. Here is a list of things to consider before you try to fight a fire. To help, we’ve put together this fire extinguisher guide, which presents the proper way to select and use a fire extinguisher, and also gives you some guidance about when you should use a fire extinguisher instead of simply getting to safety and when you should evacuate if the fire gets too big despite your efforts. In addition, become familiar with the fire hazards, fire precautions, and fire extinguishers at your workplace or home. Copyright ©2021 Society Insurance. I like how you explained that a Class B fire extinguishers are best for flammable liquids like oil. Your business is your livelihood, and it’s our job to do all we can to help you protect it. Most importantly, extinguishers that are labeled for Class A fires only cannot be used on electrical or grease fires. Is a fire extinguisher available and within easy reach? But not everyone knows how to use an extinguisher. I am glad that I found this article because I have never used a fire extinguisher before and it makes sense that you should aim low towards the base of the fire because this will give you a better chance of putting out the fire completely. Remove this pin. These are the newest type of extinguisher and are very powerful but smaller in size. Squeeze. [29 CFR 1910.157(g)(4)] Using a Fire Extinguisher. TIP: Aim at the fire … Aim at the base of the fire. For example, you may see a fire extinguisher with an “A” rating. The key to putting out a fire with an extinguisher is to use the PASS strategy: Pull the pin, Aim the hose, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep the hose. Fires involving cooking oils and fats often used in commercial kitchens. It sounds like it would be good to have one in the kitchen, as that’s where those types of fires are most likely to occur. To put out a fire of any size, you must concentrate on the base. Start 10 feet back from the fire. P ulling the pin on a fire extinguisher. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can conserve your house and household from damage and also secure them from ravaging fires. Remember that knowing what’s burning, and therefore knowing the type of fire, is important so you’ll use the right type of fire extinguisher. The pin in the handle keeps you from accidentally discharging the extinguisher during normal handling, and must be removed for it to function. Workers Compensation. In the rest of this article, we’ll present additional fire extinguisher steps to follow based on the assumption that you’ve already determined it is safe and appropriate for you to fight the fire and that a fire alarm has been triggered. Fire experts have named the different types of fires using a 5-letter naming system (Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, and Type K). The fire is so hot you can’t get close enough to fight it effectively (10-15 feet), You’ve had to get down on your knees and/or crawl because you can’t see well otherwise, because of high temperatures, or because of smoke. Continue extinguishing the fire until the fire is completely out. Learning from Loss: Cooking Equipment Fires, Importance of Cigarette Smoking Policies at Your Restaurant & Bar, Clean Cooking Equipment to Prevent Grease Fires, 8 Steps to Reduce the Risk of Fire at Your Bar or Restaurant, Creosote in Your Restaurant Kitchen (It’s Not Just in Your Chimney), Fire Preventive Maintenance for Deep Fryers, Empowering Employees with Fire Safety Training and Response, << Fire Preventive Maintenance for Deep Fryers, Empowering Employees with Fire Safety Training and Response >>, View all posts by The Society Insurance Team, Artisan Contractors & Cleaning Businesses, 3 Tips for Implementing Video Conferencing in the Workplace, 5 Ideas for Keeping Your Restaurant Bustling This Winter, Employee Burnout: Signs & Tips to Prevent It, Class A: Fires with ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper, Class B: Flammable/combustible liquid fires such as oil or gasoline, Class C: Electrical fires or fires on electrical equipment. We’ve explained the four steps of the PASS method for using a fire extinguisher below. Note that these fire types are also known as fire classes. Step 5: Pull the pin that unlocks the operating handle Pull the pin or ring that unlocks the fire extinguisher’s operating handle, and aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path. A simple 4 step fire extinguisher training technique to use with employees is the PASS method: P ull the pin on the extinguisher A im the hose nozzle low toward the base of the fire S queeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Bar & Tavern Insurance Have you been trained to properly use a fire extinguisher? Avoid using water or flour on grease fires. Replace the cap on the bottle or place another tissue and rubber band or tape on top of the bottle for storage. Aim. Pull (Pin) Pull pin at the top of the extinguisher, breaking the seal. Rental Properties Method 1 of 4: Putting Out a Kitchen Fire ... You should also feel free to use a fire extinguisher on grease fires. Jeff frequently writes for magazines related to safety, safety training, and training and frequently speaks at conferences on the same issues, including the Washington Governor's Safety and Health Conference, the Oregon Governor's Occupational Safety and Health Conference, the Wisconsin Safety Conference, the MSHA Training Resources Applied to Mining (TRAM) Conference, and others. Use a sweeping motion from side to side to cover the base of the fire. The fire extinguisher steps method is known as PASS, and each letter in the word PASS (P, A, S, and S) stands for the first word of each step. Here are some reasons to quit fighting a fire and to evacuate immediately: Once you’ve left the fire area, make sure a fire alarm has been triggered (if it hasn’t already) and fire fighting professionals are on the way. A common mistake is to aim into the flames. Required fields are marked *. This entry is part 13 of 14 in the series. Consult the actual policy or your agent for details regarding available coverages. While this, again, comes down to common sense and knowing what to see, it’s nonetheless vital to make sure that the extinguisher will work when it needs to and not explode when it shouldn’t. You need to keep the acronym P.A.S.S in mind while operating the fire extinguisher. After the fire appears to be out, watch the area in case the fire breaks out again, and repeat use of the extinguisher if necessary. It is a safety pin, to avoid accidental discharge. Once you know the type of fire and have selected an appropriate fire extinguisher, you’ll want to use the extinguisher to put the fire out. Easy Steps to Using a Fire Extinguisher. All coverages and limits are subject to the terms, definitions, exclusions and conditions in the policy. In many cases, the better and safer decision is to trigger a fire alarm, get yourself to safety and help others to safety, and make sure trained fire protection professionals are notified and on the way. For instance, electrical systems caught on fire must be extinguished with a CO2 extinguisher, while most common fires should be put out by regular ABC dry powder extinguishers. For an easy-to-remember 4-step process to operating a fire extinguisher, learn the PASS system: P ull the pin while holding the extinguisher away from you to unlock the mechanism. Is the extinguisher fully charged and large enough to put out the fire? technique will be the easiest and reliable step in using the fire extinguisher. Artisan Contractors & Cleaning Businesses The acronym PASS is used to describe these four basic steps. If you’re like almost every living person alive, you’ll forget the five fire types listed above sometime today or tomorrow (fire experts excepted, of course). We mentioned this earlier too, but when you’re checking to make sure you’ve got the right kind of fire extinguisher, make sure the extinguisher is fully charged and that it’s big enough for the fire you want to put out.
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