The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) OSHA standards, and common sense demand that fire extinguishers be available in our buildings. It may not be your job to fight fires, but if you witness or cause a fire to start, more serious damage or even loss of life may be prevented by stopping a fire in the incipient (very beginning) stage.
Most of the fire extinguishers on our campus are made for type A, B and C fires. That means a fire that starts in ordinary flammables (Type A - cloth, paper, wood, etc.) can be smothered by the chemicals in the fire extinguisher. The chemicals displaces the oxygen, lowers the heat, and coats the material with non-flammable residue.
Since the extinguishing chemicals do not contain water or liquid, the fire extinguisher is also effective on electrical devices (Type B - computers, electrical panels, etc.) and does not contribute to electrocution danger. The ABC extinguishers can also be used on most flammable liquids (Type C - grease, oil, gasoline, etc.) without spreading the liquid, causing splashes, or worsening the fire. Care must be taken to not blow the burning liquid out of the container with the extinguisher. Do not use water on flammable liquids.
Should you fight the fire? Maybe, if....
+ Someone has already reported the fire to 911 or is on the way to report it.
+ Everyone is out of the building and the fire alarm has been pulled.
+ The extinguisher is large enough, or more than one extinguisher is available.
+ You are sure you know how to use the extinguisher, properly.
+ You can see the source of the fire and you can get within 3 feet of it with the extinguisher.
+ The fire is still small and in the incipient (beginning) stage.
+ Your escape route is open and you are between the fire and the escape route.
Remember, P.A.S.S. the fire extinguisher...
P. - Pull the pin out from the fire extinguisher handle. (The pin keeps the trigger from being accidentally squeezed.)
A. - Aim the nozzel or hose end of the extinguisher at the base of the fire from 6 or more feet back.
S. - Squeeze the handle or trigger firmly, releasing the extinguishing chemicals.
S. - Sweep the chemical from side to side, completely cover the burning material and advance towards the fire. Keep spraying and sweeping until the fire is completely out, or the extinguisher is empty. Move away from the fire to the escape route.
Updated 3/6/08 by freplogle