To use a fire extinguisher effectively, follow a simple set of actions focusing on deploying the extinguishing agent correctly onto the fire.
Essential Steps for Fire Extinguisher Operation
Based on the provided reference, the fundamental steps for using a fire extinguisher involve preparing the device and applying the agent to the fire's source. These steps are crucial for targeting the fuel that keeps the fire burning.
Here's how to use a fire extinguisher according to the reference:
- Pull the pin: The first step is pulling the pin. This pin is a safety mechanism that prevents the extinguisher from being accidentally discharged. Removing it makes the lever operable.
- Aim low: Next, you must aim low. Point the nozzle of the extinguisher downwards.
- Point at the base of the fire: Specifically, point the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire. This is where the fuel source is located, and targeting this area is essential for extinguishing the flames.
- Squeeze the lever: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. This action releases the extinguishing agent from the cylinder through the nozzle. Squeezing slowly and evenly helps maintain control over the discharge.
- Sweep the nozzle: Finally, sweep the nozzle from side to side. Move the nozzle back and forth across the base of the fire. This sweeping motion helps to cover the entire area of the fire's base, ensuring that the extinguishing agent can effectively smother or cool the fuel source.
By following these steps – Pull, Aim (low, at the base), Squeeze, and Sweep – you can properly discharge a fire extinguisher according to the procedure described. Remember that using a fire extinguisher should only be attempted on small, contained fires after the fire department has been called and an escape route is secured.
