To pull a fire extinguisher pin, you need to pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.
Pulling the pin is a critical first step before using a fire extinguisher. It disengages a safety mechanism that prevents accidental discharge. Once the pin is removed, the handle can be squeezed to release the extinguishing agent.
Steps for Pulling the Pin
Locating and pulling the pin is a straightforward process designed for quick action during an emergency.
- Locate the Pin: The pin is typically found at the very top of the fire extinguisher, threaded through the handles (the carrying handle and the operating lever).
- Identify the Seal: Often, there's a plastic or wire seal securing the pin. This seal is designed to break easily when you pull the pin and serves as a visual indicator that the extinguisher hasn't been tampered with or partially discharged.
- Grip the Handle: Hold the extinguisher securely, usually by the lower carrying handle.
- Pull the Pin: With your other hand, firmly grip the pin and pull it straight out from the head of the extinguisher. It should come out with minimal force, breaking the seal.
Why You Pull the Pin
The primary purpose of pulling the pin is explained directly by fire safety guidelines:
- Releases a Locking Mechanism: As noted in the reference, "The pin releases a locking mechanism". This mechanism physically prevents the handles from being squeezed together, which is necessary to open the internal valve and discharge the extinguishing agent.
- Allows Discharge: Once the locking mechanism is released by removing the pin, the handle assembly is free to move, and squeezing the handles "will allow you to discharge the extinguisher".
What Comes Next (Briefly)
After successfully pulling the pin, the extinguisher is ready for use. The reference provides crucial next steps for effective firefighting:
- Aim at the Base of the Fire: Direct the nozzle or horn "at the base of the fire, not the flames."
- Extinguish the Fuel: This aiming strategy is important because, as the reference states, "in order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel."
Understanding how to quickly pull the pin is the first step in effectively using a fire extinguisher to tackle a small fire and prevent it from spreading.
