Everyone has seen a fire extinguisher sometime or another. Fire extinguishers can be found just about everywhere: at work or at home, in your car. However, many people do not have a good working knowledge of fire extinguishers. In the hands of an improperly trained person, a fire extinguisher could be dangerous or even make the fire worse. Fire extinguishers were designed to be used as a first line of defense in the event of a small fire. 

Classes of Fire:

Class "A": Ordinary combustables (wood, cloth, paper, etc...)

Class "B": Flamable or combustable liquids (gasoline, greases, kerosene, etc...)

Class "C": Energized electrical equipment (electrical cords, electrical panels, electrical motors, etc...)

Class "D": Combustable metals (magnesium, titanium, etc...)

Operation of a fire extunguisher (P.A.S.S.)

• P - Pull out the safety pin
• A - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
• S - Squeeze the handle to expel the agent
• S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side

Attempt to use the extinguisher only if the following apply:

1. Bulding is being evacuated
2. Fire department is being called
3. Fire is small and contained
4. Exit is clear and you can fight the fire with your back to the exit
5. Proper extinguisher is available
6. You are trained and confident about using the extinguisher
7. You can stay low and aviod breathing smoke