It is essential to know how to use a fire extinguisher to protect yourself and others in case of a fire emergency. The use of a fire extinguisher involves four basic steps: P.A.S.S (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep).
In this guide, I will explain each of these steps to help you understand the steps that you need to take in using fire extinguisher whenever there is a fire emergency. The 4 steps include:
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Step 1: Pull the Pin
The first step in using a fire extinguisher is to pull the pin. The pin is located on the extinguisher’s handle and is used to keep the handle from accidentally being pressed, which would cause the extinguisher to discharge.
To pull the pin, you need to grasp it firmly between your fingers and pull it out of the handle. The pin will usually be attached to a tamper-evident seal, which will break when the pin is removed, indicating that the extinguisher has been used.
Imagine that you are in a kitchen cooking, and a fire starts on the stove. The first thing you need to do is locate the nearest fire extinguisher and pull the pin to prepare it for use.
Step 2: Aim at the base of the fire
After pulling the pin, the next step is to aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. It is crucial to aim at the base of the fire rather than the flames because the fire is being fueled by combustible material at its base.
Directing the extinguishing agent at the base will cut off the fire’s fuel supply, causing it to go out. When aiming the extinguisher, stand at a safe distance from the fire and remember to keep the nozzle pointed at the base of the flames.
Suppose there is a fire in the office waste bin. To put out the fire, aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames rather than the flames themselves, as the fire is being fueled by paper and other combustible materials in the bin.
Step 3: Squeeze the handle
The third step is to squeeze the handle of the extinguisher. This action will release the extinguishing agent and propel it out of the nozzle or hose towards the base of the fire.
It is essential to squeeze the handle slowly and steadily, rather than all at once, to ensure that the extinguishing agent covers the fire evenly and does not blow the fire around, which could cause it to spread.
After aiming the extinguisher at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle of the extinguisher slowly and steadily to release the extinguishing agent.
Step 4: Sweep from side to side
The final step is to sweep the extinguishing agent from side to side across the base of the fire until it is fully extinguished.
It is essential to keep the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire while sweeping to ensure that the extinguishing agent continues to hit the fire’s fuel source. Sweep the extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out.
If you’re fighting a fire in the kitchen, sweep the extinguishing agent back and forth across the base of the flames until the fire is fully extinguished.
Conclusion
Learning how to use a fire extinguisher is an essential life skill that everyone should possess. The four basic steps involved in using a fire extinguisher as I have explained above (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep (P.A.S.S)) are crucial for anyone to master.
By following these steps, you can effectively extinguish small fires and prevent them from escalating into larger, more dangerous fires.
Also, it is important to always remember to stay calm, assess the situation, and call the emergency services if the fire is too big to handle with a fire extinguisher.
