Safe Use of Fire-Extinguishers

November 8, 2012 - 3 minutes read

Extinguishers 001When it comes to fire-extinguishers it’s important to have the right one on-hand for the particular type of fire, and also to know how to use it safely. In some instances, using the wrong type of extinguisher on a fire could be dangerous and increase the risk of damage and injury.

Fire classifications:

  • A – wood, paper, plastic, furnishings, textiles and rubber.
  • B – flammable and combustible liquids (e.g. petrol, oils, solvents, kerosene).
  • C – flammable and combustible gases (e.g. LPG, methane, butane, propane).
  • D – metals (e.g. aluminium, sodium, magnesium).
  • E – electrical equipment.
  • F – cooking fats and oils.

Fire-extinguisher types:

  • Water (A) – suitable for Class A fires only. Coloured red, no band.
  • Dry chemical powder (ABE) – for Classes A, B, C & E. Coloured red with a white band.
  • Dry chemical powder (BE) – Classes B, C, E & F. Red with a white band.
  • Carbon-dioxide (Co2) – suitable for Class E, with some limited application for Classes A and B. Red with a black band.
  • Foam – suitable for Classes A and B, and may have some limited use for Class F. It is coloured red with a blue band.
  • Wet chemical – Classes A and F. Red with a beige band.
  • Vaporising liquid – Class A and E, and some limited use for B and C.

Note that Class D fires (metal) require special fire-equipment and a fire expert should be consulted for more information.

Fires can be extinguished through cooling or smothering. Water and foam are best used for cooling, while foam, Co2 and dry chemical are used for smothering.

Using fire-extinguishers:

To safely use an extinguisher, use the PASS method. PASS stands for:

Pull the pin.

Aim low, by pointing the nozzle towards the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handle – this releases the fire-extinguishing agent.

Sweep from side-to-side at the base of the fire.

Other equipment includes fire-blankets which may be used for Classes A and B and small kitchen fires through smothering, and hose-reels which use an unmetered water-supply.

It’s important to note that the equipment listed above should only be used on small fires, and only if it’s safe to do so.

For more tips on church fire safety, see our article on fire prevention or get in contact with the Faith Insurance office. We also provide free access to online Safe Ministry Training modules for our insured clients – see the training page for more information.

Written by Tess Oliver

Tags: ,