Fire Extinguishers & Fire Blankets.....
Fire
Extinguishers
How
to use a fire extinguisher
Types
of Fire extinguishers
Maintenance
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Never use a Fire Extinguisher if you do not know the cause of the fire or if you cannot extinguish it in a few minutes or if it is not safe to do so.
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS - there are many different types of fire extinguisher around - always read the instructions on the label prior to using one - even our most experienced of fire-fighters, who have used them many times before, always read the instructions on each extinguisher to be sure they have the correct type of extinguisher and that they are using that model correctly for the best results.
P.A.S.S. - Most extinguishers are operated the following way:
Pull the pin. Test the extinguisher with a quick burst before going near the fire (you need to be sure it works before getting dangerously close).
Aim at base of fire (start 2 - 3 metres from the fire and work your way in)
Squeeze the trigger
Sweep from side to side quickly, keeping the spray as horizontal as possible.
If you cannot extinguish the fire, close doors behind you as you exit the building and leave immediately. Call the Fire Brigade if you have not already done so and wait at the end of your driveway for them to arrive.
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to topThere are many different types and sizes of Fire Extinguishers. They each are suitable for different types of fires (woods/papers/textiles, fats/oils & other liquids or gases, flammable metals) and many are not to be used when electricity is involved because they contain water. They also have different fire ratings, which may not actually relate to the size of the extinguisher itself, some are much more highly effective in extinguishing certain types of fires than others. It is again VITAL that you read the instruction label on the extinguisher before using it on any type of fire.
Check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher/s every month, if it indicates it is low get it recharged. If you use your fire extinguisher, even just a bit, get it recharged as soon as you can - you never know when you may need it again.
Fire extinguishers should be checked by an authorised refiller to keep them in effective condition for use, so get yours done every year. Dry chemical extinguishers particularly can have their contents compacted over time so for optimal condition keep your extinguishers serviced.
Do not try and refill or recharge the fire extinguisher yourself, take it to an authorised refiller.
READ the Instructions.
Remove blanket from cover.
Hold blanket as directed in instructions - in front of you by holding tabs or handles if they are present, but above all making sure your hands, arms and entire body is protected from the fire. This is very important.
Walk towards fire and gently place the blanket over the fire ensuring you cover it completely in order to smother it.
Check the whole fire is covered and that there is no air seeping into the fire via folds or gaps.
When you are sure that you have sufficiently covered the fire with the blanket leave it for several minutes. Removing the fire blanket too early will allow re-ignition.