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Selecting the appropriate fire extinguisher for your workplace is very important. Every business should have at least one fire extinguisher, but it’s just as important to ensure you have the proper type.
Georgian Bay Fire & Safety are experts in Fire Extinguishers. The handheld fire extinguishers we sell typically have a higher quality of internal components compared to those you’d find at retail stores.� We also re-charge and service your fire extinguishers so you can be sure they’re ready if you ever have to use them.
We’ll help you come up with a plan, including which type of fire extinguisher is right for each location, and exactly where to install them for quick action.
We service and maintain fire extinguishers we sell and those we didn’t sell.
The Following is a quick course on types of fire extinguishers and how to use a fire extinguisher.
Choosing Your Extinguisher
Fire Extinguishers are tested by independent testing laboratories and should be labelled for the type of fire they are intended to extinguish.
Classes of Fire
There are three basic classes of fire. All fire extinguishers are labelled using standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.
Class A : Ordinary solid combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.
Class B : Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil grease, tar, oil based paint, lacquer and flammable gas.
Class C : Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.
Many household fire extinguishers are “multipurpose” A-B-C models labelled for use on all three classes of fire. If you are ever faced with a class “A” fire and don’t have an extinguisher with an “A” symbol don’t hesitate to use one with a “B-C” symbol.
Warning : It is very dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labelled only for Class “A” fires on a Class “B” or Class “C” fire.
Extinguisher Sizes
Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle. This rating is expressed numerically from 1 to 40 for class A fires and 1 to 640 for class B fires. This rating will appear on the label; for example, the rating 2A:10B:C, is recommended in all areas of your home. As the numerical ratings increase the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out. However, higher rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate the extinguisher before you buy it.
Installation and Maintenance
Extinguishers should be installed in plain view, above the reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves and heating appliances.
Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator’s manual. When in doubt contact one of our offices to find out how your extinguisher should be inspected and serviced. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use. Follow the manufacturers instructions and check the pressure in your extinguishers at least once a month.
Remember the PASSword
Keep your back to an exit and stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire. Follow the 4 step PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out immediately leave the area at once.
P
Pull the pin. This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other lever release mechanisms.
A
Aim low. Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
S
Squeeze the lever above the handle. This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers may have a button instead of a lever.)
S
Sweep from side to side, moving carefully toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back & forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
Should You Fight The Fire?
Before you begin to fight a fire:
- Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving the building.
- Make sure the fire department has been called.
- Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.
- Be sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
- Be sure you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the fire extinguisher.
Call us for more information at 1-800-265-3197.
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