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Fire extinguisher
A typical fire extinguisher is a handheld pressurized cylinder containing a flame-retarding agent. The different agents in different types of extinguishers are meant for use on specific types of fires. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on a particular fire can actually make it worse. For example, using an extinguisher filled with water on a fire involving oil or grease will do little more than spread flames around.
The acronym ”PASS” can be used to describe steps for operation of a fire extinguisher as follows:
• P – Pull the safety pin out of the handle
• A – Aim at the bottom of the fire
• S – Squeeze the handle to release agent
• S – Sweep from side to sideWhen using a fire extinguisher it is important to stand at a proper distance away from the fire. The distance will vary depending on the type of extinguisher but it is typically between four and ten feet. Cartridge-style extinguishers will include some sort of puncturing device that will need to need pushed or pulled after the pin has been removed. CO2 extinguishers are often equipped with a nozzle called a frost horn. It is designed to prevent the operator’s hand from freezing to the nozzle while in use.
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