Every wonder how a portable fire extinguisher is made? Heres a YouTube video showing you how one is made:
Now portable fire extinguishers have limits.
Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not intended to fight large or spreading fires. Even against small fires, they are useful under only certain conditions.
The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read instructions during an emergency.
The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged.
The extinguisher must be kept near the exit, so the user has an escape route that will not be blocked by the fire.
The extinguisher must match the type of fire you are fighting. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use for use on grease or electrical fires.
The best way to prevent fires is to prevent them from happening in the first place. In the home or in the work place we need to be awear of fire safety and fire prevention that will reduce fire risks. Highlighted in the following YouTube are different classes of fire, various types of firefighting equipment and how a fire can quickly get out of control if not extinguished as early as it can:
So knowing how a portable fire extinguisher operates and works is very important. Choosing the correct portable fire extinguishe is also important, as well as knowing there is a limited amout of extinguishing agent to use on a small fire before it gets to big. If a fire does get to big to try and extinguish get out as quickly as you can to a safe place.
Fire extinguishers are tested by independent testing laboratories. They will be labeled for the type of fire they are intended to extinguish.
CLASSES OF FIRES: There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled 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 an extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.
A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.
Fire Safety tips:
Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.
To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle
pointing away from you, and release the locking
mechanism.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
* For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.
* Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
* Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.
* Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.
* Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape planand working smoke alarms.
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 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 extinguisher.
It is reckless to fight a fire in any other circumstances. Instead leave immediately and close off the area to stop the spread of fire to other parts of the building.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
