#Abcd fire extinguishers how to#
#Abcd fire extinguishers portable#

Usually, this means pulling out the pin located below the trigger.

Pull the pin: Holding the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, release the locking mechanism.

A different procedure is used for Class D fires. An easy way to remember the procedure is to think of the word 'PASS.' This general procedure pertains to extinguishers used for Class A, B and C fires.

#Abcd fire extinguishers portable#

There are four basic steps to operating a portable fire extinguisher.

#Abcd fire extinguishers how to#

How to Operate a Portable Fire Extinguisher The extinguishing agent is designed to extinguish high temperature fats and oils used in the commercial cooking industry. Class K fires involve burning and smoldering kitchen greases and fat.Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium.Note: if the electrical equipment involved in a fire is not energized (e.g., unplugged), the fire becomes either a Class A or a Class B fire. Class Cfires involve energized electrical equipment.Class B fires involve flammable liquids - oils, greases, tars, oil-based paints, lacquers, flammable gases and some plastics.Class A fires involve 'ordinary combustibles' - wood, paper, household rubbish, cloth, rubber and many plastics.When the classifications are used for rating fire extinguishers, they tell you what classes of fire the various extinguishers should or should not be used on. The A, B, C, and D classifications describe a fire's fuel, that is, what is burning. This is done to insure that all extinguishers on the University property are available for use at any time. Monthly, routine inspections of fire extinguishers are done in house by EH&S and laboratory personnel.

Smoke can also obscure your exit path.įire Extinguisher Maintenance and InspectionĪnnual maintenance of the extinguishers is done by a state-certified and DOT-registered service contractor, and coordinated and monitored by the EHS Office staff. Without protective breathing equipment, you could quickly find yourself unable to breathe or see. Do not delay your personal evacuation by fighting a fire in an area filled with smoke. You can stay low and avoid breathing smoke.Your selection of an extinguisher to use depends on what is burning. Fire extinguishers are designed to fight specific classes of fires. The proper type of extinguisher is available.If the fire does not diminish with your first attack or if anything goes wrong, immediately leave the building and do not return.

You must always assume that you may not be able to extinguish the fire you are fighting.

The exit for your escape is clear and you can fight the fire with your back to the exit.

An extinguisher is no match for a large or rapidly-advancing fire. A portable fire extinguisher should only be used for incipient-stage firefighting. Do not consider fighting a fire unless it is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and it is not spreading. In addition, you must be familiar with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and with incipient-stage firefighting. This is accomplished by being familiar with the different types of fires, fire extinguishers and extinguishing agents.

You are trained in the extinguisher's use and feel confident about using it.

The Campus Police will continue the evacuation when they arrive on the scene. This is accomplished when you alert everyone within your immediate area to immediately evacuate the building.

You know the building is being evacuated.

This is accomplished by either activating one of the alarm pull stations (located in corridors) or by calling 911 on a campus phone or cell phone.

You know that the fire department is being called.

This important 'fight-or-flight' decision must include consideration for all of the following factors. It is critical to understand the circumstances under which it is appropriate to attempt to extinguish a fire with an extinguisher. When to Fight a Fire With a Portable Fire Extinguisher These assorted types of portable fire extinguishers are available for occupant use under the limited conditions discussed below. Upon special request, extinguishers designed for combustible metal fire fighting have been installed in laboratories. Most of these extinguishers are multi-purpose, ABC dry chemical extinguishers. On the UMass Boston campus over 1,000 portable fire extinguishers have been installed at strategic locations throughout every building. Home › Office of Environmental Health and Safety › Fire Safety › Portable Fire Extinguishers Portable Fire Extinguishers Availability of Portable Fire Extinguishers at UMass Boston