LO 6-9 Describe the various types of fire suppression systems and explain their use

LO 6-09: Describe the various types of fire suppression systems and explain their use.

Operation of a Fire Extinguisher

Before attempting to use a fire extinguisher on a fire, alert your supervisor or a coworker to the presence of a fire and that you are trying to extinguish it. Position yourself between the fire and an exit. Do not let the fire block your escape! Assess the fire and verify that you have the correct fire extinguisher for the fire class (using a water-based Class A fire extinguisher on a flammable liquid fire causes the fire to spread or even explode). Instructions for proper use are typically displayed on the fire extinguisher Figure 40.

Most fire extinguishers have a hose attached. If so, hold the fire extinguisher in one hand by the handle. Pull the pin and grasp the hose with the other hand. Squeeze the handle while aiming the hose and nozzle at the base of the fire, not at the flames. Use a side-to-side sweeping motion; if your efforts are having little or no effect, cease immediately and evacuate. When you are safely away from the fire, call emergency services. If you are successful and put the fire out, be very careful that it does not start again. Remove the fuel and/or the source of ignition and monitor the area to be sure that the fire is out. To correctly use a fire extinguisher, follow the steps in Skill Drill 6-3.

FIGURE 06-40: Instructions for proper use are typically displayed on the fire extinguisher.

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