About Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers have been around for decades. They have grown to become such an integral part of fire safety that there are now laws regulating the number and type of fire extinguishers that must be present in certain buildings, such as apartments and businesses. Though there are instructions written on all fire extinguishers, it is important for you to have a general working knowledge of how to use these safety items. This can save you valuable time in the case of an emergency.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Though you may not realize it, there actually are several different types of fire extinguishers. They are classified into four different categories:
- Class A: Used to put out fires caused by combustible substances such as paper, wood, or plastic
- Class B: Used to put out fires sparked by a flammable liquid, such as gasoline or oil
- Class C: Used to put out electrical fires
- Class D: Used to put out fires started by combustible metals such as magnesium or sodium
These various classifications exist because plain water can’t put out all fire types – in fact, it can make some fires, such as electrical flames, worse. It is important for workplaces to have the correct type of fire extinguisher present so that employees run the smallest possible risk of being injured in an unexpected fire.
Proper Fire Extinguisher Use
Workers who labor in areas where there is a real and present fire danger should go through safety training over proper fire extinguisher use. In general, there are four steps you should follow, which are organized into a handy anagram: PASS.
- P: Pull the pin
- A: Aim at the fire’s base
- S: Squeeze the lever (not too fast)
- S: Sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side
In general, you will be able to use the fire extinguisher for 10 seconds of constant running time.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a fire or explosion because the area was not stocked with the proper fire extinguisher, then you may have the right to recover compensation. Contact the fire and explosion lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. today at 800-242-2874 to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal options.