What is good technique when operating a fire extinguisher?

Answer 1

Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames, and sweep back and forth

More specifically:
Trigger the fire alarm if not already done.
Have others leave the area.
Make sure you can get out safely and not be trapped.
Select a fire extinguisher type according to what is burning.
Pull the pin
Aim the nozzle at the fuel
Squeeze the handle
Sweep from the edges toward the center
Repeat, as necessary, with another extinguisher, if you have one.

Answer 2

First, above all, make sure you and anyone else can escape from the fire. Consider using a fire extinguisher to knock down a fire to help rescue a person who may be trapped.

Assuming you have a portable fire extinguisher:

Select a proper extinguisher for the type of fire.

In particular, do not use a liquid extinguisher on liquid fires or electrical fires.

Position yourself between the fire and your means of escape.

Pull the pin on the handle.

Aim the nozzle at the fuel that is burning.

Squeeze the trigger and adjust your aim and distance.

Sweep the spray to cover the nearest portion of the fire and then extend.

Have someone obtain another fire extinguisher if the fire is not quite out.

Leave immediately if the fire is still growing.

Answer 3

First call 911 and report the fire! if no 911 is available notify someone else that there is a fire and you are going to attempt to put it out.

If there is no one else there then

1then determine if the extinguisher you hold is the right type for the fire you are attempting to extinguish. After you have selected the right type of extinguisher to use,

1 position yourself between the exit from a room or structure and the fire.

Use and remember the PASS acronym

1 Pull the pin from the extinguisher, then

2 aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, then

3 squeeze the handle fully, then

4 Sweep the base of the fire till the fire is extinguished and the extinguisher is empty.

if the fire is not extinguished and the fire extinguisher is empty,

leave the structure and wait for emergency responders, giving them the information on

what where when and possibly why there is a fire.

If the fire is extinguished and there is more product in the extinguisher, continue to discharge the extinguisher in the area that the fire was in utill it is empty.

this is because there is no more ill or sick feeling than to try to use a half discharged under pressurized fire extinguisher

Answer 4

Not to, unless you know what you're doing. Untrained people tend to do at least as much harm as good when attempting to use a fire extinguisher on anything but a trivial fire.

In many universities, grad students who might work in labs where there's a possibility of fire are given a fire safety class. There are some guidelines (aim at the base of the fire, direct the extinguisher in a smooth but continuous motion, use the proper type of extinguisher for the type of fire) but actual practice convinces most people that the best use of the fire extinguisher as far as they personally are concerned is as a hammer to smash the glass on the fire alarm.