How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguisher usage has similar steps regardless of the color or type of the tank. However, the color of the fire extinguisher usually indicates the type of extinguishing agent contained inside. There are some differences in usage depending on the type of fire that needs to be put out.
1. Red fire extinguisher (Dry Chemical)
- How to use: Use on Class A, B, and C fires (flammable solids, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment)
- How to use:
- Pull the latch: Pull the latch out of the tank
- Aim the nozzle: Point the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flame
- Squeeze the handle: Press and squeeze the handle to release the dry chemical
- Sweep the nozzle back and forth: Move the nozzle from left to right to cover the fire area
2. Silver fire extinguisher (CO₂ - Carbon Dioxide)
- How to use: Use on Class B and C fires (flammable liquids and electrical equipment)
- How to use:
- Pull the latch: Pull the latch out
- Aim the nozzle: Point the nozzle at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle: Press and squeeze the handle to release the CO₂
- Sweep the nozzle back and forth: Spray all over the fire area to ventilate and extinguish the fire by reducing the amount of oxygen
- Caution: Do not touch the nozzle directly Because it will be very cold and can cause injury.
3. Yellow fire extinguisher (foam type)
- How to use: Use with type A and B fires (flammable solids and flammable liquids)
- How to use:
- Pull the latch: Pull the latch out of the tank
- Aim the nozzle: Point the nozzle at the base of the fire (for solid fires) or spray in front of the fuel (for liquid fires)
- Squeeze the handle: Press and squeeze the handle to release the foam
- Sweep the nozzle back and forth: Sweep back and forth to cover the fuel evenly. The foam will help prevent oxygen and extinguish the fire
4. Green fire extinguisher (clean agent type - Clean Agent or Halon)
- How to use: Use with type A, B and C fires (flammable liquids and electrical equipment) Suitable for extinguishing fires in areas with electronic equipment
- How to use:
- Pull the latch: Pull the latch out
- Aim the nozzle: Point the nozzle at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle: Press and squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
- Sweep the nozzle back and forth: Sweep the nozzle at the base of the fire until the fire is extinguished
P (Pull) – Pull the pin from the extinguisher
A (Aim) – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
S (Squeeze) – Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
S (Sweep) – Sweep the nozzle back and forth to thoroughly extinguish the fire
Caution:
Check the suitability of the extinguisher for the type of fire you want to extinguish.
Always check the fire extinguisher to make sure it is ready for use, such as checking the pressure gauge and checking the expiration date.
If you are not sure or the fire is spreading beyond control with the extinguisher, evacuate immediately and notify the fire department immediately.
Each color of the fire extinguisher indicates the type of extinguishing agent and the fire it can extinguish. Use should follow the PASS principle and check the suitability of the extinguisher for the type of fire to be extinguished before use.
