Fire Extinguisher Safety
Most people are unaware that there are four different classes of fire extinguishers, A, B, C, and D. They are all used for the different types of risks of fires that can happen at work and at home. It is smart practice to be aware of the different types and their uses.
- Class A- is for ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
- Class B- used for flammable liquids such as grease, gasoline, and oil
- Class C- used for electrically energized fires
- Class D- for use on flammable metals
Knowing the different types of classes of fire extinguishers, it would be a safe practice to reevaluate what class of fire extinguishers are in your home and at your workplace. Some businesses and some homes might require having different classes of fire extinguishers.
As a business owner it is always a good safety practice to make sure your fire extinguishers are up to date and are checked at least once a year. Another good safety practice is to make sure the fire extinguisher is close to a potential hazard, being on the other side of the garage where you are working with fuels would not be a safe practice. PASS is an acronym used on how to operate a fire extinguisher.
P- Pull the pin in the fire extinguisher to break the seal
- Aim the nozzle low, point it at the base of the fire
S- Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
S- Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base until the fire is out
For more information click the link for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Fire-extinguishers