This is Your New ABCD's of Portible Fire Extinguishers  

A fire extinguisher is a storage container for an extinguishing agent such as water or chemicals. It is designed to put out a small fire, not a big one.

An extinguisher is labeled according to whether the fire on which it is to be used occurs in wood or cloth, flammable liquids, electrical, or metal sources. Using one type extinguisher on another type fire can make the fire much worse. So learn how extinguishers are labeled and used.

Traditionally the labels A,B,C, or D have been used to indicate the type of fire on which an extinguisher is to be used.

Types of Extinguishers

  • A This letter in a GREEN TRIANGLE is for ordinary combustibles like paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics   require a water type extinguisher labeled A.
  • B This letter in a RED SQUARE is for flammable liquids like oils, gasoline, some paints, lacquers, grease in a frying pan or in the oven, solvents and other flammable liquids require an extinguisher labeled B.
  • C This letter in a BLUE CIRCLE is for electrical equipment as well as fires in wiring, Fuse boxes, energized electrical equipment and other electrical sources require an extinguisher labeled C.
  • D This letter in a YELLOW STAR is for combustible metals such as magnesium and sodium require special extinguishants labeled D.

 

You Need an Extinguisher

If you plan to buy an extinguisher, a multi-purpose dry chemical labeled ABC puts out most types of fires, wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquid, or electrical fires. An extinguisher that is rated at 2A10BC is a good start, but make sure you can handle the weight. Place the extinguisher away from potential fire hazards and near an escape route. Recharge it after ANY use. A partially used one might as well be empty.

Learn to Pass

Although the majority of extinguishers work with our directions, there are exceptions. Read the instructions on your extinguisher for variations. If there's a fire, get everyone outside. Call the fire department. Then fight a small fire only. If the fire gets large, get out.

  1. Pull the pin. Some units require the releasing of a lock latch, pressing a punch lever, a twist to break a plastic tie, or other motion.
  2. Aim the extinguisher nozzle (horn, or hose) at the base of the fire.
  3. Squeeze or press the handle.
  4. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out. Shut off the extinguisher. Watch for reflash and reactivate the extinguisher if necessary. Foam and water extinguishers require slightly different action. Read the instructions

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