FIRE EXTINGUISHER WORK

JJFire needs fuel, oxygen and heat in order to burn. In simple terms, fire extinguishers remove one of these elements by applying an agent that either cools the burning fuel, or removes or displaces the surrounding oxygen.
Fire extinguishers are filled with water or a smothering material, such as CO2. By pulling out the safety pin and depressing the lever at the top of the cylinder (the body of the extinguisher), this material is released by high amounts of pressure.
How it WorksAt the top of the cylinder, there is a smaller cylinder filled with compressed gas. A release valve acts as a locking mechanism and prevents this gas from escaping. When you pull the safety pin and squeeze the lever, the lever pushes on an actuating rod which presses the valve down to open a passage to the nozzle. The compressed gas is released, applying a downward pressure on the fire-extinguishing material. This pushes the material out the nozzle with high amounts of pressure.
Although the temptation is to aim the extinguisher at the flames, the proper way to use the extinguisher is to aim it directly at the fuel.
Water ExtinguishersWater extinguishers are filled with regular tap water and pressurized with oxygen. The best way to remove heat is to dump water on the fire but, depending on the type of fire, this is not always the best option.
Dry Chemical ExtinguishersDry chemical extinguishers are filled with either foam or powder, usually sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or potassium bicarbonate, and pressurized with nitrogen. Baking soda is effective because it decomposes at 158 degrees Fahrenheit and releases carbon dioxide (which smothers oxygen) once it decomposes. Dry chemical extinguishers interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of powder or foam, separating the fuel from the surrounding oxygen.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishersCO2 extinguishers contain carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas, and are highly pressurized. The pressure is so great that it is not uncommon for bits of dry ice to shoot out. CO2 is heavier than oxygen so these extinguishers work by displacing or taking away oxygen from the surrounding area. CO2 is also very cold so it also works by cooling the fuel.

Fire Extinguisher
efore using your fire extinguisher, be sure to read the instructions before it's too late. Although there are many different types of fire extinguishers, all of them operate in a similar manner.
Use this acronym as a quick reference (it is a good idea to print this reference and pin it next to your fire extinguisher):
P
A
S
S
Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important - in order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.
Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.
Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher - different fire extinguishers recommend operating them from different distances. Remember: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames!!!!

Inspect fire extinguishers at least once a month (more often in severe environments).Fire extinguisher maintenance is important for everyone’s safety.
You must ensure that:
The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access in an emergency.
The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge (such as that shown on the right), the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.
The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.
The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.
There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of abuse/wear. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.
Some manufacturers recommend shaking your dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling/packing.
Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing.
If the extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, replace it immediately!
IMPORTANT: Recharge all extinguishers immediately after use regardless of how much they were used.
What is the difference between a fire extinguisher inspection and fire extinguisher maintenance?
INSPECTION An inspection is a “quick check” to give reasonable assurance that a fire extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable. The value of an inspection lies in the frequency, regularity, and thoroughness with which it is conducted. The frequency will vary from hourly to monthly, based on the needs of the situation. Inspections should always be conducted when extinguishers are initially placed in service and thereafter at approximately 30-day intervals.
MAINTENANCE Fire extinguishers should be maintained at regular intervals (at least once a year), or when specifically indicated by an inspection. Maintenance is a “thorough check” of the extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing of an extinguisher.
Stop, drop, and roll! We all remember this from elementary school when the firefighters came to visit. Kids think it’s a fun new game but it can save your life. It is just one form of fire prevention everyone should know. There are many other fire prevention tips you can follow in order to reduce the risk of fires starting in your home.
Smoke Alarms and Detectors: It is important to have smoke detectors installed on each floor of your home. Remember to check them regularly for proper function and change their battery at least once a year. Changing your smoke detector batteries when you change your clock is a good way to remember.
Emergency Numbers: While you should call emergency services if there is a fire in your house, do not call from your house. You will be wasting valuable time you can be using to save your life.
Have a plan: Make sure everyone in the family knows of two ways out of each room in the house. This is because if one exit route is blocked, you have a backup plan. Also, agree on a place to meet to do a “head count” once you evacuate the house.
Smokers: Never smoke while in bed or when you are sleepy. The ashes could easily start a fire while you are too drowsy to be fully alert.
Space Heaters: Any portable space heater should be kept at least 3 feet from anything that can burn (including the wall). Never leave a heater on when you are not home or when you are asleep. Children and pets should be kept away from them as well.
Cooking: Keep the cooking areas clear of combustibles. Make sure to keep all pot handles turned inward so they are not accidentally knocked over. Try to wear short sleeves or fitted clothes so your sleeves don’t catch fire. In case a grease fire does occur, carefully and calmly slide a lid over the pot to smother the flames and turn off the burner.
Matches: it is very important to keep matches and lighters out of a child’s reach. Also, do not keep any near your fireplace.
Fireplace: Before each new heating season, it is a good idea to have a chimney inspector clean your fireplace. Also, do not keep any matches, newspapers, or kindling near the fireplace and use a fireplace screen to prevent any sparks from flying out.
Clothes Dryer: Never leave your clothes dryer on when you are not home. Remember to frequently clean the lint trap to keep the airway clear.
The National Fire Protection Association reports 85% of fire deaths occur in the home, making fire prevention a top priority in every home.
Here is a list of some of the less obvious tips for fire prevention, based on the most common causes of fires:
Cooking equipment
Cooking is the number one cause of home fires.
Keep appliances clean, and wipe surfaces after spills. Clean stove surfaces and ovens regularly.
Wear tight-fitting sleeves, or roll them up when cooking
Keep flammable objects, including pot holders, dish towels and curtains, at least three feet away from the stove.
Wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and all other solid-fueled heating equipment needs to be inspected annually by a professional and cleaned accordingly.
Assure microwaves have enough room to breathe, that all the vents are cleared of obstructions.
If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Make sure to have the microwave oven serviced before you use it again.
If there is an oven fire, keep the door closed and turn off the heat. If the fire doesn't go out immediately, call the fire department.
A grease fire occurs when oil or greasy foods are heated and ignite. The simplest way to fight a grease fire is to carefully slide a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner, don't move the pan, and keep the lid on until the pan cools completely. Baking Soda may also be used to suffocate the fire. NEVER PUT WATER ON A GREASE FIRE. Water causes the grease to splatter and the fire to spread. Also, NEVER attempt to take a grease fire outdoors. It will be too hot to carry and you will drop it, causing a major house fire.
Heating Equipment
Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the winter months of December, January and February, and is the second-leading cause of home fires year-round.
When buying heaters, look for devices with automatic shutoff features.
Be sure any gas-fueled heating device is installed with proper attention to ventilation, and never put unvented gas space heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms. Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas heaters with self-contained fuel supplies are prohibited for home use by NFPA codes.
Never leave space heaters on when you leave the room.
Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
Don't use extension cords with space heaters. The high amount of current they require could melt the cord and start a fire.
When lighting a gas space heater, strike your match first, then turn on the gas.
Never use a gas range as a substitute for a furnace or space heater.
Electrical Distribution Equipment
Wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers and other electrical devices are the third leading cause of home fires and the second leading cause of fire deaths.
Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
Try to avoid extension cords. If you feel an extension cord is necessary, make sure that it is not frayed or worn. Do not run it under carpet or around doorways.
Never overload a socket. The use of "octopus" outlets or "power bar", outlet extensions that accommodate several plugs, is strongly discouraged. Try to limit one high-wattage appliance into each individual outlet at a time.
If a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows frequently, cut down on the number of appliances on that line. In many older homes, the capacity of the wiring system has not kept pace with today's modern appliances and can overload electrical systems. Some overload signals include: dimming lights when an appliance goes on, fuses blowing frequently or shrinking TV picture.
Assure there's plenty of air space around home entertainment units such as the TV and stereo to avoid overheating.
Although some fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, many are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Read more about Electrical Fire Safety.
Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths in the United States.
Never smoke in bed. Always look under cushions and in trashcans for burning cigarettes before going to bed. Check carpeting where ashtrays have been used.
More to think about
Get rid of stored newspaper or other unnecessary materials. Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas.
Mount a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, garage and workshop.
Agree in advance on an escape plan. There should be at least two exits in every room.
Note: Half of all home fire deaths occur at night, so fire hazard checks and special attention to fire prevention should occur before going to bed
All fires can be very dangerous and life-threatening. Your safety should always be your primary concern when attempting to fight a fire.
Before deciding to fight a fire, be certain that:
The fire is small and not spreading. A fire can double in size within two or three minutes.
You have the proper fire extinguisher for what is burning.
The fire won't block your exit if you can't control it. A good way to ensure this is to keep the exit at your back.
You know your fire extinguisher works. Inspect extinguishers once a month for dents, leaks or other signs of damage. Assure the pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge, the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.
You know how to use your fire extinguisher. There's not enough time to read instructions when a fire occurs.
How to Fight a Fire Safely:
Always stand with an exit at your back.
Stand sevevvral feet away from the fire, moving closer once the fire starts to diminish.
Use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of the fire.
If possible, use a "buddy system" to have someone back you up or call for help if something goes wrong.
Be sure to watch the area for awhile to ensure it doesn't re-ignite.
Never Fight A Fire If:
The fire is spreading rapidly. Only use a fire extinguisher when the fire is in its early stages. If the fire is already spreading quickly, evacuate and call the fire department.
You don't know what is burning. Unless you know what is burning, you won't know what type of fire extinguisher to use. Even if you have an ABC extinguisher, there could be something that will explode or produce highly toxic smoke.
You don't have the proper fire extinguisher. The wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous or life-threatening.
There is too much smoke or you are at risk of inhaling smoke. Seven out of ten fire-related deaths occur from breathing poisonous gases produced by the fire.
Any sort of fire will produce some amount of carbon monoxide, the most deadly gas produced by a fire. Materials such as wool, silk, nylon and some plastics can produce other highly toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, or hydrogen chloride. Beware - all of these can be fatal.
Smoke inhallation or exposure to fire itself can be life threatening so get educated about the basics in CPR and burn treatment.
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