Be Fire Ready: Your Guide to Using Fire Extinguishers Effectively
17 March 2024
Knowing how to effectively use a fire extinguisher is crucial for protecting lives and property during emergencies. However, it’s important to remember that fire extinguishers are suitable for small, contained fires only. If flames exceed your height or the fire spreads, evacuate immediately and dial Triple Zero (000).
In an emergency, time is critical as fires can rapidly escalate. Remember, calling Triple Zero (000) is essential if safety is at risk and the fire is spreading uncontrollably. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) responds swiftly to larger emergencies, prioritising safety and minimising the impact of workplace fires.
Safe Operation of a Fire Extinguisher
Understanding the PASS strategy can save lives in an emergency.
- Pull the Pin: Pull the pin located in the handle of the extinguisher. The pin is in place to prevent the handle from being accidentally pressed. Immediately test extinguisher before approaching the fire to ensure it is working correctly.
- Aim at the Base of the Fire: Direct the nozzle towards the base of the fire, maintaining a safe distance. This ensures effective extinguishing without endangering yourself.
- Squeeze the Lever: Slowly squeeze the lever to release the extinguishing agent. Control the flow by releasing pressure when necessary.
- Sweep Side to Side: With a sweeping motion, cover the fire area from side to side. Aim for the base of the flames to fully extinguish the fire.
Identifying Different Types of Fire Extinguishers
In Australia, fire safety regulations emphasise the importance of having the right fire extinguisher types for your business premises. Understanding the five main types of fire extinguishers Water, Foam, Dry Powder (ABE and BE), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and Wet Chemical is essential to ensure effective fire suppression tailored to the specific risks present.
The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel – these are called ‘classes’ of fire. The fire risk from the different classes of fire in your business premises will determine which fire extinguisher types you need.
The Main Types of Fire Extinguishers
- Water – Red colour bands typically indicate water-based extinguishers. These extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires, which involve combustible materials such as wood, paper, and fabric.
- Foam – Blue colour bands are typically associated with foam extinguishers. Foam extinguishers are effective for Class A and Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, or paint.
- Dry Powder (ABE) – White colour bands represent dry powder extinguishers. Dry powder extinguishers can handle a variety of fire classes, including Class A, Class B, and Class E (electrical) fires.
- Dry Powder (BE) – White colour bands represent dry powder extinguishers. Dry powder extinguishers can handle a variety of fire classes, including Class A (limited), Class B, and Class E (electrical) fires
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – Black colour bands are typically associated with carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers. CO2 extinguishers are suitable for Class E fires (electrical) and some Class B fires, where the use of water-based extinguishers could be dangerous.
- Wet Chemical – Yellow colour bands are typically associated with wet chemical extinguishers. Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for Class F fires, which involve cooking fats and oils.
It’s important to understand that no single extinguisher type is universally effective against all classes of fire. Here’s a summary of the classes of fire.
The Classes of Fire
There are six classes of fire: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, and Class F.
- Class A fires – Combustibles materials: such as wood, paper, and fabric
- Class B fires – Flammable liquids: such as petrol, turpentine or paint
- Class C fires – Flammable gases: like LPG, hydrogen, butane or methane
- Class D fires – Combustible metals: chemicals such as magnesium, aluminum or potassium
- Class E fires – Electrical devices: once the electrical item is removed, the fire changes class
- Class F fires – Cooking fats and oils
Responding to a Fire Safely
Fire extinguishers are designed for small, contained fires. Avoid using them for large or spreading fires. Only engage if the flames are shorter than you and contained. Evacuate immediately if the flames are taller or spreading beyond control.
- Activate the Fire Alarm: Remain calm and immediately activate the fire alarm system to alert everyone in the building of the danger. This step should initiate the evacuation process.
- Notify Authorities: Call Triple Zero 000 to report the fire. Provide clear and concise information about the location and extent of the fire.
- Evacuate the Building: It is the fire wardens’ job to ensure all occupants are evacuated from the building using the nearest exit routes. Avoid using elevators during a fire; always use the stairs
- Assist Others: If safe to do so, assist individuals who may require help evacuating, such as those with disabilities or injuries. Follow established evacuation procedures for assisting others.
- Use Fire Extinguishers if Safe: If the fire is small and contained, and you have been trained to use a fire extinguisher, attempt to extinguish the fire. Remember to follow the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique for effective extinguishing.
- Maintain safe distance: Keep a safe distance from the fire at all times do not attempt to extinguish the fire if it is spreading rapidly or you’re unsure about your safety
- Account for personnel: Once outside and gathered at the designated assembly point it is the fire wardens or nominated persons job to ensure all employees, occupants and visitors are accounted for. Immediately report any missing individuals to the designated safety personnel or emergency responders.
- Wait for emergency services: Never re-enter the building until emergency responders have declared it safe to do so follow their instructions to ensure everyone’s safety.
Be Prepared with AmbaGuard
Contact us at 0407 877 482 or [email protected] and we can assist you in booking into one of our fire extinguisher training course.
Download our free Fire Extinguisher Selection Chart on our website https://ambaguard.com.au/resources/