Using a Fire Extinguisher

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

PA Training for Health & Safety
(PATHS)

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 Fire Extinguishers

• Not all fire extinguishers are the

same.
• Use the proper class of fire
extinguisher only on fires it was
designed to extinguish.
• Know where fire extinguishers are
located & what class they are.
• Number 1 thing = safety; only
attempt to extinguish small fires!
• Never put a used fire extinguisher
back in place-have it recharged.

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 General Requirements

• Fire extinguishers must be easily accessible at

all times!

• Must not be obstructed by boxes, chairs, or

other miscellaneous items.

• Should not be placed on the ground.

• Should be mounted in such a way they can’t

easily fall and injure someone.

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Do You See a Problem?

Access to Fire
Extinguisher
Obstructed

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 Any Problems Here?

Access to Nothing should

extinguisher be placed in
obstructed front, around,
or next to a fire
extinguisher

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Marking Extinguisher Locations

Fire extinguisher locator signs should be placed

so extinguishers are easy to find during an
emergency.

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 Fire Extinguisher Labels

• All fire extinguishers should have a

label to indicate what class of fire
they will extinguish.
• Most extinguishers use an
international picture label.
• Become familiar with fire
extinguisher labels before you
need to use an extinguisher.

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 Fire Triangle/Tetrahedron

Oxygen = Fire extinguishers

most basic work by either
cooling down heat,
taking O2 level
14-16% below that
necessary to necessary to
support support
combustion combustion, or
interrupting
21% in chemical reaction.
atmosphere

• Fire Triangle = Oxygen, heat, and fuel

• Fire Tetrahedron = Add chemical reaction
• Remove any of these items = No fire (fire goes out)
• Basic fire prevention = Separate fuel & ignition
sources
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 Classes of Fire

• Class “A” Fires

Ordinary combustibles
(e.g. wood, paper, cloth,
or plastic).

• Class “B” Fires

Flammable/combustible
gases and liquids (e.g.
gasoline, kerosene,
and methane).

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 Classes of Fire

• Class “C” Fires

Energized electrical
(e.g. power going to
the device).

• Class “D” Fires

Combustible metals
(e.g. titanium, zirconium,
and magnesium).

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 Classes of Fire

• Class “K” Fires

Cooking grease made from
animal fat.

• These fires usually burn

very hot.
• Dangerous to extinguish.
• Special fire extinguishers
used for these classes of
fires.
• Usually in kitchen areas of
restaurants/cafeterias.

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Types of Fire Extinguishers

Water Fire Extinguishers

• Usually silver in color.

• Hose attached somewhere
at/near the top.
• Can be used on Class “A” fires only.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

- Usually colored red.

- No pressure gauges.
- “Horn” instead of a hose or nozzle.
- Can be used on Class “B” & “C” fires only.

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 Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

o Can be red, yellow, white, or other BC

colors.
o Extinguishers containing sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda) or
potassium bicarbonate can be used ABC

on Class “B” and “C” fires only.

o Those containing monoammonium
phosphate can be used to extinguish
Class “A”, “B”, and “C” fires.

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Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Class “D” Fire Extinguishers

o Contain special material

(e.g. graphite).

o Use only on fires involving

combustible metals (e.g.
titanium, zirconium, etc.).

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Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Halon Fire Extinguishers

“Halogenated hydrocarbons.”
(similar to Freon)
Primarily used to extinguish fires in
sophisticated electrical/computer
equipment (Class “C” fires).

• “Wet Chemical” Fire Extinguishers

Primarily used to extinguish Class
“K” fires (cooking grease made with
animal fats).
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Up Close & Personal

Pull Pin
Anti-tamper seal
Pressure Gauge

Hose

Horn

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 Pressure Gauge

Needle on
pressure
gauge should
Any
be in
problems
“operable
here?
range.”

Extinguisher needs
recharging

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 To Use a Fire Extinguisher
Remember the word P.A.S.S.

P = Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher handle.

A = Aim the nozzle/horn of the extinguisher

at the base/bottom of the fire.

S = Squeeze the handles together to make the

extinguisher work.

S = Sweep the extinguisher from side to side as

if using a broom.

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After Using a Fire Extinguisher

• Never put the used extinguisher back up on

the wall (even if used for only five seconds)!

• A fire extinguisher that’s been used may not

operate again due to the pressure inside
leaking out.

• Notify the appropriate individual/department

so the used extinguisher can be replaced and
recharged as quickly as possible.

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 Conclusion

• Fire extinguishers are

everywhere within buildings,
work places, hotels, and
hopefully YOUR HOME!

• Being comfortable using

extinguishers involves being
familiar with them.

• Make sure you know where the

closest fire extinguisher is, what
type it is, and what class of fire
it can be used to extinguish.

• Remember, being able to use a

fire extinguisher correctly could
save your life or the lives of
others!

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 Contact Information

Health & Safety Training Specialists

1171 South Cameron Street, Room 324
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2501
(717) 772-1635
RA-LI-BWC-PATHS@pa.gov

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Questions

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