When Should You Not Use a Fire Extinguisher 2?

Every fire needs a heat source, fuel and an ignition to burn. The fuel can be anything from flammable liquids like gasoline and oil to solid materials such as wood, paper or cloth.

You can use fire extinguishers to put out certain types of fires, but you should never attempt to fight a fire with them unless you have received proper training. Misusing fire extinguishers can cause additional damage and may even be fatal.

If the fire is large, self-contained and has not spread rapidly, then it is a good idea to use a fire extinguisher. There must be a clear exit behind the person using the fire extinguisher and the person should have received fire extinguisher training within the last year.

Do not aim a fire extinguisher at the top of a flame, as this will not work properly and can lead to re-ignition of the fire. Instead, aim it at the base of the fire where the fuel source is located.

The nozzle of the fire extinguisher should be aimed at the bottom of the fire and a slow sweeping motion should be used to cover the entire area that is on fire. This can take a little bit of practice, but you should be able to successfully extinguish a small fire with this method.

It is best to keep a fire extinguisher nearby and have a working smoke alarm in the room. It is important to have a plan for when a fire occurs in your workplace and make sure everyone knows about it.

There are many different types of fire extinguishers and some are more effective than others. Water extinguishers are the easiest to maintain and most commonly found in shops, offices, retail premises, schools and hotels.

Other extinguishers are made from a variety of materials, such as foam and powder. Some of these are less hazardous than water-based fire extinguishers, but they still can be dangerous to use if not correctly handled.

For example, you should never use a dry chemical fire extinguisher on a class B or C fire unless you have been specifically trained for that type of fire. Also, you should never use a foam fire extinguisher on a Class D metal fire, as the chemicals contained in these extinguishers can smother the fire and make it worse.

Always follow the instructions on your fire extinguisher and remember to stay 6-8 feet away from the fire while you are using it. This will allow you to extinguish the fire quickly and avoid re-igniting it.

The NFPA recommends that only adults know how to operate portable fire extinguishers. This is because children or adults who are not familiar with the proper techniques of using a fire extinguisher can accidentally harm themselves or others by mishandling the fire extinguisher.

The main reason for using a fire extinguisher is to prevent further damage, but if the fire has already spread and there is no way to contain it, then it is essential to escape from the building. You should never stay in a burning building. You should get out immediately and call for help if you are not able to escape safely.