How to Handle a Fire Emergency: Using a Fire Extinguisher Effectively in the First Few Minutes
Fires are unpredictable and can spread quickly. Whereas a person knows what to do in such emergencies so as to minimize damages and save lives at home, in the office or workplace, fire extinguishers stand as some of the best tools for fighting small fires. Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher can help avert a potential disaster. This guide will highlight key steps for handling a fire emergency, including how to use fire extinguisher well during the first minutes of a fire outbreak.
Importance of understanding how to handle a Fire Emergency
A fire emergency can occur suddenly, at any time, and in any critical area. If you know how to handle a fire emergency, those first few minutes are critical, try to extinguish the burning material before it spreads to the surrounding areas. Now a fire extinguisher can help extinguish small fires if and only if they know how to use fire extinguisher.
Never forget that safety should be your top priority during a fire emergency. If it sets off alarms, don’t try to put it out; instead, evacuate and call the fire brigade straight away. But if it is a small kitchen fire that starts burning grease or an electrical office fire, an effective first-use of any fire extinguisher may help to prevent injury and damage.
Fire Extinguisher: Understanding the Basics
Before we can go through how to use fire extinguishers, we need to understand one or two facts about them and how they work. A fire extinguisher is a portable device designed to dispense a substance to put out or control a fire. Different types of fire extinguishers include:
- Water Extinguishers: For ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, and fabric.
- Foam Extinguishers: For combustible liquids like gasoline and alcohol.
- Dry Chemical Extinguishers: Often used for electrical fires and flammable liquids.
- CO2 Extinguishers: Used for electrical fires and flammable liquids, it removes oxygen from the area.
All these types of fire extinguishers work in different ways, but their common function is to remove either heat, fuel, or oxygen, which are the three basic elements of any fire. Once you know which extinguisher to use for the fire at hand, the key to regaining control of the situation is knowing how to operate it.
The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Using a Fire Extinguisher
When a fire occurs, every second matters. If you know how to use fire extinguisher properly, you’ll be able to put out a fire before it goes out of control. Here are the proper steps to follow when operating a fire extinguisher:
- Assess the Situation
Before rushing with an extinguisher, see how big the fire is and what kind it is. If a fire’s small and of limited extent, such as a kitchen fire, and you’re fairly sure you can put it out, then do use the extinguisher. If the fire is large, spreading, or involves hazardous materials like chemicals-it will be better to evacuate and call emergency services.
2. Pull the Pin
The first action is to pull the pin out of the handle. This prevents the lever from being accidentally pressed and keeps the extinguisher safe until you are ready for use. Now it is ready for use.
3. Aim the Nozzle
Next, position the nozzle or hose toward the base of the fire, where it is most effective in stopping the flames. Always focus on the base of the fire, as it is the most vulnerable and easiest to control.
- Squeeze the Lever
Once the nozzle is directed at the fire’s base, squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Be ready to feel a burst of pressure as the extinguisher discharges. Keep the lever down to discharge the whole contents until the fire is under control.
- Sweep from Side to Side
In order to cover the entire area of the fire, move the nozzle slowly from side to side in a controlled manner. This allows the extinguishing agent to be spread over all parts of the fire and bring it fully under control. Take a moment to ensure the nozzle is aimed at the base of the fire, allowing you to effectively control the flames.
When NOT to Use a Fire Extinguisher
- If the Fire is Too Large: If the fire has spread beyond a small scale, or the smoke is overwhelming, please evacuate and call for help. Never use it on a large fire.
- If You Are Uncertain About the Fire Type: Leave the area and call for help if the fire involves hazardous chemicals, flammable metals, or electrical equipment and you do not know which extinguisher to use.
- If You Don’t Have an Escape Route: Have a clear and safe route out of the area before attempting to fight a fire. If the fire starts to spread while using the extinguisher, prioritize your safety and make sure to escape immediately.
Why choose AITS
At AITS, we offer a comprehensive range of fire protection services suited to meet the specific needs of businesses across Dubai. As a leading fire fighting company in Dubai, we provide customized fire protection and safety solutions for the protection of lives and property against fire. Our fire services include fire prevention, detection, and control services to make your environment safe and peaceful. As a trusted fire extinguisher provider, we are committed to delivering secure and effective fire safety solutions.
Conclusion
In any fire emergency, understanding how to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference in saving lives and protecting property. As a leading provider of fire extinguisher in Dubai, AITS understands that a fire extinguisher is one of the most powerful tools for controlling small fires in their early stages. By learning how to properly use a fire extinguisher and following the necessary steps, you can act swiftly to prevent a fire from spreading. As a trusted fire extinguisher supplier in Dubai, we emphasize that your safety is always the top priority.