4 Steps for Putting Out a Fire

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

It's important, therefore, that everyone in your building knows how to operate a fire extinguisher

How To Operate a Fire Extinguisher

Your commercial building in Barnardsville, NC, probably comes with its own unique potential fire hazards. Maybe you have a lot of electrical wires that may overload sockets. Your employees may work with a lot of flammable liquids. Even the company break room probably houses several items that could contribute to a fire. It's important, therefore, that everyone in your building knows how to operate a fire extinguisher. These four simple steps can make putting out a small fire easy.

1. Pull

To engage the extinguisher and minimize fire damage, you first need to pull the pin at the top of the handle. This breaks the seal and allows you to operate the handle.

2. Aim

Many people reason that they need to aim for the top of the fire so that the extinguishing agent trickles down. In order to be effective, though, you must aim at the base of the fire. Point the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the lowest point of the fire.

3. Squeeze

Once you have the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle to release the agent. There is usually enough agent in a full-sized extinguisher to put out a small fire, such as a kitchen fire in the break room.

4. Sweep

While the agent is releasing, slowly sweep the nozzle from side to side, covering the whole base of the fire. Keep the nozzle moving until the fire is fully out. If the canister empties completely and the fire is still not out, this is a sign that the fire is too big to handle on your own. Call emergency services immediately.
Even if you are able to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher, you may still have some fire or smoke damage that needs to be addressed. Fire restoration experts can help return your building to its former state.