How to Properly Use an Extinguisher

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is a great safety tool you can put in your building.

Do you have a kitchen in your commercial building? Employees in Spring Valley, CA, may appreciate the convenience of having a small kitchenette at work, but this space could also increase the risk of a fire. If you do have a kitchen, your commercial fire damage mitigation team will tell you that having a fire extinguisher in the room is a must.

Not only is having the safety equipment important, but you need to make sure your tenants know how to use it. Below are the steps needed to properly use an extinguisher.

• Assess the flames. This safety tool is meant to stop a fire before it gets too big. If the flames are taller than you, you should evacuate rather than use the extinguisher.
• Consider the extinguisher. A fire extinguisher should have a gauge on it. If the needle is not in the green, the tank may not have the pressure needed to put the fire out. It may be a good idea to evacuate rather than try to use a faulty tool.
• Pull the pin. A small pin is used to keep the nozzle in an off position when the extinguisher is not in use. Before you can spray the foam inside and stop a kitchen fire, you need to pull out this pin.
• Aim the nozzle. For the best effect, you want the spray to hit the fire at its base. Point the nozzle in the right direction.
• Squeeze the trigger. You have to manually activate the extinguisher for the foam to come out. Try to keep your aim even when squeezing.
• Use a sweeping motion. You don't have to keep the nozzle completely stationery. You should actually sweep it from side to side at the base of the flames.

A fire extinguisher is a great safety tool you can put in your building. You should definitely have an extinguisher in areas prone to fires, such as kitchens. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROspringvalleyjamul.com/.