Classifications of Fire:

Many household fire extinguishers are "multipurpose" A-B-C models.

Class A: Wood, paper and other combustible solids

Class B: Fuel, Oil, and other combustible liquids Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paint.

Class C: Electrical

CLASS D Certain combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These metals burn at high temperatures and give off sufficient oxygen to support combustion. They may react violently with water or other chemicals, and must be handled with care.

IDENTIFY THE PROPER FIRE EXTINGUISHER

All ratings are shows on the extinguisher faceplate. Some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB, BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than one class of fire.

Class A and B extinguishers carry a numerical rating that indicates how large a fire an experienced person can safely put out with that extinguisher.

Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating to indicate that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electrical current. Class C extinguishers must also carry a Class A or B rating.

Class D extinguishers carry only a letter rating indicating their effectiveness on certain amounts of specific metals.

HOW TO INSPECT YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Know the locations of the fire extinguishers in your work area.

Make sure the class of the extinguisher is safe to use on fires likely to occur in the immediate area.

Check the plastic seal holding the pin in the extinguisher handle. Has the extinguisher been tampered with or used before? Report any broken/missing seals/pins to the Fire Safety Unit at 325-1015.

Look at the gauge and feel the weight. Is the extinguisher full? Does it need to be recharged?

Water, some foam, and dry chemical extinguishers have gauges indicating the pressure inside the extinguisher. The pressure needle should be in the "green" area (generally 100-175 lbs., depending on the type of agent).

CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers are high pressure cylinders with pressures ranging from 1500 lb to 2150 lb. These extinguishers DO NOT have gauges and must be weighed by Fire Safety Unit staff to determine the amount of contents remaining.

Make sure the pin, nozzle and nameplate are intact.

Be aware of the condition of your area's extinguishers by visual inspection on a frequent basis to ensure you have a working extinguisher there when you need one.

Report any missing, empty or damaged fire extinguishers whenever you notice any discrepancies.

The APPEARENCE of different types of extinguishers:

Generally, you can tell with a glance which type an extinguisher is hanging on the wall, or in the cabinet, just by looking at its shape. Check the labels of the extinguishers in your area and note the color and shape/size of the extinguisher. This may help if someone runs in to help you fight a fire with the WRONG extinguisher (i.e. water on an electrical fire) - you can STOP them before they are injured or make matters worse!

A BC-rated multipurpose dry powder extinguishers are the most common on campus, particularly in the corridors of academic buildings.

They are almost always RED in color and have either a long narrow hose or no hose (just a short nozzle). These extinguishers are very light (5-25 lbs total weight) Halon extinguishers look virtually identical to ABC multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers.

Water extinguishers are generally only found in the dormitories and are usually SILVER (crome-metal) in color, have a flat bottom, have a long narrow hose, are quite large (2-1/2 gallons). Foam extinguishers (rare on the campus, nowadays) look similar and the type without gauges have a handle inset in the flat bottom (you turn the extinquisher upside down to start it and use it)

CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers are generally red (often yellow around aircraft or on military sites), have a LARGE "tapered" nozzle (horn), are VERY HEAVY (15-85 lbs.) -some CO2 extinguishers for aircraft hangers or special industrial use are so large as to require roll-around carts to move them. These are all high-pressure cylinders. Care should be used not to drop a CO2 cylinder; if it is damaged it can punch a hole through the nearest wall(s) and end up on the other side of campus! (The containers are quite sturdy, but don't abuse them.) CO2 cylinders do not have a pressure gauge - they must be weighed to determine the amount of contents.

WARNING! It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled ""ONLY for Class A Fires" on a grease or electrical fire.

Installation and Maintenance

Install your fire extinguishers in plain view. Keep them out of reach of children and away from stoves and heating appliances.

Read the operator's manual to learn how to inspect and maintain your fire extinguisher. Extinguishers require routine care.

Rechargeable extinguishers must be serviced after every use. There is a list of service companies in the yellow pages. Disposable fire extinguishers can only be used once. Replace disposable extinguishers after use.

Before Fighting the Fire

Keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire.

Follow this 4 step procedure.

Remember the PASS word

Pull the pin. This unlocks the operating ever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have a different release device.

Aim low: Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire with the nozzle or hose.

Squeeze the lever above the handle: This will discharge the extinguisher's contents. To stop the discharge, release the lever. Some extinguishers may have a button instead of a lever.

Sweep from side to side: Aim and keep the extinguisher at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. While doing this, move carefully toward the fire. Repeat the process if the fire reignites.