If your fire extinguisher has been sitting in the corner gathering dust for many years, when the time comes to take action in an emergency, you might be more than a little unsure of how to handle it.

It’s important to know how to hold a fire extinguisher to use it effectively, which is why this month at Fire Safety Equipment, we’ve got a guide on the topic, as well as additional helpful information.

Remember — if you need new or replacement fire extinguishers for your property, you’ll find everything you need in our dedicated online store!

6 steps on how to hold a fire extinguisher

• 1. Choose the right extinguisher – In a panic, you might grab any extinguisher, but you should always take a moment to think: is it the right type to use for this particular fire class? Read more about this in our article “5 Different Classes of Fire”. You should also give thought to whether the extinguisher is the right size to tackle the fire, taking into consideration whether you’ll be able to lift the unit safely using the handle. We stock a variety of fire extinguisher sizes in our range, making it easy to get the right equipment
• 2. Identify your escape route – Before you start to use the fire extinguisher, be certain that you know where your nearest fire exit and escape routes are. This will ensure that, should the fire spread and become unsafe to tackle with the extinguisher, you can swiftly and safely leave.
• 3. Use the extinguisher! – When the time comes to use the extinguisher, there are several steps to keep in mind. To make this easier during what can be a tense moment, remember the PASS acronym, which stands for:

1. P: Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher
2. A: Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames (unless using a wet chem unit)
3. S: Squeeze the handle to begin discharging the extinguishant
4. S: Sweep with the nozzle in a side-to-side motion, keeping your aim at the base of the flames to extinguish and push the fire back

• 4. Stay vigilant – As you carry out the PASS technique, keep your eye on your surroundings to ensure the flames haven’t spread. If the fire reignites and becomes unmanageable, don’t hesitate to evacuate.
• 5. Evacuate – If you feel the fire has grown too large to tackle with the extinguisher, put it down and evacuate the building via the nearest safe exit. You should gather at the designated evacuation point away from the building.
• 6. Call 999 – If no one has called the fire brigade by this point, and the flames haven’t been put out with you using the fire extinguisher, you should do so at this point. Always make sure you get out safely before stopping to call 999.
  

Why is it important to hold a fire extinguisher properly?

You might not think that holding a fire extinguisher is that important in the grand scheme of things, but there are several reasons you need to get it right, including:

• A risk of injury – If you can’t lift the unit properly or hold it safely when discharging it, you could injure yourself or others.
• It will be less effective – Not holding the unit the right way could cost you precious time when a fire is still small, allowing it to get bigger and meaning you miss the window of opportunity to tackle the fire safely.
• The unit won’t discharge – If you skip some of the steps detailed above, particularly in the PASS technique, you’ll find the extinguisher won’t discharge at all, rendering it useless.

Should my team have fire extinguisher training?

Simply put, yes. 

Fire safety training, especially in how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, is super useful for everyone in your building. The more people you have trained on how to effectively and safely put out a small fire using the right extinguisher, the better chance you have of saving lives and protecting assets.

The time and cost of training will no doubt pay off in an emergency and it shows any staff you have that you care about their well-being in the workplace. Many different companies provide expert training, so there’s no excuse for not signing up for it!

Make sure your building has the right type of fire extinguisher to meet the risks present by shopping for fire extinguishers online right here at Fire Safety Equipment. We stock units for all different applications, with various types and sizes available — that means you can do all your ordering in one handy place. We’ll then provide quality extinguishers with fast, free delivery, making it easy to get everything you need.

Order fire extinguishers online today to provide the right protection no matter what industry you operate in.