3 Tips for Proper Fire Extinguisher Use

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

OSHA recommends using the P.A.S.S. method to remind yourself of how to use your extinguisher

Prepare To Extinguish A Kitchen Fire

Whether in a restaurant or an office, one of the largest causes of fires is cooking equipment. Even with a fire extinguisher close at hand, would you or your employees be able to use it properly? Here are 3 tips to help you be better prepared to extinguish a kitchen fire.

Keep Yourself Safe
Before you try to stop a fire, you need to make sure that you can do so safely. Assess the size of the fire, the room and whether or not you have a clear escape path. When putting out a fire, you should back away from it and toward a door so that you aren’t surprised or cut off from escape.

The P.A.S.S. Method
A fire extinguisher might look simple enough, but using it to its full extent can take some forethought. To keep yourself levelheaded in an emergency, OSHA recommends using the P.A.S.S. method to remind yourself of how to use your extinguisher.

P – Pull the pin located under the handle.
A – Aim at the bottom of the flames.
S – Squeeze the handle when you are ready to put out the fire.
S – Sweep back and forth from left to right until the flames are out.

Watch closely after the flames are gone. If they reignite, leave the building and wait for the fire department.

After the Fire is Out
Once the emergency is over, the cleanup begins. A small accident might be tempting to try to clean up yourself, but there can be underlying fire damage. By having a commercial fire specialist to come out and assess the situation, you can get advice on what steps you should take toward restoration.
Using a fire extinguisher to combat flames takes a calm mind and a plan. Knowing where your exit is, how to pull the pin and who to call in New Hope, PA, for help will ensure you are prepared for a fire emergency.