Portable Fire Extinguishers

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

As a business owner, it is required to have portable fire extinguishers throughout your business. These are handy in the event of a small fire in your business. However, in the event a fire arises; do you know how to use one?

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS:

1. Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
2. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Be sure to read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, extinguishers do have limitations. It is also important to ensure that you have the correct type of extinguisher for your facility.

To find more information on choosing the appropriate class of extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website at nfpa.org.