Thankfully, most people haven’t had to contain a fire. But take a moment to think about how you would react during a fire emergency. Would you know what to do? Knowing how to operate a fire extinguisher could mean the difference between minor damage and a full-scale disaster at your business.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Learn the PASS System
For an easy-to-remember 4-step process to operating a fire extinguisher, learn the PASS system:
- Pull the pin while holding the extinguisher away from you to unlock the mechanism.
- Aim low toward the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire.
Always test the fire extinguisher before approaching a fire to ensure it is functioning properly. Fire extinguishers should be tested annually by a reputable contractor and tagged with the date of inspection.
How to Select the Right Fire Extinguisher
When it comes to fire extinguisher safety, it’s also important to have the right tool for the job. Be prepared with the appropriate fire extinguisher based on the combustible materials you may come into contact with.
- Class A: Fires with ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
- Class B: Flammable/combustible liquid fires such as oil or gasoline
- Class C: Electrical fires or fires on electrical equipment
- Class D: Combustible metal fires such as sodium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, lithium or potassium.
- Class K: Combustible cooking media such as vegetable or animal oils and fats
Check your building to make sure that you have the appropriate fire extinguishers available. Keep in mind that travel distance to a fire extinguisher from any point in your building shouldn’t be more than 75 feet for ABC extinguishers and 30 feet for K extinguishers.
Video: Using a Class K Fire Extinguisher & Other Methods to Prevent Fires in Your Restaraunt Kitchen
Fire Safety Resources
Be prepared. Download this Fire Safety Checklist so you and your employees are ready to spring into action in a fire emergency.
Looking for more information to keep your business safe from fire risks? Browse our Fire Prevention blog series, including these topics and more:
- Clean Cooking Equipment to Prevent Grease Fires
- 7 Tips to Ensure Your Building Sprinkler System Will Protect You
- 8 Steps to Reduce the Risk of Fire at Your Bar or Restaurant
Download this PASS system infographic to share:
To learn more about how Society can help protect your business, contact your local Society Insurance agent.
