Are you sure you are using your fire extinguisher in the right way? Read this article to find out.
A majority of people who own a fire extinguisher don’t know how to use it. This is because there isn’t much information online about how to use a fire extinguisher. Plus, those who know how to use an extinguisher, fail to do so when a fire accident takes place because of the severity of the situation. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common mistakes one should avoid when using a fire extinguisher.
Let’s begin.
Not Following the Instructions
Each and every fire extinguisher will have a list of instructions on the container, which you can’t afford to avoid. Some people make the mistake of ignoring those instructions and end up mishandling the fire extinguisher during an emergency. It is essential to read the instructions beforehand because during an emergency, you are in a state of panic and you may misread and misinterpret the instructions, which can put you and others around you in a lot of danger. Plus, if you read the instructions while there is a fire, you will be wasting precious time.
There are different types of fire extinguishers that put out different types of fire. You should be able to identify the extinguisher you have and the types of fire it can put out.
Standing Too Close to the Fire
Another common mistake people make when using a fire extinguisher is that they stand too close to the fire. It is extremely important to maintain a safe distance from the fire as you use the fire extinguisher. If you use the fire extinguisher while standing too close to the fire, you might increase the fire and burn yourself instead. On the other hand, if you are too far away from the fire, you may not put the fire out in an effective manner. The distance between you and the fire shouldn’t be less than 8 feet. By maintaining the recommended distance, the likelihood of putting out the fire increases.
Pulling the Pin
During an emergency, most people forget to pull the pin out. Remember that unless you pull the pin, your extinguisher will be useless. The pin is a measure of precaution. It keeps us from using the fire extinguisher accidentally. However, with the pin in place, the extinguisher is just a useless machine that refuses to work.
Make sure not to make any of the mistakes mentioned above when you are using a fire extinguisher.
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