When someone yells, "Fire!" and you happen to have access to fire extinguishers, your initial reaction would most likely be to grab one and come to their rescue.
That, sadly, may not always be a good choice.
Yes, even though logic would tell us that a fire extinguisher is to fire like food is to hunger, there are a number of instances when it would be better for us to discard logic and avoid trying to put out fire using an extinguisher.
First off, you may not want to use a fire extinguisher if the fire is too big, or has already spread.
Use that logic again, and don't try to fight the fire if you're not sure you can put it out, or if you can't find your way out in case you fail.
You don't want to end up helpless in the middle of a nasty fire with an empty tube of extinguisher in hand.
Another instance would be if you are not sure what caused the fire in the first place.
At this point, you may also want to take the time to read the label on that tube you're holding.
All fire extinguishers are classified according to the types of fires they are meant to handle.
For quick reference, Class A fires are those caused by paper, wood, and other combustible materials; Class B fires are caused by fuel or oil and other flammable liquids; Class C are electrical fires caused by faulty installations, wirings, etc.
; and Class D are those caused by combustible metals like magnesium.
Right, there are types of fire.
Lucky for you, most common fire extinguishers you can get these days are good for class A, B and C fires.
The class D ones are usually for industrial use.
Fire extinguishers are either cartridge-operated or stored pressure type.
The more common ones around are the stored pressure type.
This type, however, requires periodic servicing and maintenance to make sure the chemicals and agents inside are okay for use.
If the one you're holding hasn't been serviced, it may not be in good condition - don't use it.
Now, unless otherwise mentioned, the really logical course of action is to go ahead and try to put the fire out with fire extinguisher.
That is, of course, after having made sure you know how to use it properly, and you have overcome your instinct to panic and start running around yelling "Fire!"
That, sadly, may not always be a good choice.
Yes, even though logic would tell us that a fire extinguisher is to fire like food is to hunger, there are a number of instances when it would be better for us to discard logic and avoid trying to put out fire using an extinguisher.
First off, you may not want to use a fire extinguisher if the fire is too big, or has already spread.
Use that logic again, and don't try to fight the fire if you're not sure you can put it out, or if you can't find your way out in case you fail.
You don't want to end up helpless in the middle of a nasty fire with an empty tube of extinguisher in hand.
Another instance would be if you are not sure what caused the fire in the first place.
At this point, you may also want to take the time to read the label on that tube you're holding.
All fire extinguishers are classified according to the types of fires they are meant to handle.
For quick reference, Class A fires are those caused by paper, wood, and other combustible materials; Class B fires are caused by fuel or oil and other flammable liquids; Class C are electrical fires caused by faulty installations, wirings, etc.
; and Class D are those caused by combustible metals like magnesium.
Right, there are types of fire.
Lucky for you, most common fire extinguishers you can get these days are good for class A, B and C fires.
The class D ones are usually for industrial use.
Fire extinguishers are either cartridge-operated or stored pressure type.
The more common ones around are the stored pressure type.
This type, however, requires periodic servicing and maintenance to make sure the chemicals and agents inside are okay for use.
If the one you're holding hasn't been serviced, it may not be in good condition - don't use it.
Now, unless otherwise mentioned, the really logical course of action is to go ahead and try to put the fire out with fire extinguisher.
That is, of course, after having made sure you know how to use it properly, and you have overcome your instinct to panic and start running around yelling "Fire!"
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