• Sometimes, knowing you have fire extinguishers at home, in your car, and at your workplace can lull you into a false sense of security. Since their use is rarely required, there is a tendency to forget about their required maintenance and efficiency. However, there are a number of ways fire extinguishers can become ineffective. To make sure your extinguisher will operate properly in an emergency, a fire extinguisher checklist can be a lifesaver.
  
  

Types of Fires and Appropriate Extinguishers

• Different types of fires require the use of different types of extinguishers and extinguishing agents. County Development Services of Thurston County, Washington issues the following information regarding classes of fire, the appropriate extinguisher / agent, and its monthly checklist.
  
  Class A: Ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, trash and rubber require water or multi-purpose, dry chemical extinguishers.
  
  Class B: Combustible liquids or gases such as gasoline, solvents, oil and lacquer require carbon dioxide, halon, or multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers.
  
  Class C: Energized electronics and appliances require extinguishers with a non-conducting agent, including carbon dioxide, multi-purpose dry chemical and halon. Never use water on a fire of this type.
  
  Class D: Combustible metals, such as lithium, magnesium and sodium require special extinguishers, methods and agents, including sand, sodium chloride and powdered copper metal.
  
  

Monthly Fire Extinguisher Checklist

• 1.The extinguisher's gauge should always register in the green range, which means it is neither over or undercharged. If it is not in the green range, it must be serviced.
  2.There is usually a plastic tie or seal that prevents the extinguisher from accidental discharge. If it is broken, you should assume the extinguisher is empty and in need of replacement or service.
  3.Make sure there are no obstructions in the nozzle or where the nozzle attaches to the extinguisher. A good way to check the nozzle is to detach it from the extinguisher and blow through it.
  4.Check to see that the extinguisher is full by gently rocking it your hands. You should be able to feel the contents shifting back-and-forth inside the canister. An added benefit of this technique is the prevention of the agent settling or "caking," which could render the extinguisher unusable.
  
  

Fire Extinguisher Placement Guidelines For the Workplace

• The following is based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines regarding fire extinguisher placement and labeling.
  
  1.Portable fire extinguishers should be mounted, located and identified for ready access.
  2.Extinguishers must be kept in their designated sites at all times.
  3.If the extinguisher is in a cabinet or behind a door, the door must be unobstructed and clearly labeled that it contains a fire extinguisher.
  4.When the extinguisher is behind glass in a locked container, the glass must be easily broken and labeled, "In case of fire, break glass."
  5.If the extinguisher is located in an area that could subject it to physical damage, the extinguisher must be protected from potential impact.