Fire extinguishers should not be used by people who have not been trained. Before tackling a fire with a fire extinguisher make sure that you or someone else has raised the fire alarm and that you have a safe evacuation route.
It is important to use the correct type of extinguisher for the type of substance that is burning (wood, oil, electrics, etc.):

Class A: Suitable for combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics.
Class B: Required when the fire involves flammable or combustible liquids such as petrol, kerosene, grease, and oil.
Class C: Best-suited for fires involving electrical equipment such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers, and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires!
Class D: For fires involving chemicals and combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium.
Class F: Designed for fires that involve cooking oils, trans-fats, or fats in cooking appliances that are typically found in restaurants.

To use the extinguisher effectively, use the four-step PASS technique:

 

 

• Pull the pin in the handle, this will break the tamper seal.

• Aim low, pointing the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Do not touch the horn on a CO2 extinguisher, it gets very cold and can damage the skin.

• Squeeze the handle/grip slowly to release the extinguishing agent.

• Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire, the fuel source, until the fire is out.

 

 

Attempting to put out a fire which is beyond your capabilities can prove very dangerous. Only tackle a fire in its very early stages and always ensure that you put your safety and that of others first.

 

If there is the slightest doubt or uncertainty about your ability to extinguish the fire, evacuate the building immediately and call the fire brigade.

If you cannot put out the fire or if the extinguisher becomes empty, evacuate yourself and everyone in the building immediately, closing all doors behind you as you go.