Proper Procedures

We observed 18 inexperienced volunteers attempt to put out fires with 10 test units. What we found was that in the heat of the moment reading the directions on the extinguisher was an after-thought. As a result, improper technique was the norm. The take home point is to know how to use a fire extinguisher before you are in a situation where you have to use it.

Fire extinguishers are labeled according to the type of fire on which they may be used. Fires involving wood or cloth, flammable liquids, electrical current or a combination of those will each react differently to extinguishers. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on a particular type of fire could be dangerous and make matters even worse.

Simply Remember the P-A-S-S Word!

1. Pull the pin at the top of the cylinder
2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze or press the handle
4. Sweep the contents from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out

Fire extinguishers are labeled with the type of fire they can suppress. Most common marine fire extinguisher will be labeled as B:C or A:B:C.

Take a look at your fire extinguisher onboard. 'B:C' rated fire extinguishers are not meant to fight 'A' fires. After our tester’s attempt to put out this fire, it flared up again

The instructions for using a fire extinguisher are virtually the same from one unit to the next. It's important to become familiar with them in advance because you're not likely to take the time to read them in the "heat" of the moment.