All You Need to Know about Fire Extinguishers!

Fire extinguishers. We all know what they look like and we all assume we would know how to use them in an emergency situation. We're here to tell you that fire extinguishers aren't as easy to use as some people may think. Luckily, Viking Automatic Sprinkler Co. is here to help!

While we hope you will never find yourself in a situation in which you'll need to use one, let's discuss the important things to know about these life-saving devices.

1. WHAT are they?

Fire extinguishers are devices used to control and/or extinguish small fires. There are different types of extinguishers for different types of fires. The five main types are Water, Foam, Powder, CO2, and Wet Chemical. It's important to make sure your building has the right type for the kind of fire that would be likely to occur in that environment.

2. WHY are they useful?

Fire extinguishers are meant for small fire still in their very beginning stages. If a fire is any bigger, get out immediately and call 911. A good way to think of fire extinguishers is as an aid in getting out alive rather than a device to douse a fire completely.

3. WHERE they should be kept?

Extinguishers should be stored in a sensible place and especially in areas that are prone to fires (furnace area, kitchen, workshop, etc.). It's important to store your fire extinguishers near the exits of the rooms they're in. This way, you can fight the fire from a place where it's easy for you to escape. Also, make sure they are easily accessible and not hidden behind a bunch of other items.

4. HOW to use them?

If you find yourself in a situation needing a fire extinguisher, just remember PASS. This is an age-old acronym that is used to walk you through each step.

• Pull the pin.
• Aim low at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever Release to stop the flow.
• Sweep from side to side until all flames are extinguished

5. WHEN should they be inspected?

Fire extinguishers should be visually inspected once a month. You should look for obvious signs of physical damage (corrosion, dents, leaks), as well as making sure the needle is in the green area on the pressure gauge. All extinguishers are required by NFPA and OSHA to be inspected annually. Find out more information about inspection and service HERE.