extiguishers

Fire extinguishers are portable devices that enable occupants to control small, early-stage fires. They provide a first line of defense, allowing people to suppress a fire and exit safely, but they are not a substitute for calling emergency services or for building fire protection systems.

Extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they are designed to fight: Class A for ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper; Class B for flammable liquids; Class C for energized electrical equipment; Class D for combustible metals; and Class K for cooking oils and fats. Many extinguishers are multi-class (for example, ABC) and use dry chemical powder to cover several fire types; others rely on water, foam, CO2, or wet chemical media tailored to specific hazards.

Selection and placement should reflect the risk profile of a building. Extinguishers are typically sized and rated for the likely fire loads, mounted in visible, accessible locations near exits, and clearly signed. Routine checks ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range and that tamper seals and labels remain intact.

To use a portable extinguisher, operators should follow the PASS technique: Pull the safety pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. If the fire cannot be controlled quickly, evacuate and contact authorities.

Maintenance and testing follow national or regional standards. Users should perform monthly visual inspections, with professional servicing and hydrostatic testing at recommended intervals (typically every 5 to 12 years depending on type). Records should be kept for inspections, maintenance, and recharging after use.