Fire Extinguishers
Geneva firefighters train dozens of people every year in the proper use of fire extinguishers.
The Geneva Fire
Department offers classes in the proper use of fire
extinguishers to businesses in the City of Geneva. To arrange a
class for your business, contact the
Fire Chief.
Below are some tips for using a fire extinguisher properly. This
site
DOES NOT eliminate the need to take a
class. Before fighting
a fire:
- Be sure you know how to operate your
fire extinguisher and know the proper technique for fighting
fires.
- Be sure you have an unobstructed
escape route should you fail to extinguish the fire.
- Know what materials are burning, and
be sure the extinguisher you are using is capable of
fighting the fire. Consider the possible danger posed by
hazardous or highly flammable materials near the fire area.
It is reckless to fight a fire under any other
circumstances. Instead, leave immediately, closing all doors
leading to the fire area as you exit.
Remember the PASS-word
Keep your
back to an exit and, depending on the size of your extinguisher,
stand 10 to 20 feet away from the fire. Follow the four-step
PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out
immediately, leave the area at once.
Portable
fire extinguishers discharge faster than most people think --
many within 15 to 30 seconds.
- PULL
the pin: This unlocks the operating
lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.
- AIM
low: Point the extinguisher hose (or
nozzle) at the base of the fire.
- SQUEEZE
the lever: This discharges the
extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the
discharge. (See special operating instructions for
cartridge-operated dry-chemical extinguishers.)
- SWEEP
from side to side: Moving carefully
toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of
the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to
be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire reignites, repeat
the process. Always be sure the fire department inspects the
fire site, even if you think you've extinguished the fire.