What Happens When You Pull The Pin On A Fire Extinguisher?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Pull the pin. This

will allow you to discharge the extinguisher

. Aim at the base of the fire. If you aim at the flames (which is frequently the temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good.

What is safety pin in fire extinguisher?

There is a small pin that

prevents the fire extinguisher from accidentally being used

, all you have to do is pull it out and continue on to the next step.

Can you use a fire extinguisher after you pull the pin?

Once the pin has been pulled and the trigger depressed, the canister can lose pressure, making the extinguisher useless in the case of a future emergency. Some experts recommend recharging, repinning and reusing a

fire extinguisher

just once, and then disposing of it according to local regulations.

What is the pin at the top of the extinguisher?

The first step is to pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin is

in place to prevent the handle from being accidently pressed

. Immediately test the extinguisher before approaching the fire to ensure it is working correctly.

What will happen if the safety pin is not pulled?

Without that safety pin,

the extinguisher could be partially discharged or triggered

. The seal will also contain a date indicating the last time it was inspected.

Why do you squeeze the trigger slowly and evenly?


If the extinguisher is too heavy to hold properly

, place on the floor next to you and operate. Squeeze the trigger. Squeeze slowly and evenly. This action will release CO2 and expel it through the discharge horn.

How do you remove a fire extinguisher pin?

Pull the pin.

Every fire extinguisher has a pin inserted into the handle that prevents the fire extinguisher from being discharged by accident.

Grab the ring and pull the pin out from the side of the handle

. Now that the extinguisher is ready to discharge, hold the device so the nozzle is pointed away from you.

What does passing safety mean?

It’s easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep

.

What is the four 4 step process to using a fire extinguisher?


Approach the fire standing at a safe distance. Aim the nozzle or outlet towards the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handles together to discharge the extinguishing agent inside. To stop discharge, release the handles.

Where do you aim foam extinguishers?

With the foam extinguisher on the ground a safe distance from the fire, remove the safety pin and break the tamper seal.

Aim the hose at the base of the fire with one hand

. Don’t aim for the flames, but instead for the base moving the jet across the area of the fire to cover the flammable liquid.

What should you never use to put out an electrical fire?


Don’t use water

to put it out.

Water is a natural conductor of electricity and if you throw water on an electrical fire, you can get shocked or electrocuted. Also, water may enable to fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room and potentially igniting flammable materials.

What are Class B extinguishers?

Class B. Class B fires involve

flammable and combustible liquids such

as gasoline, alcohol, oil-based paints, lacquers. Therefore, extinguishers with a B rating are designed to extinguish fires involving flammable and combustible liquids.

Can a fire extinguisher go off by itself?

While a leaking or depressurized fire extinguisher isn’t dangerous in and of itself (the gas won’t cause damage to people, for example), its

dangers are nevertheless serious

. A lack of pressure causes a fire extinguisher to be inoperable.

How much PSI is in a fire extinguisher?

An extinguisher needs enough charge so that when it is discharged, there is an ample amount of dry chemical with a velocity sufficient enough to propel the chemical 10-20 feet. The range of a properly charged extinguisher is between

185-205 p.s.i.

This value is displayed on the pressure gauge.

What is the pass method used for?

Use the PASS technique for

discharging an extinguisher and back away from the area if the fire flares up again

. If the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out, evacuate immediately. If the fire grows beyond what can be safely handled, evacuate immediately.

How long does a fire extinguisher last when using it?

When to Replace a Fire Extinguisher

Even if there’s no expiration date, it won’t last forever. Manufacturers say most extinguishers should work for

5 to 15 years

, but you might not know if you got yours three years ago or 13. So how can you be sure it will fire away?

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.