Where Should You Aim A Fire Extinguisher When Fighting A Fire?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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. You want to hit the fuel. Squeeze the top handle or lever.

Where should you position a fire extinguisher?

Extinguishers should be located

in conspicuous positions

, available at all times for immediate use and fitted on brackets or stands where they will be readily seen by any person following an escape route. Fire extinguishers should be securely hung on wall brackets.

Where do you stand when extinguishing a fire?


Stand back


Face the fire

and keep your back to the clear exit you earlier identified. You should stay between six and eight feet away from the flames as you prepare to operate the fire extinguisher.

Do fire extinguishers need to be mounted?

Fire extinguishers need to be

mounted to the wall

so that they are secure, visible, and readily accessible. It is also important to mount them in such a way that they cannot be easily moved or damaged.

Do fire extinguishers need a stand?

All business premises are legally required to have at least one fire extinguisher installed. Fire extinguishers should be installed in such a way that they cannot be easily moved. … Therefore fire extinguishers should all be wall-mounted, or

installed on a free-standing plinth or stand

.

What are the 3 methods of extinguishing a fire?

All fires can be extinguished by

cooling, smothering, starving or by interrupting the combustion process

to extinguish the fire. One of the most common methods of extinguishing a fire is by cooling with water.

What is the fastest way to extinguish a fire?

Luckily, Class A fires are the easiest type to extinguish. The Fire Equipment Manufacturer’s Association recommended using a

water or foam fire extinguisher

on Class A fires. You can also use water to douse the fire, as it can remove the fire’s heat supply.

What are the 4 types of fire?

  • Class A Fires. involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastics.
  • Class B Fires. involve flammable liquids, solvents, oil, gasoline, paints, lacquers and other oil-based products.
  • Class C Fires. …
  • Class D Fires. …
  • Class K Fires.

How much clearance is needed around a fire extinguisher?

Most authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) will expect

at least 36-inches

clearance in front of the extinguisher as long as it is still visible. They “borrow” this 36-inch clearance measurement from NFPA 70-2011, Article 110.26 for electrical control panels.

How high do fire extinguishers need to be mounted?


There is no height requirement listed

. However, in OSHA’s e-Tool for Evacuation Plans and Procedures, the agency states the following: “To prevent fire extinguishers from being moved or damaged, they should be mounted on brackets or in wall cabinets with the carrying handle placed 3-1/2 to 5 feet above the floor.

What is the minimum height for a fire extinguisher?

1 and NFPA 10 – 6.1. 3.8. 1: Fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 lb shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not

more than 5 ft above the floor

.

How many times can you use a fire extinguisher?

You can use a

fire extinguisher more than once

, as long as it is not damaged or expired, but it must be recharged between uses. It is important to check the label of the fire extinguisher, so you know if the one you have is reusable or not.

How often should a fire extinguisher be serviced?

Type of extinguisher Basic service Extended service Water-based 12-monthly [every year]

Every 5 years
Powder 12-monthly [every year] Every 5 years Powder-primary sealed 12-monthly [every year] Every 10 years Clean agent 12-monthly [every year] –

Which extinguisher is not for flammable liquids?


Water extinguishers

are used on Class A fires involving solid combustibles. They are not suitable for fires fuelled by flammable liquids or where electricity is involved.

What is starving of fire?

Starvation is

the process of depriving the fire of fuel

, i.e. combustible materials. Cooling is depriving the fire of heat, e.g. by applying a substance such as water that will absorb heat from the fire and reduce the temperature below the critical level needed to sustain the fire.

What is smothering extinguishing of fire?

*Smothering: Smothering is the

method of extinguishing the fire by removing the oxygen with blanketing fire with foam, sand etc

. *Cooling: Cooling is the process of extinguishing the fire by using water to lower the temperature.

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.