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Create a picture in your mind
that will reflect the instructions on the extinguisher: if there's a fire,
get everyone outside and ask a member of your family to call the fire
department from a neighbour's house. Only then should you permit yourself to
fight a small fire. If the fire becomes large, get out. |
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Close doors behind you to slow the spread of the fire. A fire extinguisher
is a storage container for an agent like water or chemicals. It is designed
to put out a small fire, not a large one. Extinguishers are labeled ABC or
D. Ensure you use the right extinguisher for the appropriate type of fire.
A. Ordinary Combustibles – Fires started with paper, wood, drapes and
upholstery require a Class A type extinguisher.
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B. Flammable and Combustible Liquids – Fires originating from fuel oil,
gasoline, paint, grease in a frying pan, solvents and other flammable
liquids require a Class B type extinguisher.
C. Electrical Equipment – Fires started with wiring, overheated fuse boxes,
conductors, and other electrical sources require a Class C type
extinguisher.
D. Metals – Certain metals such as magnesium and sodium require a special
dry powder Class D type extinguisher.
A multi-purpose dry chemical labelled ABC puts out most types of fires:
wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquids and electrical fires. If you intend to
buy more than one, you may want to purchase a BC for the kitchen, an A for
the living room and an ABC for the basement and garage.
Buying and Maintaining an Extinguisher
1. Extinguishers come in a dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water, or
Halon form. Whatever type you buy, it should be labeled by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory.
2. The higher the number rating on the extinguisher, the more fire it puts
out. High rated extinguishers are often (not always) the heavier models.
Ensure you can hold and operate the one you buy comfortably.
3. Ask your dealer how to have your extinguisher serviced and inspected.
Recharge it after ANY use. A partially used extinguisher might as well be
empty.
4. Extinguishers should be installed near an escape route and away from
potential fire hazards.
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