Fire Safety for International Schools

Module 3 – Using Fire Extinguishers

Introduction

Welcome to module three of your course on Fire Safety in Education. In the previous module we looked at
fire risks and fire safety signage. In this module we will look at the different types of fire extinguisher, and
when and how to use them.

When to use a fire extinguisher

The fire fighting equipment in your building is only designed to extinguish a small fire – no larger than a
waste paper basket.

If you are unsure or in any doubt, evacuate the premises, close the door on the fire and leave the
fire and rescue service to deal with it.

Many people put out small fires quite safely; however there are some simple rules.

1. Do not tackle a fire which is beyond your capabilities.

2. Fire extinguishers are only for fighting a fire in its very early stages.
3. Never tackle a fire if it is starting to spread or has spread to other items.
4. If you cannot put out the fire or if the extinguisher becomes empty, remove yourself and everyone
else from the risk.
5. Always put your own and other peoples’ safety first.

If you do decide to tackle the fire, remember the important safety points outlined in this module and if you
can, ask a colleague for help.

Before taking action assess the fire and the dangers it may pose.

What is on fire? – This will determine which extinguisher type is suitable.

Is it larger than a waste paper basket? – If it is, do not attempt to tackle the fire.

Is it very smoky? – Smoke is dangerous as it can affect your breathing and your visibility. If the fire is
smoking profusely, do not attempt to tackle it.

Is your escape clear? – Remember to keep checking that your means of escape is not becoming cut-off
by spreading smoke.

The information in this course was current in July 2017.

Whilst EduCare Learning Ltd. have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice
in all aspects, EduCare Learning Ltd. exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and EduCare Learning Ltd. make
no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by EduCare Learning Ltd.
Training

The training in this course should be supplemented with the opportunity to discharge different types of fire
extinguisher. Your organisation’s annual fire extinguisher service is the ideal time to carry this out as using
fire extinguishers which are due their periodic discharge is a cost-effective way to receive training.

Which fire extinguisher should I use?

There are several different types of fire extinguisher, so understanding the types found in your building
could prove invaluable; using the wrong one may make the situation worse.

Fire can be extinguished by removing any one of the elements of the fire triangle – heat, fuel or oxygen.

Fire extinguishers work by expelling an extinguishing medium from the body of the fire extinguisher under
pressure; this can be controlled by the fire extinguisher lever which controls the valve to start and stop it.

Fire extinguishers are provided as part of the control measures detailed in your organisation’s fire risk
assessment.

As discussed in the previous module, there are several classes of fire and there are several types of fire
extinguisher to deal with them.

Colours of Fire Extinguishers in Europe

Fire extinguishers are predominantly red in Europe but may have a colour-coded area sited above or within
the instructions which denotes the type of fire extinguisher.

Water - Red

Foam - Cream

Dry powder - Blue

Carbon dioxide - Black

Wet chemical - Yellow

These fire extinguishers are designed to deal with any class of fire that may arise and although some can
deal with several classes, each one is particularly suitable for a certain class of fire.

Make a note of which types of fire extinguisher you have on site and those that are within the vicinity of the
area where you work.

The information in this course was current in July 2017.

Whilst EduCare Learning Ltd. have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice
in all aspects, EduCare Learning Ltd. exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and EduCare Learning Ltd. make
no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by EduCare Learning Ltd.
Water

Water fire extinguishers are suitable for use in environments containing solid combustible materials. They
are limited in their use but are effective on class A fires (fires involving flammable solids).

Water extinguishers can vary in size, and can be very heavy; the largest extinguisher can weigh around
14.5 kilograms.

The water extinguisher is only for use on class A fires (in Europe)

Although you cannot use a water extinguisher on electrics, many water spray types have passed a 35
kilovolt test, which means if you accidentally discharged the fire extinguisher onto an electrical appliance
you should not get electrocuted.

Water fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by cooling; the water uses the heat from the fire to become
steam.

Dry Powder

Dry Powder fire extinguishers are ideal for use in mixed risk environments and offer excellent all-round
protection.

Dry powder extinguishers should not be used in enclosed spaces or escape routes as they can
reduce visibility significantly.

Dry powder extinguishers work by adhering to the burning fuel, smothering the fire. The powder also
chemically inhibits the combustion process, preventing reignition.

These extinguishers are often located in plant rooms – rooms generally used to house large machinery, for
example boilers, air conditioning and main electrical cabinets.

Foam

Foams are effective on class A* fires and class B* fires (fires involving flammable liquids and liquefiable
solids).

Like the water extinguisher, many spray foam extinguishers have passed a 35 kilovolt test, so you should
not be harmed if you accidentally use the extinguisher with electrics.

Foam fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by cooling; the water content reduces the heat available. They
can also form a layer on top of burning liquids preventing oxygen reaching it and the further escape of
vapour.

The foam extinguisher has the ability to prevent ignition by spraying over spilled flammable liquids.
*Only in Europe – Classes of fire change from country to country.

The information in this course was current in July 2017.

Whilst EduCare Learning Ltd. have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice
in all aspects, EduCare Learning Ltd. exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and EduCare Learning Ltd. make
no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by EduCare Learning Ltd.
Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are for use on live electrical equipment as the gas is able to reach the
interior of the equipment. As it is considered a ‘clean agent’, it does not cause property or material damage.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers can also be used on class B fires (fires involving flammable liquids and
liquefiable solids), but there is a risk of reignition if the gas dissipates quickly, especially if used outdoors.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish a fire by removing the oxygen.

These extinguishers are relatively light-weight, making them user-friendly and therefore common in office
environments.

The initial discharge can be very noisy and can alarm people who are not used to it.

Wet chemical

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are effective on class F fires (fires involving cooking fats and oils) but they
can also be used on class A fires (fires involving flammable solids).

The wet chemical extinguisher discharges as a spray and prevents dangerous splashes of hot grease.
These extinguishers are often found in kitchen environments with deep fat fryers.

Wet chemical extinguishers work by ‘saponification’, a process in which the wet chemical agent combines
with the grease to form a soapy layer at the surface of the grease to seal off the fuel from the oxygen; this
also prevents reignition.

Using the extinguisher – P.A.S.S

As we have seen, fire extinguishers are available in a number of classes and sizes, but they all operate in a
similar manner.

A useful acronym that is often used to remember how to use fire extinguishers is P.A.S.S

Pull the safety pin: Break the safety tag and pull the safety pin from the fire extinguisher lever.

Aim the nozzle: Remove the hose from its holder, holding the hose firmly at the end and aim it at the
base of the fire.

Squeeze: Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the fire extinguishing agent.

Sweep: Sweep the hose from side to side quickly to spread the extinguishing agent over the fire until the
fire diminishes.

The information in this course was current in July 2017.

Whilst EduCare Learning Ltd. have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice
in all aspects, EduCare Learning Ltd. exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and EduCare Learning Ltd. make
no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by EduCare Learning Ltd.
Operating instructions and the use of fire extinguishers information is located on the fire
extinguisher itself. It is important to check the instructions on the fire extinguishers in your
building.

Before approaching the fire, test the fire extinguisher first by discharging it to the side of the fire, then
squeeze the lever slowly to begin discharging the extinguisher, and sweep the extinguishing material
across the base of the fire in a fast sweeping motion.

How to use a fire extinguisher – Water

The following demonstrations are based on EU fire safety regulations and may differ from your own
country. Please familiarise yourself with your appropriate extinguishers.

Jet type

Quickly check that there is no live electrical equipment in the area.

Aiming the extinguisher

Fires spreading horizontally: Aim the hose at the base of the fire, moving the jet across the area
of the fire.
Fire spreading vertically: Aim the hose at the base of the fire, slowly moving the jet upwards following the
direction of the fire.

Ensure all the fire has been extinguished; try to focus on any hot spots that may reignite.

Spray type

Spray type water extinguishers work largely in the same way, however, the distance over which an
extinguisher can expel its contents can vary. Jet type discharge will travel a considerably further distance
than a spray type.

How to use a fire extinguisher – Dry Powder

Aiming the extinguisher

Solid materials: aim the hose at the base of the flames, moving across the area of the fire.

Spilled liquids: aim the hose at the near edge of the fire and with a rapid sweeping motion, drive the fire
towards the far edge until all the flames have been extinguished.

Flowing liquid: direct the hose at the base of the flames and sweep upwards until all the flames have been
extinguished.

Electrical equipment: switch off the power (if safe to do so) and then direct the hose straight at the fire.
The information in this course was current in July 2017.

Whilst EduCare Learning Ltd. have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice
in all aspects, EduCare Learning Ltd. exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and EduCare Learning Ltd. make
no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by EduCare Learning Ltd.
Squeeze the lever slowly to begin discharging the extinguisher, as the fire starts to diminish carefully move
closer to it.

Ensure all the fire has been extinguished; reignition can be possible when a powder fire extinguisher has
been used.

NOTE: Dry powders can reduce visibility because of the tendency to cloud. Do not use in
confined spaces

How to use a fire extinguisher – Foam

Aiming the extinguisher

Flammable liquids: Aim the hose at a vertical surface near the fire, do not spray directly at the fire as this
could cause the fire to be pushed and spread to surrounding areas. Foam extinguishers allow a build-up of
foam across the surface of the fire causing it to be smothered.

Solid combustibles: Aim the hose at the base of the fire, sweeping across the area of the fire.

As the fire starts to diminish carefully move closer to it.

Ensure all the fire has been extinguished; the foam creates a blanket over the fire and helps to prevent
reignition.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher – Carbon Dioxide

Aim the horn at a 45 degree angle from the body of the extinguisher. The horn should stay in place; if it
does not, do not use the fire extinguisher.

Do not hold the horn as it becomes extremely cold during use and can lead to frost burns. Double-lined or
frost-free horns help eliminate this possibility.

Aiming the extinguisher

Electrical equipment: Switch off the power (if safe to do so) and then direct the horn across the base
of the fire.

As the fire starts to diminish carefully move closer to it. Ensure all the fire has been extinguished; reignition
is possible when a CO2 extinguisher has been used.

Flammable liquids: Aim the horn at the base of the fire and move across the area.

NOTE: Carbon dioxide extinguishers can be noisy on initial discharge.

The information in this course was current in July 2017.

Whilst EduCare Learning Ltd. have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice
in all aspects, EduCare Learning Ltd. exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and EduCare Learning Ltd. make
no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by EduCare Learning Ltd.
How to use a fire extinguisher – Wet Chemical

Hold the hose at arm's length, well above the fire with its nozzle at least one metre away from the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly to begin discharging the extinguisher.

Normally the hose on a fire extinguisher is flexible all the way to the nozzle. On some wet chemical
extinguishers the bottom half of the hose is a stiff metal section. This is known as a lance and allows the
user to control the flow of the discharge better.

Aiming the extinguisher

Apply the fine spray in slow circular movements, this allows the wet chemical agent to fall gently onto the
surface of the fire and helps to prevent hot oils splashing on to the user.

Discharge the entire contents of the extinguisher to ensure that all of the fire has been extinguished; the
wet chemical formula helps to prevent reignition.

In summary

It is essential that you only tackle a fire if you are able, and it is safe to do so. Remember the five rules:

1. Do not tackle a fire which is beyond your capabilities.

2. Fire extinguishers are only for fighting a fire in its very early stages.
3. Never tackle a fire if it is starting to spread or has spread to other items.
4. If you cannot put out the fire or if the extinguisher becomes empty, remove yourself and everyone
else from the risk.
5. Always put your own and other peoples’ safety first.

In this module we have covered the different types of fire extinguisher, and when and how to use them. In
the next module we will look at what to do in the case of a major fire and your setting’s fire procedures.

The information in this course was current in July 2017.

Whilst EduCare Learning Ltd. have made every effort to ensure that the courses and their content have been devised and written by leading experts who have ensured that they reflect best practice
in all aspects, EduCare Learning Ltd. exclude their liability of the consequences of any errors, omission or incorrect statements to the fullest extent permitted by law and EduCare Learning Ltd. make
no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of any statements or other content in the course.

No part of this material may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system
without permission in writing by EduCare Learning Ltd.