Fire extinguishers are portable devices that can be used to extinguish small fires before
they become large or unmanageable. They are commonly found in homes, businesses, and other
public buildings, and are an important part of fire safety equipment.
Fire extinguishers work by using various agents to extinguish different types of fires. The
most common types of fire extinguishers include:
1- Water extinguishers: These extinguishers use water to extinguish fires involving ordinary
combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.
2- Foam extinguishers: These extinguishers use a foam concentrate to extinguish fires involving
liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease.
3- Dry chemical extinguishers: These extinguishers use a dry chemical powder to extinguish
fires involving flammable liquids and gases, as well as fires involving electrical
equipment.
4- Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: These extinguishers use carbon dioxide to extinguish
fires involving flammable liquids and gases, as well as fires involving electrical
equipment.
5- Halon extinguishers: These extinguishers use halon gas to extinguish fires involving
sensitive electronic equipment.
When using a fire extinguisher, it is important to remember the acronym PASS:
> Pull the pin
> Aim at the base of the fire
> Squeeze the handle
> Sweep from side to side
Fire extinguishers should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they
are in proper working condition. It is also important to ensure that the correct type of
extinguisher is used for the type of fire being extinguished, as using the wrong type of
extinguisher can be ineffective or even dangerous.