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If you encounter a fire, a portable fire extinguisher can help protect you and possibly stop the fire in its tracks. This article covers how portable fire extinguishers work and how to use them.
Secure Your Exit
The first and most important purpose of a portable fire extinguisher is to help people escape. Portable fire extinguishers can clear fire away from your escape route or help keep an exit open for others. You should know where extinguishers are located and how to operate them. This helps ensure safe evacuations.
Fight the Fire
The second purpose of a portable fire extinguisher is to fully extinguish fires. This requires training. Portable fire extinguishers cannot extinguish large fires. Many employers do not want their employees fighting fires no matter the size. If this is the case, the extinguishers in your workplace may only be for protecting escape routes. If your employer wants you to fight small fires, they will train you.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are rated to fight different classes of fire. Most extinguishers are rated to fight A, B and C fires, but not all. Make sure the fire extinguisher you use will work on the fire you’re facing. The wrong extinguisher could make things worse.
