How to Use a Fire Extinguisher – Safety Tips for Buildings

Fires can start in seconds, and in those moments, knowing what to do can save lives. While fire extinguishers are essential tools, many people freeze or delay using them. In fact, the NFPA reports that over 70% of people hesitate during a fire due to lack of knowledge.

A fire extinguisher isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. From choosing the right type to knowing how to use a fire extinguisher, preparation is key. In this quick guide, you’ll learn the basics of safe usage, key safety tips, and simple maintenance steps, because in an emergency, confidence and readiness make all the difference.

Why Fire Extinguisher Knowledge Matters

In an emergency, every second counts. A fire extinguisher is your first line of defense against a small, contained fire. But if you don’t know how to use it, or worse, use it incorrectly, you may put yourself and others at greater risk.

Proper training can:

1. Save lives
2. Prevent costly property damage
3. Reduce panic in high-stress situations
4. Ensure compliance with building safety codes

When Should You Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Use a fire extinguisher only if these conditions are met:

1. The fire is small and contained (like in a wastebasket)
2.  The fire is not spreading
3.  Everyone has exited the building safely
4.  The fire department has been called
5.  The room is not filled with smoke

Tip: If the fire is growing, get out immediately and let professionals handle it. For more complex fire risks, installing our fire sprinkler system can provide an automatic response.

The PASS Technique – How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

The easiest way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is by the acronym PASS:

•  P – Pull the Pin

Hold the extinguisher upright and pull the pin located at the top. This unlocks the handle and prepares it for use.

•  A – Aim the Nozzle

Stand about 6–8 feet away and aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire—not the flames.

•  S – Squeeze the Handle

Squeeze the handles together to release the extinguishing agent. Keep the pressure consistent.

•  S – Sweep Side to Side

Move the nozzle in a sweeping motion across the base of the fire. Continue until the flames are fully extinguished or the extinguisher is empty.

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types

Class	Types	Examples
A	Ordinary combustibles	Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics
B	Flammable liquids	Gasoline, oil, grease, solvents, paints
C	Electrical fires	Appliances, wiring, circuit breakers, outlets
D	Combustible metals	Magnesium, titanium (industrial use)
K	Cooking oils and fats	Vegetable oils, animal fats in kitchens

Note: Most buildings use ABC-rated fire extinguishers, suitable for the majority of fire types. For kitchen-specific risks, especially those involving oils, specialized Class K extinguishers are ideal for grease kitchen fire prevention.

Fire Extinguisher Placement: Where Should They Be?

Strategic placement of fire extinguishers can make them easy to access in case of an emergency. Here’s what you need to know:

•  High-Risk Areas

Place extinguishers near:

1. Kitchens
2. Electrical panels
3. Machinery
4. Flammable material storage
   

•  Visibility & Accessibility

1. Mount extinguishers on walls 3.5 to 5 feet above the floor
2. Ensure they are not blocked by furniture or equipment
3. Add signs for easy identification

Required Distance

1. In most commercial buildings, no occupant should be more than 75 feet away from an extinguisher.
2. Fire codes enforced by fire and safety companies help maintain compliance.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for Buildings

Choose the Right Extinguisher:

1. Use an ABC-rated fire extinguisher for homes and offices (multi-purpose use)
   
2. Make sure it’s certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or another independent testing lab
   

• Install Wisely:

1. Mount extinguishers near exits so you can escape quickly
2. Keep extinguishers in visible, easy-to-access locations

• Train Your Team or Family:

1. Read the manual
2. Arrange hands-on training sessions
3. Practice using mock extinguishers (many fire equipment suppliers offer training)

• Know When to Evacuate:

1. If the fire grows or smoke thickens, evacuate immediately
2. Your extinguisher is not a substitute for emergency services, it’s a first defense.

Tip: Keep a fire extinguisher log for each unit showing inspection dates and notes.

Training Building Occupants

Having extinguishers is not enough, people need to know how to use them. Include fire safety in your building management strategy:

• Conduct Fire Drills

Practice fire response and evacuation procedures at least twice a year.

• Offer Hands-On Training

Partner with local fire departments or certified trainers to run practical demonstrations.

• Post Instructions

Place step-by-step PASS instructions next to each fire extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Keep your extinguisher in top shape with these easy checks:

• Monthly Inspection:

1. 1. Check the pressure gauge is in the green zone
   2. Inspect for dents, rust, or corrosion
   3. Ensure hose and nozzle are clear and undamaged

• Annual Maintenance:

1. 1. Schedule a check-up with a certified technician
   2. Replace or recharge if needed

• Easy Access:

1. 1. Don’t block it behind furniture or storage boxes

• Replace Every 10–12 Years:

1. 1. Even unused extinguishers degrade over time

Regular checks complement other safety installations like smoke detectors and fire sprinkler system installations, creating a layered defense strategy.

Summing Up:

Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher properly isn’t just a safety skill—it’s a life-saving one. Keep your equipment ready, educate those around you, and never underestimate the power of preparation. Whether you’re at home or in a commercial building, knowing how to use it can make all the difference when seconds matter.

FAQS

Q#1. What are the 3 P’s for using a fire extinguisher?

The 3 P’s are a simplified way to remember safe usage:

1. Prepare – Know the PASS method and keep the extinguisher accessible.
2. Point – Aim at the base of the fire.
3. Press – Squeeze the handle and sweep side to side.

These steps help you respond quickly and effectively in an emergency.

Q#2. What is fire extinguisher safety training?

It’s a short course that teaches how to use a fire extinguisher safely, including the PASS method, when to use it, and basic fire safety steps. It often includes hands-on practice.

Q#3. What is a fire extinguisher safety seal?

It’s a plastic seal on the pin that shows the extinguisher hasn’t been used or tampered with. If the seal is broken, it should be checked or replaced.

Q#4. What are the 4 Components of fire?

To understand fire prevention, it’s helpful to know the 4 components of fire, often referred to as the fire tetrahedron:

1. Heat – ignition source
2. Fuel – something to burn
3. Oxygen – air
4. Chemical Chain Reaction – maintains the fire

Remove any one of these, and the fire cannot continue. Fire extinguishers work by eliminating one or more of these elements.