gnfs.gov.gh How To Use A Fire Extinguisher : Ghana National Fire Service

Organisation : Ghana National Fire Service
Facility : How To Use A Fire Extinguisher
Country : Ghana

Homepage : http://www.gnfs.gov.gh/
Details Here : https://www.gnfs.gov.gh/new/

GNFS How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

There is a high chance of you encountering an out-of-control fire at least once in your life, so knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is an important skill to be able to resort to.

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This article explains the process of using a fire extinguisher in an emergency.

1. Call for help before attempting to extinguish a serious fire :
A. The fire may take hold much faster than you’re capable of dealing with it, and if help is on the way, it removes one less concern for you. The absence of panic could also help you think straight and deal with the fire appropriately, more effectively and efficiently.

B. Call, or have someone else call, 192 as soon as possible. Ask National Fire Service to come immediately, giving your address (or Landmark) and a brief description of the type of fire.

C. Check that all other people are out of the house and also Check that they are all assembled at a safe meeting point. Do not allow children to attempt to use a fire extinguisher or control a fire in any respect whatsoever.

D. Realize that reacting to fire requires a sound process of decision-making that children and some adults may not be capable of coping with their panic. Prior training on correct use can alleviate some of the concern here.

2. Check for your own safety before starting to extinguish a fire :
A. There are some key things to check for before you start fighting a fire using a fire extinguisher

B. Are you physically capable of extinguishing a fire? Some people have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their ability to properly use a fire extinguisher.

People with disabilities, older adults, or children may find that an extinguisher is too heavy to handle or it may be too difficult for them to exert the necessary pressure to operate the extinguisher.

C. Look for your exit points. Ensure that there is clear exit(s) for immediate escape should this become necessary. At all times, keep your mind focused on the availability of a safe retreat. If this is threatened at all, leave at once.

The Ghana National Fire Service recommends that you install fire extinguishers close to an exit point, to enable you to keep your back to the exit when you use the extinguisher; this ensures that you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled.

D. Do not attempt to put out a fire where it is emitting toxic smoke; if you suspect or simply do not know if the smoke is toxic, leave it to the professionals.

E. Check for structural safety of the building, in case burning walls, floors, or beams pose a risk to your safety.
F. If you have more than one fire extinguisher, consider asking another mature and responsible person to use it in tandem with you.

G. Remember that your life is more important than property, so do not place yourself or others at risk.

3. Assess the fire :
A. Only a contained fire should be fought using a fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on small fires because they contain a limited amount of extinguishing medium, which needs to be used properly or it will be wasted.

For example, when a pan initially catches fire, it may be safe to turn off the burner, place a lid on the pan, and use an extinguisher. By the time the fire has spread, however, these actions will not be adequate, and only trained firefighters can safely extinguish such fires.

B. Make a quick commonsense assessment about the utility and safety of using a fire extinguisher for the fire you’re experiencing. Obviously, a fire extinguisher is overkill for a candle but it’s useless when the whole house is on fire. A fire in a wastepaper basket, however, is another suitable candidate for fire extinguisher use.

C. Use your instincts. If your instincts tell you the fire’s too dangerous to tackle, trust them

4. Ready the fire extinguisher :
Almost all fire extinguishers have a safety pin in the handle. This pin usually looks like a plastic or metal ring, sometimes colored red, which is held in place by a plastic seal. The distinctive features will vary depending on the type of fire extinguisher you have.

You must break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle before you can use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever, which discharges the fire extinguishing agent.