Fire Extinguishers

Safety Meeting Repros
Fire Extinguishers
Handout 2911-25

Fire Extinguishers: A Class Act

Most extinguishers are classified either:

  • A for fires involving combustibles like wood or paper
  • B for flammable liquids, gases, and gasoline
  • C for electrical wiring and equipment
  • ABC for combination fires
  • D for combustible metals like magnesium, sodium.
  • Use higher number Class A extinguishers for larger fires.
  • The numbers on Class B extinguishers tell the square-foot area they are effective in.

Know the location of fire extinguishers.

If you haven’t been assigned firefighting responsibilities—
get out of the area, so trained people can do their job.

If you’re on the firefighting team—follow your company’s contingency plan and SOPs. Make sure you are wearing the proper protective clothing and respirator before you approach a fire.

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Reproduction is allowed under the terms of the licensing agreement granted with purchase.

2911-25

Fire extinguisher safety handout with illustrations of an extinguisher, a worker locating an extinguisher, and a firefighting team.

Give It Your Best Shot: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Pull the pin, stand back about 8 feet, aim the hose at the base of the fire, and squeeze the trigger.

Make sure your first shot is on target—the fire extinguisher only lasts 3 to 20 seconds.

  • Make sure you don’t blow burning papers out of wastebasket fires.
  • Never put water on an electrical fire or piece of electrical equipment.
  • Don’t attempt to fight a fire that is too big for you!

(OTB1)
© Business & Legal Reports, Inc.
Reproduction is allowed under the terms of the licensing agreement granted with purchase.

2911-29

Fire extinguisher safety handout showing a worker aiming an extinguisher at a fire and reminders about using an extinguisher safely.

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