2 Mistakes You're Making With Your Fire Extinguisher

14 October 2022
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Fire extinguishers are an important part of fire safety, but they're not always used correctly. The result can be disastrous since a fire extinguisher that's not properly used can do more harm than good. Here are two mistakes you might be making with your fire extinguisher. 

Failure to Check the Pressure Gauge

Your fire extinguisher is only going to be effective if it's properly pressurized. That's why it's important to check the pressure gauge regularly to ensure that it remains in the green zone. If the needle is in the red, that means you need to recharge the fire extinguisher.

In addition, you should also ensure that the fire extinguisher hasn't been damaged. The pressure gauge may not be accurate if the fire extinguisher has been dropped or otherwise damaged.

Finally, you should also check the fire extinguisher for any leaks. A fire extinguisher that's leaking is going to be less effective and may not work at all. That's because the pressure inside the fire extinguisher may not be enough to overcome the leak.

By regularly checking the pressure gauge, you can be sure that your fire extinguisher is in good working condition. It's also a good idea to check the fire extinguisher after it's been used to make sure that it's still pressurized.

Not Knowing How to Use the Fire Extinguisher

You need to familiarize yourself with your fire extinguisher and how to use it before a fire occurs. That way, you'll be prepared in the event of a fire.

There are two types of fire extinguishers: those that use water and those that don't. Water-based fire extinguishers are for fires that involve your everyday combustibles, such as paper, wood, and cloth. Non-water-based fire extinguishers are for fires that involve flammable liquids and electrical equipment.

Knowing which type of fire extinguisher to use is important, but you also need to know how to use the fire extinguisher. Read the instructions that come with your fire extinguisher and familiarize yourself with the steps. That way, you'll be able to use the fire extinguisher properly if a fire does occur.

Ultimately, using a fire extinguisher is simple, but you need to make sure that you're familiar with the steps involved in using it. If you're not familiar with how to use a fire extinguisher, you may waste valuable time trying to figure it out when a fire occurs.

When it comes to fire safety, fire extinguishers are an important part of the equation. However, fire extinguishers are only effective if they're used properly. Avoid making these two mistakes with your fire extinguisher, and you'll be better prepared in the event of a fire.