How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: PASS & Common Mistakes

A red fire extinguisher, or portable extinguisher, hangs in many homes, workplaces and corridors, but many people are unsure how to use it. The FSD's guidance can be remembered in four steps: pull, aim, squeeze and sweep. Each step has mistakes that beginners can easily make. Prepared by Fire Station, Hong Kong fire extinguisher specialists, this guide explains the operating steps, differences between dry powder, CO2, water and foam extinguishers and fire blankets, 12 common mistakes, when to attempt firefighting, and what to do after discharge. Use it to rehearse the decisions before an emergency.

Contents

1. Before we use the fire extinguisher, let's get three things straight.
2. Knowledge of fire extinguishers
3. Four steps: draw needles, aim, click, sweep.
4. Step 1: Draw needles
5. Step two: Aim at the bottom of the fire.
6. Step 3: Press the button.
7. Step 4: Sweeping
8. Disaggregation of fire extinguishers and blankets
9. What do you do when you're done with the fire extinguisher?
10. 12 Summary of Common Errors
11. How do you get used to it?
12. Selection of fire extinguishers for home or company
13. Common problems FAQ

One, before we use the fire extinguisher, let's get three things straight.

Before formal steps are taken, there is something more important than a four-step machine. Fire extinguishers are only tools, and miscalculation is just as dangerous.

• Fire size: hand-held fire extinguishers are only suitable for handling initial firework s, such as a garbage can, a plug-in, a cooking pan. The fire is already burning to smallpox, curtains, or a private, not the time to use a fire extinguisher.
• Back away: You're going to try to get close to the exit, back to escape, and the fire's in front of you, and it's ready to retreat. It's between you and the exit, don't save it.
• Selecting fire extinguishers: Electrical fire cannot be used as a water agent; boiler covers or blankets for large amounts of cooking oil are better; dry powder extinguishers are the most widely applied, if not certain.

When should we not save or leave, and we can see in detail Small-Fire Response: Extinguish or Evacuate?.

II. Recognition of the fire extinguishers component

Widget	Location	Role
Safety locket (plugged)	Between top rods, there's usually glue or lead seals.	preventing mispression;to be unplugged before usage
Operator pole (hand handle)	Top, two up and down.	Press and spray and let go.
Pick it up.	A fixed piece under the operating pole.	It's used to pick up fire extinguishers. It doesn't spray.
Nozzles/nozzles	The side glitter, or the top short nozzle.	Control the direction of the jet.
Nozzle (horn)	Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher exclusive	Diffusion of CO2; freezing when ejected, do not hold
Pressure table	Top or barrel	Pointers represent normal pressure in green range (CO2 extinguishers usually have no pressure table)
Label	Scrambling.	Description of type, capacity, application of fire alarm, method of use, date of production and inspection records

When you pass through, you can look at the pressure sheet with the label, and you can see that the plugging and the nozzle are on the side, so you can't be too busy to use it.

3. PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

The manual fire extinguisher system, promoted by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, is "to draw needles, aim, push buttons, sweep" like the international PASS:

Steps	Chinese	English	I'll tell you something.
1	Draw needles.	Pull	Pull out the security locket.
2	Aim!	Aim	Nozzle to the source. Bottom.
3	Button	Squeeze	Press the operating pole.
4	Scanning	Sweep	Left and right to the bottom of the fire until it's out.

The following is a step-by-step dismantling of the practical elements, as well as the most vulnerable position of the newcomers.

4. Step One: Pull the Safety Pin

Practical Tips

• Take the fire extinguisher off the hanger, stand up straight or hold it with a stick.
• Searches for safety locks between top operating poles, usually with glue or lead seals.
• One hand holding the stick and the other hand pushing hard, pulling straight and locking the needle out; if there's a seal, break it or pull it, and don't make Teden look for a clipping.
• Do not hold the pole down at the same time as you draw the needle, otherwise the lock will fail to reach it.

Common Mistakes

• Error 1: Press the operating pole without taking out the needle. The lock is unplugged, the fire extinguisher does not spray, and the gold time is wasted in vain.
• Error 2: Press the handler to pull the needle. Once the handle is pressed, the lock will be pinned and unplugged.
• Error 3: Go deep into the fire while pulling a needle. Be ready to approach the exit in a relatively safe position.

V. Step 2: Aim at the bottom of the source of fire (Aim)

Practical Tips

• Go back to the exit and make sure you're back behind.
• Maintain ing a safe distance, which usually starts at about two metres, depending on the type of fire extinguisher; too far away to be sprayed, too close to the heat and splatter.
• The nozzle or larynx point to the source of the fire, i. e. the position of the burner, not the tip of the flame.
• Outside or somewhere with wind, in the top of the wind, blow.
• One hand on the operating pole, one hand on the end of the larynx, steady in the direction.

Why do you have to aim at the bottom?

The flame is only an expression of combustion, a truly burning burner at the bottom of the chain. Spraying the flame top will only blow out the flame tongue and hold off the fire seed. The fire extinguisher will cover the surface of the burner until it is able to isolate oxygen or interrupt the combustion response.

Common Mistakes

• Error 4: Aim at the top of the fire. The flames are blown, the flames are not out, and the flames may be scattered.
• Error 5: It 's too close. It's affected by high temperatures, or by bursting glass, objects; dry powder can also be used to pump hot oil at close range.
• Error 6: Turn back to fire, to the exit. Turn in the direction, turn to go first, waste time.

VI. Step 3: Squeeze

Practical Tips

• Push the upper operating pole down, and the fire extinguisher will eject.
• Keep steady, continuous ejection, don't push a stop.
• (b) Hand control when sprayed: one hand on the operating pole, one hand on the end control direction of the larynx.
• When using a CO2 extinguisher, you can only hold the handle, not the syringe (horn) or the metal larynx, because when sprayed, it became freezing and it was freezing.

How Long Does a Portable Extinguisher Discharge For?

Time is shorter than most people can imagine. The IC points to a domestic fire extinguisher of 2 kg or less, with an effective blowout of approximately 8 to 10 seconds. A larger capacity of fire extinguishers will be longer, but in seconds. So each second will aim at the bottom of the source of the fire, do not "test spray" the air, or use it intermittently.

Common Mistakes

• Error 7: Unsettled single-handedness. Spray direction unstable, fire extinguishers spilling around, and the source of the fire is not covered.
• Error 8: Press the button and hold it down. Hand-held fire extinguishers have limited capacity and intermittent use is wasteful.
• Error 9: A blowtorch holding a CO2 extinguisher. Hands will freeze, and they will shake hands because of pain.

VII. Step 4: Sweep

Practical Tips

• Keep aiming at the bottom of the source of fire, and keep the jet stream sweeping right and left, for example, by sweeping the floor, from near to far away, slowly pushing.
• The fire is concentrated in one place, where it can be slightly stopped and then swept to other fire spots.
• The fire is under control and can be moved in half a step, but there is still a clear retreat.
• Until the flames are completely extinguished, one or two more burning surfaces are sprayed to prevent recurrence.

Common Mistakes

• Error 10: Only one direct shot, no sweep. This level is extinguished, the fire is burned and the range of the fire is not fully covered.
• Error 11: People march forward. Shorten their distance from the fire, start cleaning at a safe distance, then fine-tune the situation.

VIII. Disaggregation of fire extinguishers and blankets

The four-step machine applies to all hand-held fire extinguishers, but there are some details of the different types:

Type	Application of fire alarm	Elements of use	Don't use it like that.
Dry powder extinguishers	Most fire alarms, including electric fires and burning flammable liquids	Standard four steps; sprayed powder will blinden the line, spray it back and watch; then the powder will be cleaned and masked.	Near-range direct-fire cooking oil cooker (heat oil will be pumped); face-to-face spraying
Carbon dioxide extinguishers	Electricity fires, flammable liquids, electronics, non-residual after use	Only handles, no jets; can be used at a closer distance; when used, leave and ventilate in a small closed space as soon as possible	Holds jets (frozen wounds); solid fires in depths such as paper, wood (inadequate cooling, rekindling); extensive use in non-ventilated cabinets
Water extinguishers	Paper, cloth, wood, etc. Solid fire type A	Standard four steps; cooling the fire, spraying the burner.	Absolutely not with electrical fire and oil fire.
Popper fire extinguisher	Paper, cloth, wood, solvent, fuel	The liquid fire will cover the foam light and light. It can be fired into the inner wall of the container or in the rear, so that the foam does not flow directly into the surface.	Direct-fired oil surfaces (dispersible liquids); used in electrical equipment
Fire blankets.	Tiny cooking oil pans and clothes on fire.	Pull, stretch, guard, cover: cover the pot gently from the close side, shut down the fire, keep the cover till it cools down.	Vertical caps from top to bottom; unearthed too early; cooking boilers moved

The Fire Department's Home Safety Code reminds us that electrical fire should close the power supply or pull out the plug and not use water or water-agent fire extinguishers. The rationale for each type of fire extinguisher is to A Complete Guide to Fire Extinguishers in Hong Kongers.

IX. What are we going to do when we run out of fire extinguishers?

A lot of people thought they'd done it when the fire went out, but there were a few important steps ahead:

1. Face the fire source back: Don't turn around right now, you need to look at the source slowly and see if it rekindles.
2. Be aware of the recurrence: garbage, fabric, boxes, oil stains, etc., the absence of a fire on the surface does not mean complete cooling, and can be sprayed one or two more times.
3. Inform ing others: notify the administration, security or head of the service; if the fire goes out, the police should be called, as appropriate, for inspection by a professional.
4. Ventilation: A small space with dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers, with open windows to ventilate; dry powder stimulates eyes and respiratory tracts.
5. Clean ing: dry powder is cleaned with dust cleaners or wet cloths, masked with gloves; electrical appliances wait for professional inspection to reopen.
6. Fire extinguishers must not be left unattended: no matter how much they are sprayed, they must be considered as “used” and submitted to a registered fire-fighting operator for inspection, reloading or replacement. They may not be returned to their place of origin.
7. Records: Business offices are required to record the date of use, to follow up the reasons and to facilitate annual inspections.

Used or expired fire extinguishers can be arranged for recycling and replacement Fire Extinguisher Recycling Service, as Fire Extinguisher Servicing or Replacement.

X. 12 Summary of common errors

#	Error	The right way.
1	If you don't pull out the security locker, press the operating pole.	Pull the needle first, then press.
2	Hold on to the trigger.	Shake the handle, pull the pin straight.
3	While preparing to go deep into the fire,	Get ready at the nearest exit.
4	Aim at the top of the flame.	Aim at the burner at the bottom of the source.
5	Too close.	Keep your distance safe, from far to close.
6	Turn your back to the fire, to the exit.	Back to the exit, to the fire.
7	One-handed.	First-hand pole, first-hand throat tube.
8	Hold it. Hold it.	Stable continuous injections
9	Hold the CO2 extinguisher.	Only hold the handle.
10	Just a little bit.	Left and right sweeps cover a fire.
11	It's still on fire.	A few seconds without improvement, stop and evacuate immediately.
12	Get out of here or get back to where you are.	Observation of resuscitation; fire extinguishers inspection or replacement

Seriously, how many of these are what you thought were "shouldn't be"? The sooner your mind is fixed, the more you have the opportunity to react correctly when you encounter a fire.

How do you get used to it?

We do not encourage fire-fighting exercises in the house, but we can make ourselves more familiar with fire extinguishers in the following ways:

• Touch the object: Take up the fire extinguisher of the house or company under safe conditions, identify the locks, handlers, lifts, nozzles and pressure meters. Do not pull the needle, find the contractor to reseal it.
• Look at the label s: There are usually short graphics on the labels that match the type of fire alarm that applies.
• The Fire Services Department provides guidance on the maintenance of equipment for the hand-held fire extinguisher training course and the qualifications of mentors.
• Short film: The Fire Services Department has a fire extinguisher short film, which is used on a mobile phone once or twice.
• According to the co-owner s: Make sure everyone knows how to use the fire extinguisher and when not.

The company can arrange staff training and fire drills, Fire Extinguisher & Staff Fire Safety Training.

XII. Selection of fire extinguishers for home or company

All hand -held fire extinguishers must be approved by the Fire Department, which can supply or sell them in Hong Kong.

Home

• A 2kg dry powder extinguisher is located near the corridor or the gate.
• Kitchen entrance hang s a fire blanket, handles cooking oil boilers.
• A set combination can see Home Fire Safety Essentials.

Businesses and offices

• The number of configurations according to size, use, license and legal requirements, as detailed Fire Extinguisher Planning for Shops & Offices.
• Dry powder for general areas; server rooms, computer rooms with carbon dioxide extinguishers.
• The certificate FS251 is legally checked and obtained by the registered contractor every 12 months.

Fire StationIt's in the Bay of Wing.Specialized fire extinguisher shopThe sameSpecialized fire storesSupplyFire department approved fire extinguishers.With fire blankets, all products are sold at special prices.Packaged for basic deliveryIn addition, you can arrange for door-to-door installation, staff training and the issuance of FS251 certificates by a third-level fire operator.WhatsApp 96309976Call.3464 3987Or go.Contact Fire Station。

Frequent issues FAQ

How Do You Use an Extinguisher? What Does PASS Mean?

The four-step system promoted by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department is “Dicking needles, Aiming, Clicking, Sweeping.” In English, PASS:Pull pulls out a safety lock, Aims at the bottom of the source, Squeeze press the operating pole and sweeps the bottom of the source of the fire horizontally around Sweep until it goes out.

Why aim at the bottom of the fire instead of the flame?

The flame is only an expression of combustion, a truly burning burner at the bottom of the line. Spraying the top of the flame will only blow out the flame and will not contain the fire seed; the fire extinguisher will cover the surface of the burner until it is able to isolate oxygen or interrupt the combustion response.

How Long Does a Portable Extinguisher Discharge For?

The Consumer Council refers to a domestic fire extinguisher of 2 kg or less, which is effective for a period of approximately 8 to 10 seconds, so each second is aimed at the bottom of the source of the fire and does not break or test the air.

What's the difference in the use of carbon dioxide extinguishers?

Carbon dioxide extinguisher jets and larynx tubes become extremely cold, holding only the hand handles and not the syringes to avoid freezing; leaving and venting as soon as they are used in small closed spaces. It applies to electric fires, flammable liquids and electronic devices, with no residue after use, but with insufficient cooling of solid fires at the depths of paper, wood, etc., which are easily rekindled.

Can a Water Extinguisher Be Used on an Electrical Fire?

The Fire Services Department reminds the electrical unit that it should shut down the power supply or remove the plugs, not use water or water agent fire extinguishers for rescue, and use carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguishers.

Can a Partly Used Extinguisher Be Put Back in Place?

No. Even if only a small amount is sprayed, either internal pressure or fire extinguisher may be insufficient and should be considered as already in use, and used to be inspected, refilled or replaced by a registered fire-fighting operator, and used cartridges can be arranged for specialized recycling.

When Should You NOT Use a Fire Extinguisher?

The fire has expanded, smoke has affected sight or breath, it has not been burned, there are no suitable fire extinguishers on hand, the fire has not improved between you and the exit, or has been sprayed for a few seconds, and should stop immediately, close the door and call 999.

Where can I get fire extinguishers?

Fire Services Department must approve all hand-held fire extinguishers, which can be supplied or sold in Hong Kong. G/F, Karrie Industrial Centre, Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan The provision of dry powder, carbon dioxide, water agents, foam extinguishers and fire-fighting blankets has been packaged for basic delivery and can be arranged for installation, annual inspection and FS251 certificates. 3464 3987 ，WhatsApp 96309976 。

For the first time, fire extinguishers were used, and tension was normal. But if you've been in front of your head a couple of times, you've been touching things, you've seen labels, you've been calmer than a lot of people who've never done this before. Remember : First judge whether or not to save, turn back to the exit, draw needles, aim bottoms, push buttons, sweep across, or leave . If you want to update or update a suitable fire extinguisher for a house, office or head , you Fire Extinguishers & Fire Safety Productscontact Contact Fire Station.