The instructions on fire extinguishers are kind of vague and I don't want people to be put in a possible dangerous situation by using them the wrong way - plus giving them a false sense of security.
I think the companies should be requirred to actually SHOW how to use them PROPERLY.
2006-06-30 07:50:55 · 10 answers · asked by PUTEMOUTFASTER 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
You've got alot of good answers. I would have to agree with those that have said to ask a professional. Most fire departments and most fire protection companies would be happy to show you how to use the unit you have and what fires it can safely extinguish.
As far as instructional videos, the manufacturer's have indeed put training material out there and it's available in a variety of formats. One of the most popular is the non-manufacturer specific web site that details most all common types of hand portable units. Check it out...
2006-06-30 12:01:20 · answer #1 · answered by todvango 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don`t know why they don't..and believe it or not, You are not the first person I have heard of asking that.
I am a firefighter, and we have instructional videos on EVERY thing, so don't let it get to you ( all of the negative comments so far).The best thing you could do is to call your local fire station and see if they have time to show you how to use it properly.
That is what your fire department is there for, to help the community, and most time they don't mind at all helping a person with something such as that.
Its better to be safe than sorry and fire extinguisher DO malfunction, and if you are nervous about using it, you are more prone to use it incorrectly.Believe it or not there are certain ways to use it for example, aim at the base of the fire, not at the top of the flames, aiming at the base of the fire helps to smother the fire, that is what the foam in the extinguisher is for.
Another thing, fire extinguishers need to be checked year to year to make sure they are still in working order.
Here are some instructions we use:
Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher. Extinguishers should be mounted in plain sight and be simple for all family members (except small children, of course) to use in an emergency. Show the babysitter how it works, too.
Buy a multipurpose extinguisher rated 2A10BC or higher. The letters indicate the type of fire
the extinguisher will douse. "A" units are for combustible materials like paper or wood, "B"
units are for flammable liquids like gasoline, and "C" units are for electrical fires. The numbers
relate to the size of the fire. The higher the number, the greater the capacity to extinguish that fire.
Check for a UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or FM (Fire Mutual) code. They tell you the product
is effective, safe, and reliable.
Be sure the directions are simple to understand.
Mount the fire extinguisher securely, in plain sight.
Be sure you understand how the firing mechanism works. Check to see whether you need to
push a button or pull a lever. Don't activate the extinguisher, though. Once you do, it must be
serviced and recharged, even if you only use it for a few seconds and the gauge indicates it's full.
Check the pressure indicator once a month to be sure the extinguisher works.
To use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS.
Pull the pin
Aim the nozzle or barrel at the base of the fire, not at the flames
Squeeze the handle
Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire
P.S. its always better to be safe than sorry!
I hope this helps you out.
2006-06-30 08:04:49 · answer #2 · answered by Heather D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lets face it only a FOOL would not make every attempt possible to free themselves from the flames! Why would anyone reject a fire extinguisher if it would save their life???? Why would anyone want to burn to death in a fire if there was a way out, if there was a choice to be free from the flames???? Free gift or otherwise, if there's a way out of the flames any sensible person would take it!!
2016-03-26 23:13:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People don't read instructions, they don't watch instructions, requiring companies to spend more money to 'instruct' consumers on how to use a product will only increase their cost per piece and that cost will be passed on to consumers.
If this were not true, you would not have to have labels taped to blow dryers telling you not to blow dry your hair while bathing. Because more than one person has either seriously harmed them selves or killed them selves by drying their hair in the bathtub.
2006-06-30 07:56:45 · answer #4 · answered by Blondie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THERE ARE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN THE BOX OF MOST MAJOR MANUFACTURES ANSUL KIDDE ETC. THERE IS ALSO A PRINTED USE LABEL WITH PICTURES ON THE EXTINGUISHER INFORMATION LABEL ON THE UNIT SHOWING CLASS ABC OR BC USE AND HOW TO SWEEP THE FIRE SIDE TO SIDE . FIRE SAFETY GUY FOR THIRTY YEARS
2006-06-30 08:04:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the directions on my fireextinguisher told me how to use it. Those directions are for people with common sense though, not for you ppl with an IQ below 50..
2006-06-30 07:53:33 · answer #6 · answered by General X 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instructional video? Maybe we should make 'em for hand grenades too. Pull pin and throw.
2006-06-30 07:54:02 · answer #7 · answered by Quasimodo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im kind of on the fence about this one, the above answers are pretty good, its really easy but on the other hand some people are more visual folks and need to see how it is done, so i aint to sure
2006-06-30 07:55:15 · answer #8 · answered by SUNSHINE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would you waste money on making a video that says:
pull the pin, aim and shoot
?
2006-06-30 07:52:45 · answer #9 · answered by Greta Leigh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
write them a letter to suggest that
2006-06-30 07:53:45 · answer #10 · answered by y. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋