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https://www.wikihow.it/Usare-un-Estintore
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Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher could save your life in an emergency.The correct way to put out flames is to use a four-step technique:extract the safety pin, direct the hose, press the trigger and move the sprayer horizontally.However, before proceeding, it is essential to evaluate whether or not it is appropriate to try to tackle the flames alone and whether you are able to put them out;If you fear you won't succeed or have any doubts, escape from the building immediately and call the fire brigade.
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Instruct a person to call the fire brigade. Get everyone out of the building and, once safe, order a single individual to call the fire department (115) or the emergency number (112).Even if you are capable of handling the situation on your own, it is best if law enforcement has been notified to intervene in case of complications.[1]
- Once the firefighters arrive, they can ascertain whether the fire has been completely extinguished.
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Stand with your back facing the exit route. Before using a fire extinguisher to put out the fire, it is very important that you identify the nearest escape route and that you have your back to it, so that you can escape more quickly in an emergency.
- Always have your back to the door to know where the exit is and to avoid getting disoriented.
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Move closer to the appropriate distance. Many fire extinguishers have a maximum range of 2.5 to 4 m;before discharging the extinguishing agent, you must move closer or further away from the flames to be approximately 2-2.5 m.
- You can gradually move closer to the source of the fire as the fire dies and the flames are smothered.
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Remove the safety pin. Each fire extinguisher is equipped with a small metal stick inserted into the handle which prevents accidental activation;grab the ring to which the pin is connected and pull it out from one side of the handle.At this point the device is ready to be used. [2]
- Fire extinguishers placed in public areas or in those with medium/high population density are often equipped with a thin strap connected to the ring of the pin.The intact band guarantees that the extinguisher is charged and has not yet been used.The cable tie is made of a material that breaks easily.
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Hold the fire extinguisher with one hand, and with the other point the nozzle away from you, towards the base of the flames. Point the nozzle directly at the base of the fire because your goal is to defuse the fuel that is burning;do not direct the flow onto the flames.[3]
- If you are using a carbon dioxide extinguisher (you can distinguish it because it does not have a pressure gauge and has a plastic tube as a dispenser), keep your hands away from the extinguishing jet or the plastic tube, because this gas comes out at a very low temperature and you could freeze them!
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To fire the extinguisher you must press the trigger, that is, with the hand holding the extinguisher you must squeeze the two levers of the handle. While doing this, slowly apply constant pressure.[4]
- To stop the chemical from escaping, release the pressure on the trigger.
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To extinguish the fuel, move the fan nozzle at the base of the fire, while releasing the extinguishing agent;move closer as the flames go out.[5]
- Continue in this manner until the fire is out or the extinguisher runs out.
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5If the flames do not subside or regain strength, move away and check if you still have extinguishing agent available. A normal fire extinguisher contains enough substance for a discharge of only 10 seconds.If the extinguisher still has a charge, perhaps you can try repeating the procedure.But if the fire extinguisher is used up and you don't have another immediately available, run away.
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If the fire appears to be out, don't leave immediately but keep it monitored to make sure it doesn't reactivate;if this happens, check if you still have extinguishant available. If the extinguisher still has a charge, perhaps you can try repeating the procedure.But if the fire extinguisher is used up and you don't have another immediately available, run away.[6]
- Never turn your back to the flames;you must always be aware of where the fire is and how it is developing.
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Run away immediately if you have any doubts that you can't handle the situation[7]
- Call the fire brigade (115) or emergency services (112) if you have not already done so.
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Replace or recharge your fire extinguisher as soon as possible. Some models are disposable and must be thrown away after use;others are refillable and must be refilled with the extinguishing agent under pressure.
- Don't keep an empty fire extinguisher, because someone might try to use it in an emergency.
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Before even worrying about the fire extinguisher and how to use it, raise the alarm and get everyone out of the room and possibly the entire building.[8]
- When everyone is safe and you have identified a route to escape, you can try to return to the fire and try to fight it.
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You should not try to fight a fire yourself using a fire extinguisher unless it is just a small fire. The fire extinguisher is not designed to deal with large fires or growing flames.Only tackle fires that are lower than you and limited to a small space;Furthermore, you should only proceed if it is safe to do so and if you have an escape route.[9]
- An example of a contained fire is a burning trash can.
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Exit a smoke-filled room. Never try to put out a fire in a smoke-filled environment:breathing it can make you lose consciousness and make you unable to escape the fire.[10]
- If there is a lot of smoke even as you run outside, cover your mouth and lower yourself to the ground;stay close to the ground to avoid breathing in the smoke (which tends to rise high) and crawl out of the room to safety.
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Use the right type of fire extinguisher. These devices are loaded with different extinguishing substances to fight specific classes of fire;some may be ineffective on certain flames, while others may even make the situation worse.Before putting out a fire, make sure you know what the fuel is and do so only if you have the right extinguisher.
- Class A:suitable for fires of fabrics, wood, rubber, paper, various types of plastic and other solid fuels;typically contains water or foam.
- Class B:it is used for flames fueled by liquid fuels, such as petrol, grease and oil;in this case, the extinguishing agent is a dry chemical or carbon dioxide.Fire extinguishers smaller than 3kg are generally not recommended.
- Class C:to be used against fires generated by gaseous fuels, such as hydrogen, methane, butane, acetylene, propylene.[11]
- Class ABC:it is a multipurpose fire extinguisher that can be used for class A, B and C fires;Usually, the extinguishing agent is a chemical powder.
- Class D:for fires generated by combustible metals;the substance contained is a dry chemical powder.
- F class:for fires arising from oils and fats in cooking appliances;in this case, the active ingredient is a wet or dry chemical.
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Advice
- Some fire stations organize "open days" or courses for the local population to teach them how to use fire extinguishers;Call your province's central command to find out if any demonstrations are scheduled.If there aren't any, you could go to the nearest fire station and - if the police aren't busy with an emergency - ask the shift manager to arrange for you to be shown how to use a fire extinguisher.Firefighters are generally very friendly and helpful.
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