First off, do not forget the simple fire fighting (Extinguisher) acronym - P.A.S.S... can go a long way to help you use a fire extinguisher effectively at home. Always put that at the back of your mind. Using a fire extinguisher requires basic skills and expertise. If you know the basics of fire fighting, you will be able to tackle fire incident a precise way with confidence and understanding.
LPG gas (Propane) fire could result by ignition from combustible materials such as paper, trash, some plastics, wood or clothes. Some fire could even be resulted from expired gas cylinder bottles. Other causes of LPG gas fire could involve vegetable or animal cooking oils or fats; common in commercial cooking operations using deep fat fryers.
As explained in other articles on basics of fire fighting on this website, fires are classified as A, B, C, D, E or K based on the type of substance that is the fuel for the fire - for LPG gas (Propane) fire, this is classified in class B. This type of fire Involve flammable gases or liquids such as Propane, methane. However, due to other factors that could cause or Ignite LPG gas fire, we can also classify LPG gas fire into:
* Class A - that involves combustible materials, or
* Class K - that involves cooking oils or fats.
Once you know the classes which resulted into the fire, you can determine the type of fire extinguisher to use. For Propane fire which is classified in class B, the best type of fire extinguisher in the C02 (chemical-based) fire extinguisher. A powder-based fire extinguisher could also do the trick. However, a soap-based fire extinguisher is not always advisable, as water is known to result to expansion and spreading of the fire.
The simple fire fighting (Extinguisher) acronym earlier mentioned is known as P.A.S.S, which stands for: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
1. Pull The Pin - Always go for brand new fire extinguishers. Here in Nigeria, we know them as "tare-rubber". Brand new fire extinguishers comes with tags that indicates that the exact fire extinguisher has not been tempered with. Once the tag is removed, pull out the safety pin, which releases the locked lever, allowing you to discharge the substance/contents.
2. Aim The Nozzle - Do not lift up fire extinguishers by/from the level. Always handle any type of fire extinguishers from the neck side, positioning your fingers like as if you are about to pull the trigger of a gun. Holding up fire extinguishers by the level is not a proper way to handle a fire extinguishers, as you may have already wasted some at empty air before you even could have gotten to the fire incident point.
3. Squeeze The Level - Do not rush too close to the fire incident point. However, don't be too slow in acting fast. Be quick in action. Be quick about it, believing you can do it. Aim at the base of the fire. This removes the source or fuel of the fire. Keep yourself from the aftermath smoke.
4. Sweep Side To Side - Sweep the base of the fire without letting go of the level, keeping it held down with the help of your thumb finger.
Lastly, make sure you have the proper size and type of fire extinguisher for the fire. And remember, always go for fire extinguisher pressure test at the end of the given period. Be sure that any fire extinguisher used at home is one that have not been expired or damage.