Common Fire Extinguisher Mistakes you may be making at home

Having a fire extinguisher in your home is essential for fire safety, it is the first line of defence against aborning fires. But simply owning one isn’t enough.

During a recent safety equipment maintenance at a client’s home, we noted that the client had stored their extinguishers at the back of their kitchen.

When they brought them out, the fire extinguishers were dusty, the key rings had rusted, and one of the nozzles had tears on it.

This interaction highlighted that many people may be making similar mistakes that can render their fire extinguishers ineffective during an emergency.

In today’s post, we will share 10 mistakes to avoid when it comes to your fire extinguishers.

Why this matters:

1. You want to make sure your fire extinguishers remain effective and accessible if you ever need to use them.
2. When properly taken care of, your extinguishers last longer and save you money for a replacement.

Ten common mistakes to avoid:

How you store and use your fire suppression systems matters, Here are ten common fire extinguisher usage mistakes to eliminate.

1. Not Knowing How to Operate It

One of the biggest mistakes is not knowing how to use a fire extinguisher. In a fire emergency, panic can set in, and if you don’t know what to do, precious time can be lost. The acronym PASS can help you remember the steps:

• P: Pull the pin to break the seal on the extinguisher.
• A: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• S: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguisher’s contents.
• S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until it’s out.

2. Choosing the Wrong Type and Size

Not all fire extinguishers are the same.

Different fires need different types of extinguishers. Using the wrong type can make the fire worse. For example, using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire could cause an electric shock. Also, choosing the wrong size extinguisher, like having a large one when you need a small one, can be a problem.

3. Improper Maintenance

Fire extinguishers need regular checks to ensure they’re in good working condition. Many people forget to do this, and when they need the extinguisher, it might not work. Common problems include low pressure, missing pins, faded labels, or a blocked nozzle.

4. Not Positioning Them Correctly

A fire extinguisher is only useful if you can reach it quickly. Too often, they are hidden behind furniture or placed in hard-to-reach places, such as what that client did. This can make them difficult to grab during an emergency.

5. Not Replacing After Use

After using a fire extinguisher, even if you only used a little, it needs to be refilled or replaced. Some people mistakenly believe they can use it again without any maintenance.

6. Ignoring the Expiration Date

Fire extinguishers don’t last forever.

Over time, the chemicals inside can break down, or the pressure can drop, making it less effective. If your extinguisher is exposed to sun or rain, it can get damaged even faster. Similarly, the extinguisher cylinder typically has an expiration date, after which they can no longer be used. Most are between 7-15 years.

7. Inadequate Quantity

Having just one fire extinguisher might not be sufficient to protect your home. Fires can spread quickly, and if your extinguisher is too far away, you might not get to it in time. The recommended travel distance is no more than 75ft for Class A fires and 30-50ft for Class B fires, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)

8. Incorrect Size Selection

Using a fire extinguisher that’s too small might not put out the fire, while one that’s too big could be hard to handle, especially if you’re not used to it.

9. Failing to Train Others

In many homes, only one person knows how to use the fire extinguisher. If that person isn’t around during a fire, others might not know what to do.

10. False Sense of Security

Owning a fire extinguisher can give a false sense of security. Some people think they’re fully prepared for a fire just because they have one, but they might forget about other important safety measures like smoke alarms and escape plans.

Tips to Remember:

• Learn and practice; Take time to learn and practice how to use a fire extinguisher. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to use it too.

• Get the right type: Check that you have the right type of extinguisher for the kinds of fires that could happen in your home.

• Inspect and maintain: Inspect your fire extinguisher periodically to ensure it’s in good working order. It’s also good to have it checked by a professional once a year.

• Increase visibility: Keep your fire extinguisher in a visible, easily accessible place. Ensure everyone in your home knows where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them. It’s smart to have one in the kitchen, power area, and close to hazard areas.

• Refill and replace: Always refill or replace a fire extinguisher after you’ve used it, even if you only used it a little bit. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if it’s expired.

• Get the right number: Make sure you have enough fire extinguishers for your home. If you live in a large house or have multiple floors, you will need more than one.

• Have a fire safety plan: Remember, a fire extinguisher is just one part of your fire safety plan. Make sure you also have working smoke alarms and a practised escape plan.