FIRE ONBOARD - USING YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER

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It is first imprtant to note that not all fire extiguishers are created equally. The type and size as well as the minimum number needed on hand at all times depends on your specific situation. As usual we highly recommend that you consult with your State Boating Law Administrator or local Coast Guard Auxiliary unit for the proper safety equipment for your boat.

Even though extinguishers come in a number of shapes and sizes, they all operate in a similar manner. Here's an often used acronym to help you remember proper fire extinguisher use:

P. A .S. S.
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep

Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle locked in place and protects it from being accidentally discharged.

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire while standing at a safe distance, approximately 6 to 8 feet away from the fire.

Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher.

Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite!

There Are four basic ratings for extinguishers:

Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.

Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish.

Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C” indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.

Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. There is no picture designator for Class D extinguishers. These extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of fires.

Many extinguishers available today can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one designator, e.g. A-B, B-C, or A-B-C. Make sure that if you have a multi-purpose extinguisher it is properly labeled.