#FireSafety #EmergencyPreparedness #LifeTips #RandomThoughts
Do you ever stop and think about the things we take for granted until we actually need them? One such thing that often comes to my mind is how uncommon lessons on the operation of fire extinguishers are, considering their importance in urgent situations. 🧯
I mean, think about it – we attend classes on so many important topics in school and at work, but when was the last time anyone taught you how to properly use a fire extinguisher? 🔥 It’s a random thought that pops into my head every now and then, especially when I see a fire extinguisher hanging on a wall, seemingly waiting for someone to save the day with it. ðŸ’
So, why is it that we aren’t taught the basics of using a fire extinguisher when it could potentially save lives and property in an emergency? 🤔 Let’s delve into this thought a little deeper.
The Importance of Fire Safety Education
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook the importance of fire safety education. However, the reality is that fires can happen at any time and in any place, and knowing how to handle them effectively can make all the difference. 🔥
Real-Life Example:
Imagine you’re at a restaurant enjoying a meal with your family when suddenly, a small fire breaks out in the kitchen. You notice that there is a fire extinguisher nearby, but you have no idea how to use it. Panic sets in as you frantically search for someone who can help, wasting precious time that could be used to extinguish the fire before it spreads. 😱
The Lack of Fire Safety Training
It’s a sad reality that many people are not properly trained on how to use a fire extinguisher. This lack of education can have serious consequences in emergency situations, putting lives at risk and causing unnecessary damage. 🔥
Random Thought:
Wouldn’t it be great if fire safety training was a mandatory part of school curriculums and workplace training programs? Imagine the number of lives that could be saved if everyone knew how to properly use a fire extinguisher. 💡
Takeaway Tips for Fire Safety
To wrap up this random thought, here are some key takeaway tips for fire safety:
– Familiarize yourself with the location of fire extinguishers in your home, workplace, and other frequented locations.
– Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and practice using it in a safe environment.
– In the event of a fire, remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
Remember, when it comes to fire safety, knowledge is power. Take the time to educate yourself and others on the proper use of fire extinguishers – you never know when this knowledge might come in handy in an emergency situation. 🔥🧯
So, next time you see a fire extinguisher, take a moment to appreciate its importance and perhaps even share this random thought with someone else. Together, we can all be better prepared for the unexpected. #BePrepared #FireSafetyEducation #StaySafe 🚒
I used to work on cruise ships, and we all had extensive fire safety training (including how to use extinguishers). One day I was at a bar back home, and the sound system caught on fire. Someone went to go pour water on it, and I was like “that’s electricity…stop!” and asked if anyone had a fire extinguisher. The bartender grabbed one and put it on the bar. I went “well, is someone going to use it, or do I have to?” Nobody knew how it worked, so I had to put out the fire.
PASS. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Signs at every fire extinguisher point. Workplaces do refresher training once per year usually. They’re not that complicated.
We learned them in high school and uni, and we often do fire drills at work, constantly taught or be reminded on how to use fire extinguishers.
Step 1. Stock safety supplies in vehicle
Step 2. Drive on freeway to the beach with high school friends
Step 3. Have high school friends practice operation of fire extinguishers on freeway while driving
Step 4. Pull over and get mad at said high school friends
Step 5. High school friends laugh and practice fire extinguisher operation on driver of van. We are friends of van.
Step 6. Walk and go to beach. Van drives off and goes for bath. Find other adventure back home later.
More or less how fire extinguisher skills get practiced.
I was the facilities manager for a manufacturing plant and one day on my way to work, I stopped to help with a vehicle fire. I was on a motorcycle, so no extinguisher, but some guy stopped and ran up with a fire extinguisher, and before I could stop him, emptied the entire thing into the radiator… Which obviously had no effect. The car was a total loss.
So later that week I went to the local fire station and talked to them about setting up training for the people at my plant. They thought it was a great idea. Called my Fire Extinguisher vendor and scheduled him for that day
.. All day.
The fire department came out, set up a burn pad, and we spent a nice sunny day outdoors training people how to use a fire extinguisher. Everyone at the plant had the chance to put out a large oil fire. Every. Single. Person.
It was by far the most popular training we ever did there, and people talked about it for a long time. If you have input on such things, here’s your chance to make a difference!
For normal untrained people fire extinguishers are there to stop things getting to a state of emergency, if the fire is so bad to be an emergency a fire extinguisher won’t help and should leave the area.
I think the trend nowadays is to train civilians to leave the area and not mess with fire extinguishers.
I’ve used them a handful of time. They are incredibly intuitive. The most common misuse is people will try to extinguish the *fire* instead of extinguishing *the object that is burning*. ie: don’t shoot the flames, shoot what’s on fire
just treat it like a grenade + gun
Usually the strategy is that in case of a fire alarm, people that are not trained should leave, and the few people that are trained can use the fire estinguisher. In a way, the fire estinguisher is there so that the trained person finds it at hand when they get there, it’s not there because anybody should be ready to use it.
Also, a fire estinguisher is mostly effective when the fire is very limited, think of a photocopier that is making nasty smoke and has SOME flames. When the fire is blazing, a fire estinguisher is of little help.
This is at least how is taught in a non-critical setting here, for example in our office. I am pretty sure some better training happens in the wood and metal workshop at the ground floor.
Probably in the US. In Europe you have to attend fire hazard lessons during the driver’s license courses and there are mandatory traininga in workplaces. I had to attend fire hazards and first aid courses every 2 years at my previous job.