52913 DHS safety flip chart 6/1/05 4:27 PM Page 62

Each fire extinguisher is designed to be used for a particular type of fire. Some may
be used for more than one type of fire. The type(s) of fire each extinguisher is meant
for is identified by a letter or picture symbol on the faceplate of the extinguisher. On
some extinguishes types of fires for which the extinguisher MUST NOT be used may
be indicated with a diagonal red slash. All staff and volunteers must be able to iden-
tify the location and type of each fire extinguisher.

❏ Types of Fires and Extinguishes

Fire Type Letter Symbol Picture Symbol

For wood, paper, cloth, trash,

and other ordinary materials

For gasoline, grease, oil,

paint, flammable liquids

For live electrical equipment

For combustible metals No current symbol

For cooking oils, fats, grease Type K

❏ Servicing or Purchasing Fire Extinguishers

➔ Check the fire extinguisher gauge regularly. If the needle is in the green
area, compression and contents are adequate;

➔ Once used, even if for only a short burst, a fire extinguisher must be ser-
viced or replaced;

Fire Extinguishers/Smoke Detectors

➥

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❏ How to use the Fire Extinguisher

P Pull! Hold the fire extinguisher

upright. Do not hold the han-
dle. Pull the pin out horizon-
tally. Pull it straight out hori-
zontally;

A Aim! Stand with your back to a

safe exit and aim the nozzle
at the base of the fire. Stand
8-10 feet away from the fire;

S Squeeze! Squeeze the handle/lever to

release the extinguisher
chemicals;

S Sweep! Sweep gently back and forth,

while aiming at the base of
the fire, not at the top of the
flames.

❏ Smoke Detectors

➔ Regulations or guidelines determine the number and placement of

smoke detectors for your program.Your certifying or licensing agency, or
fire marshall can provide you with specific information;

➔ In general, at least two smoke detectors should be in place in every

facility and/or home: one detector located in each sleeping room, and
one in each main hall;

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➔ In multi-level buildings, at least one smoke detector should be appropri-

ately placed on each level;

➔ Mount smoke detectors in the middle of the ceiling, or on a wall at least

three feet away from a corner and 4-6 inches down from the ceiling;

➔ Keep smoke detectors away from drafts created by fans or air ducts.
Moving air can blow smoke away from the detector’s sensor;

➔ Avoid placing smoke detectors too near the kitchen stove, bathroom
shower, or barbecue;

➔ Mount basement detectors at the bottom of the basement stairwell;

➔ Smoke detectors come in two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.

Both are effective at detecting smoke from fire. Both types are available
as battery-operated or a style which is wired directly into the household
electrical current;

➔ If your smoke detector is over 10 years old, replace it;

➔ Routine maintenance of smoke detectors is very important:

• Test your smoke detector weekly, following manufacturer’s instruc-

tions;

• Replace the battery at least yearly. Choose a familiar date such as a

birthday to help you remember;

• NEVER remove the battery for another purpose;

• Clean the smoke detector at least monthly by carefully vacuuming

accumulated dust. Follow manufacturer’s instructions;

➔ Be familiar with the “low-battery warning sounds.” Most commonly an

intermittent chirping noise. REPLACE BATTERY(S) IMMEDIATELY;

Never ignore the warning sound of a smoke detector!

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