Fire hazards are all around us—at work, at home, in public settings. However, the risk of exposure is greater in some industries, such as mining, oil and gas manufacturing, and construction, of course.
That said, residential fires continue to be a common occurrence – especially in kitchens, garages, basements, and flats that are rented or are not up to fire code standards.
Fires can even happen in a car or a vehicle.
In fact, in the year 2021, Ontario witnessed a whopping 39,047 reported cases of fire.
Truly, the chance of a fire breaking out is everywhere and is always possible. Lives can be changed forever in the event of fire. To prevent irreversible losses, fire extinguishers should be available for use at all times. After all, they are an important contributor to fire prevention.
This makes the correct use of fire extinguishers a critical life skill that we should all possess, so that we can use them at work, at home, and at play in worst-case scenarios. They are the first line of defence and are essential in stopping small, manageable fires before they get out of hand.
That’s why acting swiftly and confidently is so important. The immediate use of a fire extinguisher can make all the difference between minor damage and major loss, helping you save the lives of humans and animals alike.
Fire extinguishers are key to protecting property and saving lives.
Formation of fire
Fires are relatively simple. They have three criteria in order to form, and they must all be present at the same time for a fire to occur. If one piece of the puzzle is missing, guess what? No fire. So, here are the three elements:
1. Fuel or combustible material - something to burn, such as paper or wood. It could also be propane, which makes propane safety training a must.
2. Heat - to elevate the material to its ignition (burning) temperature.
3. Oxygen - to sustain combustion (the fire).
Presto. Fire.
Remove any one of these elements, and the fire will not ignite.
In case the stars align and it does, fire extinguishers can help. They work by disrupting one or more of these elements, thus helping put out the fire efficiently and safely.
The material contained in the compressed fire extinguisher cylinder, like dry powder for instance, puts a barrier between the combustible material and oxygen, which stops the elements in their tracks so that the resultant fire can be extinguished.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Different categories of extinguishers exist to fight different classes of fire. Each has its own characteristics, capabilities, and limitations.
The five common types of portable fire extinguishers include:
- Water extinguishers – for ordinary combustibles (wood, paper).
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers – for electrical fires.
- Dry powder extinguishers – multipurpose use.
- Foam extinguishers – for flammable liquids.
- Wet chemical extinguishers – for kitchen fires, oils, and fats.
Dry powder extinguishers are the most common type as they can be used almost universally in all kinds of settings – be it commercial, residential, or recreational. They can also be used for propane-related accidents.
While all fire extinguishers operate the same way, familiarity with the specific types could be useful in an emergency. It breeds confidence in the user who will then be able to respond expeditiously.
How to Choose & Use the Right Fire Extinguisher
It is equally important to select the correct type of extinguisher for the fire at hand. Its selection should be based on the presence of the highest risk element in a particular environment. Once that is determined, the most suitable extinguisher should be readily available.
It is possible to use the incorrect fire extinguisher type based on the fire type. All fires are not created equal; therefore, understanding the type of hazards and then getting the correct fire extinguisher for the job is very important in prevention planning.
In addition, the user should also be aware of the various sizes and weights of fire extinguishers, as this might come as a surprise to those who have not lifted one before. These cylinders are typically sized by weight from a low of 2.5 lbs to 25 lbs!
So, be prepared to handle these tools carefully. Remember that they should not be dropped as they contain pressurized material, which may create other hazards when manhandled.
What also might surprise you when using one is how quickly the material in the fire extinguisher is used up. Some fire extinguishers will be depleted in seconds, while others will last a bit longer. This criteria should be considered when purchasing a cylinder. It should match the associated risks and the requirements of the environment.
Techniques for Fire Extinguisher Use
To use a fire extinguisher effectively, proper training is essential. While using an extinguisher, practice the PASS technique:
- Pull the pin of the extinguisher
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side
This technique is the most efficient and effective way to use one. For workers handling propane, using an extinguisher correctly is an essential part of propane training.
Placement & Accessibility
Fire extinguishers should be clearly visible, easily accessible, and located near potential fire hazards. They must be mounted at the correct height, with clear signage, and unobstructed pathways so anyone can reach them quickly in case of emergency.
Moreover, they should be marked or labelled clearly with the class of fire they are designed to be used for. Proper placement ensures rapid response because of its visibility and accessibility, and takes into account the ability of an average person can easily lift the extinguisher with ease. The faster a user can initiate the use of the fire extinguisher, the faster small fires can be prevented and major incidents avoided.
Maintenance & Inspection
Portable fire extinguishers should be inspected every month to ensure they are in proper working condition. Make sure they are accessible, securely mounted, and unobstructed, with clear signs and instructions, and inspection tags.
Ensure that they are not damaged, fully charged, have intact seals and pins, and clear discharge openings. They should also be checked for up-to-date hydrostatic testing. Frequent checks and regular inspections ensure that the extinguishers work correctly in case of an emergency.
Don't Just Stand There: Seconds Count
Training and familiarization with fire extinguishers is incredibly important knowledge and is of extreme significance in a fire emergency situation.
Regular training and practical exposure, through fire drills, ensure that workers are able to respond swiftly and confidently during times of crisis.
Familiarity with the type of extinguisher, where it is located, and proper methods of use significantly enhances workplace safety.
Learning ‘in the moment’ is not recommended. In an emergency situation, panic can quickly set in, and confusion and other emotions might take over. This makes it difficult to learn in the moment and demonstrates the importance of prior training, which Act First Safety offers.
However, remember:
When in doubt, not comfortable, or not confident – Do NOT try to fight a fire.
Instead, pull the fire alarm if there is one, call out to evacuate, evacuate, and then call 911 for help when it is safe to do so.
Planning
Having a fire extinguisher alone isn’t always enough. You need to know what is burning, which type of extinguisher to use, and how to operate it properly. Without this knowledge, firefighting can be dangerous. Regular training, proper selection of extinguishers, and routine checks help prevent these errors. You can count on Act First Safety to provide you with the training you need.
Final Thoughts: Fire Extinguishers are an Important Tool in Protection
Fire extinguishers save lives and protect property—but only if we know how to use them correctly. Proper installation, maintenance, and training allow employees to respond quickly and effectively. Knowledge and preparation together make workplaces safer and more confident when responding to emergencies.
Act First Safety provides private training sessions on fire extinguisher use at our Scarborough facility in Ontario. This training can also be opted for off-site or at your location. We also provide courses for professions where the risk of fire is likely, such as handling propane. Contact us to register for propane training, fire extinguisher training, and more.
FAQs
How often should fire extinguisher training be refreshed?
At Act First Safety, we recommend re-taking this training once every 12 months or whenever there are changes to fire hazards, equipment, or workplace layouts.
Is fire extinguisher training mandatory as per Ontario law?
OHSA does not specify hands-on training, but it does lay emphasis on the fact that employers must ensure that their employees are trained to tackle workplace emergencies, which includes fires.
How long does fire extinguisher training take?
A typical course takes 3 hours and covers both the theoretical and practical use of fire extinguishers, including the PASS technique.
