Pressurized Water (Class A Fires)
Pressurized Water Fire Extinguishers User Guidelines
Use for Class A Fires
What type of fires can be extinguished with pressurized water extinguishers?
Class A fires only which involve "ordinary combustibles" - wood, paper, household rubbish,cloth, rubber and many plastics.
What is the proper way to use a Class A, 2-1/2 pound water extinguisher?
There are four basic operating steps. Think of the word "PASS" to remember the steps.
Pull the pin. Holding the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, pull out the pin located below the trigger. Note: Lifting the extinguisher by the handle will not activate the extinguisher.
Aim low. Stand at a safe distance from the fire (the water stream will reach at least 30 feet). Point the extinguisher nozzle at the front edge at the base of the fire (the lowest point of the fire nearest you). Remember - extinguishers are designed to be operated in an upright position. Always hold the extinguisher vertically. Never cradle it horizontally or at an angle in your arms. If it is too heavy to hold properly, place on floor next to you and operate.
Squeeze the trigger. Squeeze slowly and evenly. This action will release the water and expel it through the discharge nozzle. Frequently, it is more effective to create a water spray by putting your finger over the end of the nozzle (as you would with a garden hose).
Sweep from side to side. As the pressurized water is expelled, sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire. As the fire closest to you goes out, you may move closer to the fire and continue the sweeping motion until the fire is extinguished. Remember, hold the extinguisher upright. If the fire does not diminish immediately, get out of the building.
Once activated, can a pressurized water extinguisher be turned off?
Yes, stop squeezing the trigger and the stream of water will be turned off. In fact it may be best to do this while repositioning yourself in relation to the fire when necessary.
How far will the water stream reach?
The horizontal range of the pressurized water stream will reach a distance from 30 to 40 feet.
How long will it take to use up the 2-1/2 gallons of water in an extinguisher?
The approximate time to discharge the 2-1/2 gallons of water is one minute.
How does the water put out a fire?
Water effectively puts out a fire by cooling the fuel (burning combustibles) to a point below the temperature at which the fire can continue to burn or reignite.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of pressurized water fire extinguishers?
It is dangerous to use water for fires involving flammable liquids and energized electrical equipment as the application of water spreads the fire and serves as a conductor of electricity. The use of the extinguishers must be limited to extinguishing ordinary combustibles.
