Guide on Use of Fire Extinguishers

This information will enable staff to operate fire extinguishers that are found on campus.

Do not put your personal safety at risk.

1. Ensure that the alarm has been raised

2. Select the correct extinguisher for the type of fire in accordance with the following table:

Types of fire extinguisher used on University Premises:

Water	CO2	Powder	Foam
Do not use on electrical fires.		Do not use in enclosed spaces.	Do not use on electrical fires.

3. Use the extinguisher:

• PULL the safety pin out, to free the lever on top of the extinguisher
• AIM the fire extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, standing around 2.5 metres back from the fire
• SQUEEZE the handle to release the fire-fighting agent
• SWEEP the nozzle or hose across the base of the fire (not the flames) until it is fully extinguished; with foam and powder, lay a blanket of foam or powder over the burning area

Warning:- Do not touch the horn of the CO₂ extinguisher as your hand could freeze to it.

4. Evacuate and report to the Security Response Team

Fire Blankets may be used to extinguish cooking pan fires:

• Pull the blanket out of its case
• Check that the fire is smaller than the blanket
• Hold it well up in front of you by the top corners and keep your hands tucked in behind the blanket
• Place it over the fire to smother it and leave it there
• Don’t take it off for half an hour, in order to let the material cool down.