Fire Extinguishers

A recent EPA examination of schools systems in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska revealed severe problems with their fire extinguishers.
The EPA found:

* A great deal of confusion about inspecting and maintaining fire extinguishers
* Access to fire extinguishers was restricted
* Fire extinguishers weren’t rated or approved for the types of fires that could occur
* Staff hadn’t been trained in the proper use and operation of fire extinguishers

With fires occurring in schools every hour, fire extinguishers should be available for use, properly maintained and the staff trained to operate them.

Staff should understand the classes of fires, which fire extinguisher to use for each one and how to use them by following the PASS method: Pull and twist the pin, Aim the extinguisher’s hose at the bottom of the fire, Squeeze the trigger and Sweep it slowly back and forth, covering the entire area.