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Fire Extinguisher Use

Fire Safety | 10-15 min

Summary

Portable fire extinguishers successfully contain fires in their early stages in the majority of cases when used by trained individuals, preventing millions of dollars in property damage annually. However, NFPA statistics also show that attempting to fight fires causes approximately 40 civilian injuries and several deaths each year when people underestimate the fire or overestimate their abilities. The key is knowing when to fight, when to flee, and how to use an extinguisher correctly.

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Key Points to Cover

  • PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
  • Fight only small, contained fires
  • Know your escape route before attempting to fight
  • Use the right type of extinguisher for the fire class
  • Evacuate if the fire grows or spreads

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should this safety talk take?

Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.

Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?

Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.

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