F-01 Fireguard Portable Fire Extinguisher Use Flashcards

Which type of extinguisher is safe to use on Class A, B, and C fires?

Answer: Dry chemical (ABC) extinguisher

ABC dry chemical extinguishers are rated for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment.

What does it mean if the needle on a fire extinguisher pressure gauge is in the red zone?

Answer: The extinguisher is undercharged and may not function properly

A needle in the red zone below green indicates the extinguisher lacks sufficient pressure and may fail during an emergency.

When is it NOT appropriate to attempt to fight a fire with a portable extinguisher?

Answer: When the fire is larger than a wastepaper basket

If a fire has grown beyond a small, contained size (roughly a wastepaper basket), occupants should evacuate and call the fire department.

What is the primary purpose of the tamper seal on a fire extinguisher?

Answer: To indicate the extinguisher has not been used or tampered with

The tamper seal confirms the safety pin is intact and that the extinguisher has not been discharged or tampered with since its last inspection.

How often should portable fire extinguishers in commercial buildings be inspected by a trained professional?

Answer: Annually

NFPA 10 requires a thorough annual maintenance inspection of all portable fire extinguishers by a certified professional.

A Class K fire extinguisher is specifically designed for use in which environment?

Answer: Commercial kitchens with cooking oils and fats

Class K extinguishers are designed for high-temperature cooking oil fires common in commercial kitchen environments.

What should a fireguard do FIRST upon discovering a fire before using an extinguisher?

Answer: Activate the building fire alarm and call 911

Activating the alarm and calling 911 ensures occupants are alerted and professional help is summoned before any suppression attempt.