How to use a fire extinguisher correctly?

1. Quickly confirm before use (5 seconds to determine if the fire is under control):
This applies only to early-stage fires (flame height less than your height and has not reached the ceiling). If the fire has spread and thick smoke blocks the way, abandon firefighting immediately, bend down, and wet a towel to escape!

Is the fire extinguisher operational?
Check the pressure gauge: the needle should be in the green zone (red = failure, yellow = overpressure hazard). Verify that the safety pin is not rusted and the nozzle is not cracked.

2. Four-step operation method (using a dry powder fire extinguisher as an example):
Hold: Hold the extinguisher by the handle with one hand (do not hold the nozzle!) and quickly run upwind of the fire.
Maintain a safe distance of 3-5 meters (more than 5 meters for oil fires).

Remove: Remove the metal safety pin (pull hard to break the lead seal and shake it to remove).
The pressure handle is locked and cannot be pressed until the safety pin is removed.

Aim: Hold the metal tube at the front of the nozzle with one hand (to prevent frostbite/scalding), and support the bottom of the extinguisher with the other hand. Bend down and keep your body low, avoiding the smoke. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flame (not the top!).

Pressure: Firmly depress the pressure handle and sweep left and right to advance.
For oil fires: Sweep from the edge toward the center to avoid oil splashing.
For electrical fires: Turn off the power before extinguishing the fire, maintaining a safe distance of at least 1 meter.

3. Important Safety Principles
Escape First
If the fire is not under control after 30 seconds of extinguishing, escape immediately
When extinguishing a fire, ensure a clear escape route (face away from the exit)

No Risks
Gas Leak Fire: Close the valve before extinguishing the fire. If the valve fails, evacuate immediately
Chemical Fires (magnesium, sodium, etc.): Do not use ordinary fire extinguishers; cover with special sand and soil

Reignition Prevention Measures
Continue to spray for 2 seconds after the flame is extinguished to cool the burning material → Thoroughly inspect for hidden ignition points (such as cotton wool, sawdust, etc.)

4. Daily Maintenance Instructions
Monthly Inspection: Pressure, lead seals, nozzle, and bottle corrosion
Regular Inspection: Dry powder/water-based fire extinguishers first inspected 5 years after manufacture, then every 2 years thereafter; CO2 fire extinguishers undergo water pressure testing every 5 years
Rejection Criteria: Severe rust, deformation, abnormal pressure, or more than 3 repairs