Portable Fire Extinguisher – Installation and Operation Manual

Download Portable Fire Extinguisher operation manual.pdf

This Installation & Operation Manual is meant for Home Users. For commercial building owners, kindly refer to Singapore Standards 578.

Warning!
Read Carefully before proceeding!

• Warning: Always work with caution with pressurized bodies. Fire Armour takes no responsibilities for any damages or injuries occured from following this manual.
• Always treat cylinders as if they are filled with compressed gas.
• It is important to know that the first rule of fire fighting is that at any point of time you feel that it is too dangerous, run.
• Fire fighting is dangerous for both professionals and newcomers. No amount of training can make it completely safe to tackle fires.
• Do not proceed if in any doubt.

Placement

We want our fire extinguishers to be easily accessible in the event of a fire.
It should be easy to see but not obstruct movement.

Good examples include:

(a) Just outside the entrance of the kitchen.

Unattended kitchen fires are the most common residential fires. They usually occur when the cook is distracted and leaves the kitchen. Upon returning to the kitchen, if a fire has occurred, the cook can quickly grab the fire extinguisher next to the entrance of the kitchen. If the cook fails to put out the fire, the cook can easily back out of the kitchen and escape.

(b) Under the light switches next to the entrance of the master bedroom.

Ideally, every home should have at least 2 fire extinguishers and this is where the second fire extinguisher should be. If a fire occurs in the living room, the occupants will be trapped in the bedroom with little chance of escape. The second fire extinguisher will greatly increase the chances of survival.

(c) Under the light switches closest to your main entrance

This option allows the owner to easily check the pressure of the fire extinguisher everyday. Being placed in the most conspicuous place, it also allows everyone to know where the fire extinguisher is.

Bad examples include:

(a) In the box this fire extinguisher came in.

It takes time to open up the package and is often misplaced. This also makes it difficult to check the fire extinguisher’s pressure

(b) Storeroom

Other than being a potential hazard itself, it is difficult to find a fire extinguisher during an emergency. Being out of sight, it makes it difficult to remember that fire extinguishers should be checked often.

(c) Directly next to the cooking stove

Fire extinguishers are not made to endure high heat for a long period of time.

Operation

Warning!
Read Carefully before proceeding!

• It is important to know that the first rule of fire fighting is that at any point of time you feel that it is too dangerous, then it probably is wiser to run.
• Portable fire extinguishers are only meant to fight incipient fires meaning fires that just started burning.
• Fire fighting is dangerous for both professionals and newcomers. No amount of training can make it completely safe to tackle fires. Do not proceed if in any doubt.
• When possible, the source of the fire such as electricity or gas sources must be turned off as soon as it is safe to do so even if this means before fighting the fire. Failure to do so may cause the fire to reignite.

1. Be familiar with your fire extinguisher. Each fire extinguisher can only fight certain types of fires. This will be clearly indicated on the fire extinguisher label. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can lead to disastrous results.
2. In the event of fire, carefully follow instructions described on the extinguisher label.
3. Discharge the fire extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S technique (Pull, Aim Squeeze, Sweep)
   
   3.1 PULL OUT SAFETY PIN
   3.2 AIM NOZZLE AT BASE OF FIRE
   3.3 SQUEEZE LEVER TO DISCHARGE
   3.4 SWEEP THE BASE OF THE FIRE
4. Evacutate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.

Installation

The installation guidelines follow the Singapore Standards 578. The height is delibrately set low so that in the event that the fire extinguisher is somehow dislodged from its bracket, the fall of the fire extinguisher will be shorter.

1. Extinguishers shall be mounted on walls by the hangers or brackets supplied
2. Extinguishers with gross weight not exceeding 4kg shall be installed so that the carrying handle of the extinguisher is not more than 1.2m above the floor. Extinguishers with gross weight exceeding 4kg shall be installed so that the carrying handle of the extinguisher is not more than 1m above the floor.

Monthly Inspection by the owner

The monthly inspection follows the guidelines set out in the Singapore Standards 578. While it is only required for commercial building owners and occupants, we recommend that home owners to follow these guidelines as well. This version of the monthly inspection has been shortened to the relevant parts.

1. Monthly inspection is to be performed by the owner at least once a month.
2. Ensure fire extinguisher is in designated location and unobstructed physically and visually.
3. Ensure safety pin and safety seal is in place.
4. Check if pressure gauge is in operative range (Green zone). Engage a trained technician to refill if under or over charged.
5. Ensure instruction labels are visible.
6. Check if the hose or nozzle is deformed, choked or rusted.
7. Check for obvious physical damage such as dents or corrosion. Engage a trained technician to hydrostatic test if corroded.

Why does my fire extinguisher not have a hose?
Not all fire extinguishers have hoses, some only require a nozzle.

Can I test my fire extinguishers ?
Never attempt to test your fire extinguishers. They will become empty over night.

Disposal

Warning!
Read Carefully before proceeding!

1. Before disposing a fire extinguisher, do note that in many cases, the fire extinguisher can usually be refilled again after use. The sticker that indicates the expiry date actually refers to the date where the fire extinguisher has to be serviced again. This rule applies to commercial building owners and occupants but not personal home users.
2. The disposal of the extinguisher agent must be done according to local regulations and by a qualified company that has been approved by local regulation. Fire extinguishers should be disposed at an SCDF licenced workshop.

Can sell my old fire extinguishers as scrap to the “karang guni” ?
Due to past incidences where pressurized cylinders were incorrectly disposed, waste collectors have been severely injured or died. Fire extinguishers should be disposed at an SCDF licenced workshop.

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