Skip Navigation

University at Buffalo - The State University of New York
  1. About
    1. Contact Us
    2. News, Alerts and Tips
  2. EH&S Programs
    1. Accident Reporting
    2. Asbestos and Lead
    3. Battery Recycling
    4. Biological Safety
    5. Chemical Safety
    6. Construction Safety
    7. Environmental Protection
    8. Fire and Life Safety
    9. General Safety
    10. Hazardous Waste
    11. Industrial Hygiene
    12. Laboratory Safety
    13. Public Health
    14. Radiation Safety
    15. EH&S Projects
    16. Small Claims
  3. Policies
    1. Building Evacuation Plans
    2. Campus Commitment to Safety
    3. Corridor Use Policy
    4. Excavation Marking and Dig Safely Procedure
    5. Guidelines for Drain Disposal of Lab Waste
    6. Lab Facilities & Equipment Servicing Release
    7. Outdoor Projects
    8. More...
  4. Forms
    1. Biosafety Forms
    2. Chemical Safety Forms
    3. Equipment Release Certification Form
    4. Fact Sheets
    5. Fire Safety Forms
    6. Hot Work Permit
    7. Laser Registration
    8. Material Safety Data Sheets
    9. Radiation Safety Forms
    10. Small Claims Incident Report Form
  5. Training
    1. Lab Safety Training
    2. Radiation Safety Training
    3. Right-to-Know Training
    4. Shipping

Home > Departments > Environment, Health & Safety > EH&S Programs > Fire and Life Safety > Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire Extinguisher Training

EH&S can provide training on the proper use of fire extinguishers. Contact our Service Request Line at 829-2401 to arrange a training session for your group. 

The following guidance is from the National Fire Protection Association

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

Portable extinguishers must match the fire your fighting. There are five classes of fires. Extinguishers are labeled with standard letters and symbols for the classes of fires they can put out:

Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles, such as wood, cloth and paper.

Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil and some paints and solvents.

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as power tools, wiring, fuse boxes, computers, TV's and electric motors.

Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium. fighting Class D fires require specialized training.

Class K fires involve cooking oils used in commercial cooking equipment.

A red slash through any of the fire-class symbols on an extinguisher's label means you must not use the extinguisher on the class of fire.

Safety Tips:

  • Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.
  • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
  1. Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the lockingmechanism.
  2. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  4. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out.
  • Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process. Have the fire department inspect the fire site, even if you think you've extinguished the fire.
  • If the fire does not go out, get to a safe area.
  • For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.
  • Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
  • Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out.
  • After using a fire extinguisher, be sure to notify the building or residence hall supervisor so that the extinguisher may be properly recharged.