What Should Every Employee Know About Fire Extinguishers at Work?

Why Employee Fire Extinguisher Training Matters

In India, the Factories Act, 1948, and Building Safety Regulations mandate fire safety training for all employees. Yet, most workers have never handled a fire extinguisher or don't know one is hanging on their office wall. A small fire that could be controlled in 30 seconds can spread into an uncontrollable blaze if employees panic or use the wrong extinguisher. In Ahmedabad's industrial zones (Naroda, Vatva, Kalol), fire safety drills are now mandatory quarterly.

Here are the seven critical things every employee should know.

1. Know Where Fire Extinguishers Are Located in Your Building

This is Rule #1. Before your first day, your employer should:

• Provide a building floor plan with all extinguisher locations marked in red
• Show you the nearest extinguisher to your workstation
• Point out the backup extinguishers on your floor and stairwell landings
• Explain signage: red boxes with white lettering are extinguisher locations; green signs mark emergency exits

In a 10-story Ahmedabad office building, there should be at least one 6kg ABC extinguisher per floor (minimum requirement). Larger offices may have multiple. Familiarize yourself immediately—during a fire, you won't have time to search.

2. Learn the PASS Technique

PASS is the universal fire extinguisher technique taught globally. It stands for:

P – Pull the Pin

Locate the safety pin at the top of the extinguisher handle (usually a red or yellow tag). Pull it straight out. This disables the handle lever and prevents accidental discharge. Takes 1 second. If the pin is stuck (corroded), don't force it—get another extinguisher or evacuate.

A – Aim at the Base of the Fire

Point the nozzle or hose at the bottom/base of the flames, not at the top. Fire is fed by burning material at the bottom. Spraying above the flames wastes the agent and doesn't cool/smother the fire efficiently. For liquid fires (Class B), aim at the edge of the flames first, then sweep toward the center.

S – Squeeze the Handle Lever

Grip the handle firmly and squeeze. The lever releases the pressurized agent. Some extinguishers require a squeeze + release action; others flow continuously while squeezed. One full squeeze of a 1kg ABC extinguisher lasts 8-10 seconds. A 6kg extinguisher lasts 15-20 seconds. Practice counts.

S – Sweep Side-to-Side

While squeezing, sweep the nozzle in a side-to-side motion (like painting a wall) across the base of the fire. Don't point and hold static—the agent disperses unevenly. Continue sweeping until the fire is out AND the fuel is cool enough to prevent re-ignition.

Example: A small wastebin fire in an office. Pull pin, aim at the burning trash at the bottom, squeeze, and sweep left-to-right and back for 5-8 seconds. It's quick, effective, and requires no special training—just knowing the steps.

3. Understand Fire Classes and Which Extinguisher to Use

There are five fire classes in India (per IS 4308 and IS 8966). Each requires a different extinguisher:

Class A – Ordinary Combustibles (paper, wood, plastic, textiles) — Use ABC or A-rated extinguishers. Cost: ₹800-₹1,500 per 1kg.

Class B – Flammable Liquids (petrol, diesel, oils, paint thinners) — Use CO2, DCP (ABC), foam, or AFFF. Cost: ₹2,500-₹3,500 for 2kg CO2.

Class C – Electrical Equipment (live wiring, switchboards, machinery) — Use CO2 or DCP. Never use water or foam (conductors). Most offices have 6kg ABC, which is safe for Class C.

Class D – Flammable Metals (magnesium, titanium, lithium) — Use specialized dry powder (not ABC). Rarely in offices; found in chemical plants and research labs. Cost: ₹8,000+ per 5kg.

Class F – Cooking Oil/Fat Fires (deep fryers, kitchen grease) — Use Wet Chemical extinguishers. ABC or CO2 can cause violent re-ignition. Cost: ₹4,000-₹8,000 per 2kg. Mandatory in restaurant kitchens.

Employee checklist: If you work in an office, you'll likely have ABC (handles A, B, C). If in a kitchen, ensure Wet Chemical is available. If near electrical equipment, confirm CO2 is accessible.

4. When NOT to Fight a Fire: Know Your Limits

This is critical. Many injuries occur because employees try to fight fires they can't control. DO NOT attempt to use an extinguisher if:

• The fire is larger than a wastepaper basket: It's growing too fast. Evacuate immediately. An extinguisher is for small, contained fires only.
• You're alone: Always have someone behind you to alert you if the fire spreads or blocks your escape route. Buddy system is mandatory.
• The room is smoke-filled: You can't breathe, can't see, and can collapse from inhalation. Evacuation is the only option. Smoke inhalation kills faster than flames.
• There's no clear exit behind you: Never position yourself between a fire and the only exit. If the fire spreads or your extinguisher fails, you're trapped. Always ensure a clear escape route.
• You don't know the fire class: Using the wrong extinguisher can make it worse (e.g., water on oil fires). If unsure, evacuate.
• The extinguisher is not nearby: If you have to search for an extinguisher, the fire is already spreading. Leave immediately.

Remember: Your life is more valuable than any property. Factories Act mandates that employee safety is the priority. Evacuate first, call 101 (fire service in India), and wait for professionals.

5. Activate the Fire Alarm BEFORE Using an Extinguisher

Your first action upon discovering a fire should be:

1. Alert others: Shout "Fire!" to warn colleagues
2. Pull the fire alarm: This alerts the fire department and evacuates the building through PA system
3. Only then: If it's very small and you're trained, use an extinguisher as a secondary step

In India, fire alarm boxes are typically on stairwells, near exits, and in common corridors. They're usually bright red with a hammer to break glass. Don't feel shy pulling an alarm. A false alarm is better than a delayed real alarm.

Under the Fire Service Act and Maharashtra Fire Prevention Act (applicable across India including Gujarat), pulling a false alarm without cause can result in a fine, but accidental pulls are not penalized.

6. Report Used or Defective Extinguishers Immediately

If you use an extinguisher (even partially) or notice one is damaged, broken, or empty:

• Inform your manager or facilities team immediately
• Don't leave an empty extinguisher on the wall (unsafe)
• Mark it clearly: tape an "OUT OF SERVICE" label
• Request a refill or replacement within 24 hours

Under IS 2190:2010 (Indian Standard for fire extinguisher servicing), a used extinguisher must be refilled within 24 hours. It's illegal to use a partially discharged extinguisher—the pressure is reduced, and it may not work in an emergency. Cost of refill in Ahmedabad: ₹200-₹500 per extinguisher.

7. Participate in Annual Fire Drills and Training

The Factories Act mandates at least one fire drill per year in offices and industries. Gujarat also requires quarterly drills in high-risk sectors (textiles, chemicals, manufacturing). During a drill:

• Treat it as a real emergency (don't treat it casually)
• Evacuate using designated routes
• Meet at the assembly point (usually marked on the building map)
• Don't hide or use elevators
• Report any unsafe conditions to your manager afterward

Many Ahmedabad factories in Naroda and Vatva zones now conduct quarterly drills. Participation is mandatory—it's as important as knowing where the bathrooms are.

Employee Fire Safety Checklist

• ☐ I know where the nearest fire extinguisher is located
• ☐ I can recite PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
• ☐ I know my building's fire classes (usually ABC for offices)
• ☐ I know when NOT to fight a fire (larger than palm, alone, smoke-filled room, no exit)
• ☐ I know where the fire alarm is and how to pull it
• ☐ I will report defective or empty extinguishers immediately
• ☐ I will attend the annual fire drill and treat it seriously

Learn More About Fire Safety

For detailed guidance on extinguisher types and selection, read our golden rules of fire safety and extinguisher use. If your workplace needs training, JSNM Engineers provides certified fire safety training courses in Ahmedabad. Learn more about fire extinguisher certification and training in India.