All of our student properties come equipped with a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen. Whilst these are items we sincerely hope you don’t have to use during your tenancy, it is important you know how to use them should the need arise.
Extinguisher:
The vast majority of our houses will have a powder type fire extinguisher. These can be used on solid, liquid, gas and electrical fires. They are not suitable for pan fires though. To use the extinguisher:
- With the powder extinguisher on the ground a safe distance from the fire, remove the safety pin and break the tamper seal.
- Aim the hose at the base of the fire with one hand. Don’t aim for the flames, but instead for the base of the fire, moving the spray around to deprive it of oxygen.
- Holding the lever in your other hand, you then start to slowly squeeze this to discharge the powder. As the fire starts to die down, you can then start to move closer.
- Using the entire contents of the powder fire extinguisher, make sure the fire is fully extinguished to cool down the area and prevent it from re-igniting.
Fire blanket:
You will also be provided with a fire blanket. You should make sure the 2 tabs are always available. These blankets are particularly designed to tackle pan fires. In the event of a pan fire you should:
- Turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so (NEVER move a container with burning liquid).
- Pull the tabs to release the fire blanket from its box.
- Hold the blanket in a shield position and if possible wrap the blanket around your hands for protection.
- Place the blanket gently over the pan/container to smother the fire.
- Leave the pan to cool completely – do not attempt to uncover until it is completely cool.
You should only ever attempt to fight a fire if you feel comfortable doing so and you are not going to endanger yourself or anyone else. If you do not feel comfortable, get out of the house immediately and call 999.
