What motion should be used when discharging the dry chemical extinguisher?

What motion should be used when discharging the dry chemical extinguisher?

• A. Pulsing
• B. Holding
• C. Sweeping
• D. Circular

Answer: (C)

When using a dry chemical extinguisher, the motion should be a sweeping stroke across the base of the fire. This targets the fuel at the source and blankets it with the powder, interrupting the chemical reactions occurring in the flame and helping to prevent reignition. Sweep from side to side, moving the nozzle or horn across the base until the fire is out or the extinguisher is empty. The other motions don’t work as effectively: staying in one spot doesn’t blanket the fuel, short bursts don’t maintain contact with the base, and sweeping in circles can miss the fuel source and spread or re-ignite flames. This sweeping action aligns with the proper PASS technique—Aim at the base and Sweep across the fire.

When using a dry chemical extinguisher, the motion should be a sweeping stroke across the base of the fire. This targets the fuel at the source and blankets it with the powder, interrupting the chemical reactions occurring in the flame and helping to prevent reignition. Sweep from side to side, moving the nozzle or horn across the base until the fire is out or the extinguisher is empty. The other motions don’t work as effectively: staying in one spot doesn’t blanket the fuel, short bursts don’t maintain contact with the base, and sweeping in circles can miss the fuel source and spread or re-ignite flames. This sweeping action aligns with the proper PASS technique—Aim at the base and Sweep across the fire.