Electricity is something that we just can’t live without. After all, it helps to make our lives so much easier in many ways. Yet, in spite of this, the dangers of electricity are often hugely underestimated. According to statistics, electricity is the cause of around 7% of all residential fires each year.
For that reason, it is very important that you know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency. In the following blog post, you’ll discover how to put out an electrical fire.
In the event you discover any smoke or fire, you should only make an attempt to extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so. The number one priority is ensuring that you don’t put yourself or anyone else at risk – whether you are a fire warden or simply someone who has found themselves in harm’s way. You’ll need to act quickly in order to prevent the fire spreading, but if you have access to the necessary equipment, you can take steps to contain the fire.
How To Extinguish an Electrical Fire Safely
If you’ve established that it is safe for you to proceed, then the first step to putting out an electrical fire is making an attempt to turn off the electrical supply to the object which is on fire.
If you are able to do just that, you can move onto the next step, which is removing the oxygen source. When it’s a small fire, a fire blanket is an effective, clean and safe way of tackling the flames.
Never under any circumstances should you consider using water to put out an electrical fire. This is because water is a natural conductor of electricity, and can result in a shock or even electrocution. What’s more, this could even mean that the fire is spread further.
In terms of which fire extinguisher to use for an electrical fire, you will need to use one which is non-conductive. With an electrical fire, you should only use extinguishants such as powder or CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Key Takeaways on Handling Electrical Fires
Now that you’ve found out everything that you need to know about how to put out an electrical fire, it is most definitely worthwhile ensuring that you have the relevant fire safety gear close by to any potential risks. This especially goes for areas in which there is a lot of electrical equipment.
However, as was mentioned earlier, you shouldn’t underestimate the dangers of electricity in the home or in the workplace. Having the knowledge of what you need to do can often be the difference between a small-scale fire and complete devastation. So, if you are prepared to take the necessary precautions, you can be much better prepared in the event an electrical fire occurs.
If you need further advice or you have further questions regarding putting out electrical fires, learn more from our FAQs or get in touch with our expert team.
