First Alert FE3A10GR - Manual

User’s Manual
Fire Extinguishers
Models FE3A10GR,
FE3A40GR
IMPORTANT! Please read carefully and save.
This user’s manual contains important information about your fire
extinguisher’s operation. If you are installing this fire extinguisher for
use by others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the
end user.
Read extinguisher label and the entire user’s manual carefully before
installing or using the unit. Make sure everyone in your household is
completely familiar with the operation of the extinguisher, and review
the instructions regularly. In an emergency, you will not have time to
read instructions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
NOTE: Be sure the extinguisher is rated to fight the type of fire most
likely to occur in the area you choose to install it. Since household
fires commonly start in the kitchen, you should always install an
extinguisher in the kitchen. For added security, you should also install
additional extinguishers in utility areas, and other living areas in your
household.
FE3A10GR is rated Class 3-A:10-B:C.
FE3A40GR is rated Class 3-A:40-B:C.
READ BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING
THIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER!
Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type. The A, B and C
rating system defines the kinds of burning materials each fire
extinguisher is designed to fight. The numbers in front of the
A, B, or C indicate the rating for size of the fire the unit can
extinguish. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can do
more harm than good. Make sure you understand which fire
extinguisher to use on each class of fire!
Class A rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires involving wood, paper, cloth,
rubber, and some plastics.
Class B rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires involving grease, oil, gasoline,
kerosene, and other flammable liquids.
Class C rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires in "live" electrical equipment.
If your First Alert ® fire extinguisher came with a wall hook:
1. Install the wall hook on a wooden stud or other solid surface that
will support the weight of the extinguisher using the screws or
bolts purchased. Since wall surface types vary, mounting screws
are not included.
Purchase screws or bolts specifically designed
for the surface on which you will mount the fire extinguisher.
The fire extinguisher label lists its maximum weight.
2. After installing the wall hook, place the extinguisher on the hook with
the label facing outward, so the label can easily be read.
If your First Alert ® fire extinguisher came with a metal bracket:
1. Install the metal bracket on a wooden stud or other solid surface
that will support the weight of the extinguisher using the screws or
bolts purchased. Since wall surface types vary, mounting screws
are not included.
Purchase screws or bolts specifically designed
for the surface on which you will mount the fire extinguisher.
The fire extinguisher label lists its maximum weight.
2. After installing the metal bracket, place the extinguisher on the
bracket with the label facing outward, so the label can easily be read.
Raise and wrap the bracket straps around the cylinder and snap
the buckle closed.
CHECKING AND INSPECTING THE
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
1. Inspect the extinguisher once a week. Remove the extinguisher
from the mounting device and inspect the gauge. If the gauge pointer
is anywhere in the green band, the extinguisher is properly charged
and ready to use. If the gauge reads "RECHARGE," the extinguisher
has lost pressure and must be refilled.
2. Check for signs of damage or misuse. Make sure you can still
read all the text on the label. Carefully examine the surface of
the extinguisher for corrosion. You can help prevent corrosion
by cleaning the extinguisher if it gets wet or dirty. If you notice
corrosion during the warranty period, return the unit to First Alert
®
(see "Limited Warranty" at the end of this manual).
3. Make sure the tamper indicator ("safety seal") is still intact and the
nozzle is clean and unobstructed.
Continued...
CHECKING AND INSPECTING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER,
Continued
4.
Record all inspection and maintenance dates on the tag included
with the fire extinguisher.
5. When you finish inspecting the fire extinguisher, always put it back
onto the mounting device. Make sure the safety seal is intact.
For more information about fire extinguishers, consult the NFPA
Standard #10, "Portable Fire Extinguishers," available from the National
Fire Protection Association, Inc., Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169,
USA.
HOW TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER
MOUNTING YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER
WHERE TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER
A Fire Extinguisher Should Be Mounted:
•
In the vicinity of (but not on or in) a potential source of heat
and/or fire, like an oven or stove.
• Where it is easy to reach, near an exit or an escape route from
the room.
• In a location that is convenient, in plain sight, and 3-1/2 to 5
feet (1 to 1.5 meters) above the floor.
• Store the extinguisher high enough to keep it out of the reach
of small children.
• On a clean, dry surface where the temperature does not go
above 120° F (49° C) or below –40° F (–40° C).
• Do not mount the extinguisher on drywall or plaster without
adequate support. Use strong screws or bolts to mount the
bracket securely into solid wood or metal that can support
it, like a wooden partition stud. Secure mounting is needed
so you can remove the extinguisher quickly and easily in an
emergency. Also, if the extinguisher is not held securely, it
could drop to the floor and injure people or damage the
extinguisher.
• Do not break the plastic loop holding the safety pin in place!
This loop prevents accidental discharge of the fire extin-
guisher. Break the loop only in an emergency before using
the fire extinguisher.
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR FIRE
EXTINGUISHER IN A FIRE EMERGENCY
TO FIGHT THE FIRE
1. Lift the extinguisher off the mounting device and remove nozzle
from the holding strap. If your fire extinguisher came with a metal
bracket, unbuckle the metal strap to remove the extinguisher from
the mounting device.
2. Hold the unit firmly in an upright position. Pull out the safety pin
to break the safety seal or tamper indicator. Make sure the extin-
guisher nozzle faces away from you.
3. Stand back from the fire at least 10 feet (3 meters), and make sure
the fire is not between you and your exit.
4. Hold the extinguisher upright and aim the nozzle at the base of
the fire.
5. Press the lever to discharge the powder.
6. Sweep the spray at the base of the burning material, using quick
side-to-side motions. (If the spray scatters the fire, move back.)
7. Move slowly towards the fire as the extinguisher spray pushes
the fire back. Maintain a 10-foot (3 meter) distance between you
and the front of the fire at all times.
8. Completely discharge the contents of the extinguisher and make
sure the fire is completely out. Flashbacks are common with fires.
9. For kitchen fires on a kitchen stove, turn off the stove immediately
if possible, otherwise as soon as it is safe.
10. If you suspect a fire had an electrical origin, shut off the electrical
power, if possible, without eliminating your escape route. Do not
touch electrical wires or appliances.
11. After you have completely discharged your extinguisher, leave the
building and close all the doors behind you.
AFTER THE FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED
Do not turn the electrical power back on or plug in any appliances
until the area has been cleaned up completely. It is very important
to remove the powder from electrical equipment after a fire. If the
powder gets wet, it can conduct electricity. (Using a dry chemical
extinguisher on wet electrical equipment may be hazardous for this
reason.) This may worsen an electrical leakage problem, impair the
equipment’s insulation, or create an electrical shock hazard.
Continued...
• Make sure your extinguisher may be safely and effectively
used on the small fire you want to fight. Always use extreme
caution when fighting any fire. Fight a fire only where there is
a clear escape path to allow you to get out safely if the fire
gets worse.
• Avoid breathing smoke and heated fumes; stay low if
necessary. Burning materials will release toxic fumes.
Inhaling these fumes may cause injury or death.
• Always stand back far enough away from the fire—near
an exit—and make sure nothing is between you and your
escape route. If you get too close to a fire, you risk getting
burned or hit by splattering material like grease. If the fire is
too hot or smoky for you to get within 10 feet (3 meters), DO
NOT try to fight the fire yourself. Evacuate immediately and
call the Fire Department. Stand back no less than 10 feet (3
meters) from the fire.
• For fires on a kitchen stove, turn oven or burners off
immediately if possible. If you can’t reach the oven or burner
controls safely, extinguish the fire first, then turn them off.
• Fight the fire from an upwind direction with your back to any
strong air current. Trying to fight a fire with currents blowing
towards you can result in serious injury.
IF YOUR EXTINGUISHER NEEDS SERVICE
This fire extinguisher is rechargeable by a certified fire equipment
dealer, regardless of how much of the content was used.
Once a year, a certified fire equipment dealer, in accordance with the
service manual identified on the fire extinguisher label, should service
the fire extinguisher. Please refer to your local telephone directory for a
certified dealer.
Do not try to service or repair this fire extinguisher under any
circumstances. Do not try to remove the hose, nozzle or valve
assembly. This is a pressurized device that can cause serious
injury if tampered with.
If there is a problem and it is still under warranty, please see “How to
Obtain Warranty Service” in the Limited Warranty.
DISPOSING OF A USED EXTINGUISHER
If you choose not to have a used extinguisher refilled or a non-working
unit repaired, take it outdoors, turn it upside down, and discharge it
completely. Dispose of the empty unit properly, and replace it with a
new fire extinguisher.
Never puncture, burn or expose this fire extinguisher to tempera-
tures over 150° F (66° C) even if it is fully discharged. The contents
are under pressure and it could explode.
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc. ("BRK") the maker of First Alert ® brand products,
warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, this
product will be free from defects in material and workmanship.
BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component
of the product found to be defective during the warranty period.
Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or
component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be
made with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your
exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of
initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales
receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do
not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and
conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage result-
ing from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product,
use on improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating
instructions, disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than
BRK or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not
cover acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages
caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except
to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration
to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces, or
jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights that vary from state to state, or province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service:
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your
retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer
Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central
Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist in serving you, please
have the model number and date of purchase available when calling.
Address: 303 Nelson Avenue, Neosho, MO 64850-8806
M08-0158-001 M 10/05
First Alert ® is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust used under
license.
Heavy-Duty
Fire Extinguisher
Model FE3A10GR
1 2 3 4
© 2005 BRK Brands, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
First Alert
® , 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com
Thank you for choosing First Alert
® for your fire extinguisher needs.
You have purchased a high quality fire extinguisher designed to
protect you and your family in case of a fire danger.
M08-0158-001 M 10/05
Heavy-Duty Plus
Fire Extinguisher
Model FE3A40GR
Parts of This
Fire Extinguisher
Wall Hook Mounting
Metal Bracket Mounting
Safety
Pin
Lever
Handle
Pressure
Gauge
Break Seal
and Pull Out
the Safety Pin
Aim Nozzle at
Base of Fire
Press Lever To
Discharge Powder
• This extinguisher is designed for use against small fires
that have just started and are small enough to fight safely.
It is not designed to fight large fires that are burning out of
control. If the fire is too hot or smoky for you to get within
10 feet (3 meters) of it, do not try to fight it yourself. Warn
everyone, evacuate the premises, and have someone call the
Fire Department from outside the building. Trying to fight a
large fire yourself can result in injury or death.
• Do not puncture or burn any fire extinguisher. The contents
are under pressure, and the extinguisher could explode.
• Never locate this extinguisher close to an engine, stove or
other source of heat. It is pressurized and could rupture or
explode if exposed to temperatures over 150° F (66° C).
• This extinguisher contains a dry powder extinguishing agent.
The agent/powder is nontoxic, but can irritate skin. When
using this unit, avoid breathing the powder. Always ventilate
the area after use.
• DO NOT CHECK THE PRESSURE OR TEST THE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER BY SQUEEZING THE LEVER, EVEN BRIEFLY.
ONCE USED, IT WILL GRADUALLY LOSE PRESSURE AND
WILL NOT BE FULLY CHARGED FOR USE IN AN EMERGENCY.
• Only an authorized fire equipment dealer must refill this
extinguisher. The extinguisher must be refilled with the
same chemical that it contained when it was first purchased.
Improper filling can result in non-working or dangerous units.
This unit will not operate when it is on the mounting device.
The extinguisher must be removed from the mounting device
or it cannot discharge its contents to fight a fire.
HOW TO CLEAN AFTER USING A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
NOTE: The powder spray from the extinguisher may spread over a
wide area, and may soil upholstery, carpets and walls.
•
Sweep/vacuum up as much of the powder as possible. Then use
a damp cloth to wipe off the remaining agent.
• If you have any questions about cleaning appliances that the
agent has come into contact with, please contact the appliance
manufacturer.
AFTER THE FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED, Continued
If the fire was on a kitchen stove:
•
Make sure the oven and all burners are turned off.
• Clean up the powder completely before using the stove or oven.
See “How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher”. Ventilate the
area thoroughly.
If you think the fire had an electrical origin:
•
Shut off the electrical power, if possible--do not touch any
electrical wires or appliances.
• Leave the building and close all doors behind you. Call the Fire
Department and have them inspect the entire house. As soon as
they say it’s safe to return, ventilate the area thoroughly.
• Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system. Do not
turn the power back on or plug in any electrical equipment until
the inspection has been completed.