Amerex 05608 - Manual (Page 4)

3
OPERATION
NOTE: Persons expected to use this extinguisher should be trained in initiating
its operation and in the proper fire fighting technique. Familiarize all
personnel with this information before an emergency occurs.
1. Move the extinguisher to within approximately 50 feet of the fire site. Keep the extinguisher
upright.
CAUTION: This extinguisher must be operated in an upright position. If
equipped with an optional tow loop and vehicle towed to the fire
scene, remove from tow hitch and operate in a vertical position.
2. Twist and pull ring pin. Open cylinder discharge valve by rotating (pulling) the handle valve
lever toward the hose. The hose is now pressurized with chemical.
3. Pull nozzle, with lever in the closed position, from the mount and extend the hose from the
storage rack.
4. Stand back 30 feet from the fire and aim the nozzle at base of flames nearest you. Open
nozzle by pulling handle toward you (be prepared for a discharge recoil by holding the
nozzle firmly).
5. Sweep side to side across the base of the fire and past both edges. Progressively follow up
until the fire is extinguished. Work the fire away from you while being alert for flashbacks.
Move closer as the fire is extinguished but not so close as to scatter or splash the burning
materials.
6. When the fire is out, push the hose (discharge) lever forward to the closed position. Stand
by and watch for possible reignition.
7. Evacuate and ventilate the area immediately after extinguishing the fire. The fumes and
smoke from any fire may be hazardous and can be deadly.
DISCHARGE TIME
– 488/476 – 49 Seconds 489/477 – 60 Seconds 490/478 – 52 Seconds
EFFECTIVE RANGE OF AGENT THROW IS 25 TO 40 FEET
HOSE LENGTH
– 50 FEET
SHUTDOWN
CAUTION:
BEFORE PERFORMING THE SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE AND
PREPARING TO MOVE THE EXTINGUISHER TO THE RECHARGE
LOCATION, DETERMINATION MUST BE MADE THAT THE FIRE IS
COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED AND THERE IS NO DANGER OF A
FLASHBACK.
1. Tip the extinguisher to the horizontal position (resting on the carriage handle) and slowly
rotate the cylinder discharge valve lever to the open position. Slowly push the hose
(discharge) nozzle lever to the open position and be prepared for some chemical discharge.
2. When all pressure has been evacuated from the extinguisher, return the hose (discharge)
nozzle lever and cylinder discharge valve lever to the closed position.
NOTE: These steps will allow easy depressurization of the extinguisher
and clear the hose assembly with a minimal loss of remaining
chemical.
3. Return the extinguisher to the upright position. Coil the hose onto the storage rack and
position the nozzle into the mount in preparation for transport to the recharge location.
RECHARGE EXTINGUISHERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER ANY USE