When using a fire extinguisher, what posture should you maintain?

When using a fire extinguisher, what posture should you maintain?

• A. Face the fire directly.
• B. Keep your back to the exit.
• C. Bend at the waist.
• D. Lie on the floor.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to stay oriented toward an escape path when you use a fire extinguisher. Keeping your back to the exit gives you a ready route out if the fire grows or smoke thickens, so you can retreat quickly without turning your back to safety. Facing the fire directly puts you in the heat and smoke and can trap you, while bending at the waist or lying on the floor reduces your balance and mobility, making it harder to control the extinguisher and move to safety. So maintaining a posture that keeps the exit behind you helps protect you while you respond to the fire.

The main idea is to stay oriented toward an escape path when you use a fire extinguisher. Keeping your back to the exit gives you a ready route out if the fire grows or smoke thickens, so you can retreat quickly without turning your back to safety. Facing the fire directly puts you in the heat and smoke and can trap you, while bending at the waist or lying on the floor reduces your balance and mobility, making it harder to control the extinguisher and move to safety. So maintaining a posture that keeps the exit behind you helps protect you while you respond to the fire.