It has come to my attention (anecdotally) that some academic institutions, as a matter of local policy, forbid students to use fire extinguishers.  I am thinking more of research, than teaching, labs in this regard.  I think this is a wrong-headed policy since some small fires can be easily extinguished using fire extinguishers (usually ABC) that are required to be in labs.   Extinguishers are designed for use (using the PASS method) by untrained persons - although I would always argue for hands-on training.  I would not favor the policy that requires extinguisher use (as this could lead someone attempting to inappropriately fight a “too large” fire) but forbidding use seems foolish.

I ask the list:  1) How common (do you think) is the policy of forbidding use? and 2) what are the arguments for this “no use” policy?

Dave

David C. Finster
Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry
Wittenberg University