A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. Fire extinguishers are not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no means of escape is available), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire brigade. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. Fire extinguishers manufactured with non-cylindrical pressure vessels also exist but are less common. In the United States, Fire Extinguishers fall under jurisdiction of Underwriters Laboratories Fire Code 906. This code specifies safety requirements for portable fire extinguishers manufactured for consumer use and breaks them down into classes based on the type of burning material they are designed to fight. Employers must have the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers on hand, as specified by their risk assessment and local fire code. Fire Extinguishers must be properly mounted at the correct height and location, and should be regularly inspected and serviced to ensure they will work properly in the event of a fire.
