Fire extinguishers are an important part of any fire safety plan, and modern designs make them more user-friendly than ever. The British Standard for the performance and characteristics of portable fire extinguishers is BS EN 3-7, and all units should conform to this standard. Fire extinguishers work by using pressure to discharge extinguishing agents, and most units have a squeeze or lever handle that activates the unit. This handle is usually attached directly to the valve assembly but may be positioned in line with the extinguisher hose on some models. Fire extinguishers are a vital part of any fire safety plan, and it is important to choose a model that is easy to use and designed for the specific type of fire you are trying to extinguish.