What is the main consideration for safely using fire extinguishers?

The main consideration for safely using fire extinguishers is the type of fire. Fire extinguishers are classified based on the type of fire they are designed to combat, such as those involving flammable solids, liquids, gases, or electrical equipment. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on a specific fire can lead to ineffective suppression and potentially worsen the situation.

For instance, using a water-based extinguisher on an electrical fire can cause electric shock or even enhance the fire due to water's conductivity. Similarly, using a fire extinguisher not suited for flammable liquids can lead to the spread of that fire. Therefore, understanding the class of the fire is crucial for effective and safe firefighting, making it the primary consideration when operating a fire extinguisher.

Other factors, such as the location of the fire, the availability of water, and the eco-friendliness of the chemicals, are important in specific circumstances but do not take precedence over knowing which type of fire extinguisher to use for various fire classes.