▷ Fire Extinguisher Training at Salkantay Trekking

Instructor explaining how to use a fire extinguisher to the Salkantay Trekking team

Seeing a fire extinguisher in the office every day doesn't necessarily mean we know how to use it. We may know exactly where it's mounted, walk past it daily, and understand that it's there in case of an emergency. But if the moment to act actually came, would we know which one to choose and recognize when evacuating is the safest option?

These questions set the stage for the fire extinguisher training session we held on November 12 at Salkantay Trekking's offices. It was an opportunity for employees from different departments to step away from their usual tasks and take part in a learning experience focused on sharing knowledge and strengthening fire safety awareness.

During the session, we learned about the main classes of fire, how fire extinguishers work, and, most importantly, how to use them properly in an emergency. Through explanations and practical demonstrations, we reinforced knowledge that can make all the difference when it comes to protecting ourselves and those around us.

Colleagues from different departments and with different responsibilities took part in the session, all sharing the same goal: learning how to protect one another and creating a safer workplace together.

Instructor showing the safety pin of a fire extinguisher during the training

Fire Safety Starts in the Office, Too

At Salkantay Trekking, organizing travel experiences requires coordination, attention to detail, and teamwork. That same level of care is essential in our offices, where every department contributes to keeping daily operations running smoothly.

This training gave us a much-needed opportunity to pause and review an important topic before an unexpected situation occurs: knowing what resources we have available and understanding their limitations.

Throughout the session, we didn't just listen to the instructor. We also had the chance to take a closer look at the equipment, identify its different parts, and ask questions about how it works. It was a great opportunity to share knowledge with our colleagues and understand that safety isn't just about having the right equipment available; it's also about knowing how to respond.

Having a fire extinguisher nearby is important, but knowing what it's designed for, keeping it clear of obstacles, and recognizing when to use it are what truly make it an effective fire prevention tool.

Classes of Fire: Identify the Fire Before Taking Action

One of the main topics covered during the training was how to classify fires. The type of material burning and whether electricity is involved determine which extinguishing agent we should choose.

Under the A, B, C, D, and K fire classification system, here are the main differences:

Fire Class	What Does It Involve?	Appropriate Extinguisher or Agent
Class A	Common solid materials such as paper, wood, and fabric.	Water-based extinguishers (provided there is no electrical hazard) or ABC-rated dry chemical powder.
Class B	Flammable liquids such as gasoline, solvents, and certain paints.	CO₂ or dry chemical powder rated for Class B fires.
Class C	Energized electrical equipment and installations.	Nonconductive agents, such as CO₂ or dry chemical powder rated for Class C fires.
Class D	Combustible metals such as magnesium or sodium.	Special dry powder compatible with the specific metal involved.
Class K	Cooking oils and fats used in kitchen equipment.	A Class K-rated extinguisher, typically containing a wet chemical agent.

During the explanation, we also learned why identifying the fire class before using an extinguisher is so important. For example, if we encounter a fire involving energized electrical equipment, we should never use water, as this could expose us to an electric shock. Similarly, a cooking oil fire requires a specific extinguishing agent because using water can cause the flames to spread and make the situation much worse.

These examples helped us understand that not all fires are extinguished in the same way and that choosing the right extinguisher is one of the first steps toward responding safely.

Checking the equipment's label allows us to confirm exactly which fire classes it is designed for. Although a single extinguisher may cover several categories, no extinguisher is suitable for every situation.

Salkantay Trekking team member holding a fire extinguisher during the training

The Two Main Types of Fire Extinguishers Used in Our Office

During the session, we focused especially on dry chemical powder and carbon dioxide, the two types of extinguishers installed at our facilities. Understanding their differences helps us know what each one can do in an emergency.

Dry Chemical Powder: Always Check Its Rating

A dry chemical powder extinguisher, commonly known as a DCP extinguisher, releases an agent that interrupts the chemical reaction of a fire. When labeled as multipurpose ABC, it can be used on Class A, B, and C fires.

However, not all dry chemical powder extinguishers have the same capabilities. Some models are rated BC. That's why, before assuming an extinguisher can handle any type of incident, we should always check its label.

Instructor preparing a fire extinguisher demonstration next to a controlled fire

Carbon Dioxide: Understanding Its Advantages and Limitations

A carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguisher puts out fires by displacing oxygen around the flames. Since CO₂ is nonconductive and doesn't leave powder residue, it's especially useful around electronic and electrical equipment. It is suitable for fires covered by its rating, generally Class B and C.

However, it must be used with caution. In enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, CO₂ can create a dangerous atmosphere for people. It's also not the recommended option for Class A materials, as hidden embers may remain and cause the fire to reignite.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher with its instructions label

What Pushes the Contents Out of a Fire Extinguisher?

Understanding what happens inside the cylinder helps explain why keeping the equipment in good condition is so important.

In many dry chemical powder extinguishers, nitrogen acts as the propellant gas. It maintains the internal pressure needed to release the powder when the handle is squeezed. In other words, the powder puts out the fire, while the nitrogen pushes it out of the extinguisher.

However, this mechanism isn't the same in every extinguisher. CO₂ extinguishers use the pressure of the carbon dioxide stored inside the cylinder, so they don't require additional nitrogen to discharge.

Smoke and extinguishing agent after putting out the fire during the training

Proper Fire Extinguisher Use: Protecting People Comes First

Knowing how to operate a fire extinguisher also means understanding when we should not approach a fire.

Before attempting to put out a small fire, the first steps are to alert others, activate the emergency response procedure, and make sure help is on the way. Only someone who has received proper training should attempt to control a small, newly developing fire, using the correct equipment and keeping a clear escape route behind them.

If the fire spreads quickly, smoke makes it difficult to breathe, or the exit becomes compromised, evacuation must always be the top priority.

During the November 12 training session, one of the most valuable moments was learning how to hold and operate a fire extinguisher. It's not enough to simply pick up the equipment and squeeze the handle; we also need to pay attention to our body position, distance from the fire, and where we aim.

Salkantay Trekking employee holding and operating a fire extinguisher

Body Position Matters, Too

When using a fire extinguisher, we should maintain a firm, stable stance, with our feet slightly apart to keep our balance. It's essential to hold the equipment properly, maintain a safe distance, and avoid getting too close to the flames.

Whenever possible, we should position ourselves with a clear exit behind us. This allows us to move away quickly if the fire grows or the surroundings become unsafe. We should also avoid positioning ourselves where smoke is blowing toward us, as inhaling it poses a serious health risk.

How Far Away Should We Stand When Using a Fire Extinguisher?

The recommended operating distance varies depending on the type of extinguisher, the agent it contains, and the manufacturer's instructions. As a general guideline, many portable dry chemical powder extinguishers are initially operated from approximately 6 to 10 feet away from the fire, adjusting the distance according to the equipment's instructions without getting unnecessarily close.

The key is not to start too close to the flames. We should aim the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire and, as it begins to come under control, move slightly closer only if conditions remain safe.

The Four Steps to Using a Fire Extinguisher

As a practical reminder of the proper technique, and always following the equipment's instructions and the training received, the steps are:

Pull the safety pin:

Hold the extinguisher firmly and remove the safety pin to activate it, keeping the nozzle pointed away from your body.
Aim at the base of the fire:

Direct the hose or nozzle toward the bottom of the flames, maintaining the recommended distance for that particular model.
Squeeze the handle:

Operate the mechanism to release the extinguishing agent and direct it toward the source of the fire.
Sweep from side to side:

Move the nozzle from one side to the other, sweeping across the base of the flames until the fire is brought under control.

Instructor putting out a fire with an extinguisher while Salkantay Trekking employees watch

Putting the Four Steps Into Practice

This sequence reinforces the practical training we received, but it never replaces an initial risk assessment or the company's evacuation procedures.

The demonstration made it clear that knowing these steps in theory is useful, but becoming familiar with the equipment and understanding how its mechanisms work helps us feel much better prepared. The goal isn't to expose ourselves to danger, but to know how to respond responsibly if we ever face an emergency.

Front label of a fire extinguisher with its instructions and fire classes

Monthly Inspections: A Habit We Should Never Overlook

Another key point covered during the training was the importance of regularly inspecting fire extinguishers. Every unit must remain operational and ready for use at any time, even if it has never been used.

A monthly visual inspection helps verify basic aspects such as:

Its location and whether access is completely clear of obstacles.
The visibility and readability of the instructions on the label.
Whether the safety pin and tamper seals are intact.
The physical condition of the cylinder, hose, and nozzle.
Whether the pressure gauge needle is within the correct range, if the model has a pressure gauge.
Whether service dates and maintenance records are up to date.

Any unusual condition should be reported immediately so it can be addressed. This visual inspection does not replace specialized technical maintenance. In fact, regulations and guidance issued by Peru's National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) recognize periodic inspections as an essential part of proper fire extinguisher maintenance.

Top assembly and valve of a fire extinguisher with the safety pin and seal

Do All Fire Extinguishers Need to Be Replaced Every Five Years?

There is no single rule requiring all fire extinguishers to be discarded and replaced every five years. It's important to understand the difference between inspection, maintenance, recharging, hydrostatic testing, and permanently removing equipment from service.

As a technical reference, regulations such as those established by OSHA require hydrostatic testing every five years for CO₂ extinguishers, while certain dry chemical powder models have different testing intervals. A hydrostatic test evaluates the strength and safety of the cylinder, but passing this test does not mean the extinguisher needs to be replaced.

For this reason, each extinguisher must be monitored according to its model, the manufacturer's instructions, its maintenance history, and the applicable regulations in Peru. Checking the date on the label is important, but understanding which type of service that date refers to is even more important.

Salkantay Trekking employees from different departments after the fire extinguisher training

Different Departments, One Shared Responsibility

Having employees from different departments participate allowed us to approach fire prevention as a shared commitment that involves everyone equally.

Beyond the technical information, this session was a great opportunity to come together as a team around a common goal. Every explanation and demonstration reminded us that safety isn't the responsibility of just one person or department. It's a shared responsibility that begins with small everyday actions.

Every team member can contribute through simple daily habits: keeping evacuation routes clear, avoiding blocking fire extinguishers with boxes or furniture, reporting unsafe conditions, and knowing the emergency procedures.

This training helped us refresh our practical knowledge and reminded us that looking after our people is also part of our everyday work.

At Salkantay Trekking, preparing to protect one another starts with learning together. Because true prevention begins long before an emergency, through the decisions and habits we share every day.