What should personnel do if they are unsure about the effectiveness of their fire extinguishing medium?

Choosing to switch to a different extinguishing agent when unsure about the effectiveness of the current fire extinguishing medium is the most appropriate response. This action is grounded in safety and effectiveness; if personnel have doubts about how well their current extinguishing medium will work on a specific fire, it is critical to use an agent that is known to be effective for the type of fire they are facing.

Each fire extinguishing agent is designed for particular classes of fire (e.g., Class A for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, Class C for electrical fires). If the chosen medium does not adequately address the fire’s requirements, it can lead to dangerous situations, including fire escalation or spread. Therefore, transitioning to a different agent ensures that the personnel are using the most effective methods to control or extinguish the fire safely.

In contrast, continuing to use an ineffective agent could lead to further complications. Consulting the manual may provide some guidance, but it might not always be timely or relevant in an emergency. Waiting for assistance can delay critical action and increase the risk associated with the fire. Thus, switching to a different agent is an immediate response that maximizes safety and effectiveness in fire-fighting efforts.