When using an extinguisher, how far away should you stand from the fire?

Standing at a safe distance away from the fire when using an extinguisher is crucial for your safety as well as the effectiveness of the extinguisher. Being at a safe distance allows you to maintain control over your movements and evaluate the situation without being in harm's way. This distance helps to minimize exposure to heat or flames while still allowing you to aim the extinguisher's nozzle at the base of the fire for effective extinguishing.

Using an extinguisher too close to a fire can lead to serious injury, as flames can spread rapidly or cause equipment to fail, leading to a possible explosion or backfire. Additionally, being too close may hinder your ability to take evasive actions if the situation escalates. Therefore, keeping a safe distance is a fundamental aspect of using an extinguisher effectively.