What should employees do if they discover a small fire?

• A. Attempt to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher
• B. Ignore it to avoid panic
• C. Call a friend
• D. Evacuate immediately

Answer: (A)

When employees discover a small fire, the most appropriate action is to attempt to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher if they have been trained to use one. This is often successful in controlling small fires, especially if they are in the incipient stage and the employee feels safe doing so. Additionally, using an extinguisher can help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading, potentially saving lives and property.

It is important to note that the context of the fire matters significantly. Employees should ensure their own safety first, so if the fire appears to be unmanageable or poses a serious risk, evacuating would be the priority. However, the initial step of attempting to extinguish a small fire is valid when it is manageable and the employee is equipped to do so.

The other options present ineffective responses: ignoring the fire would likely increase danger, calling a friend does not address the immediate threat, and evacuating immediately is necessary for larger fires or in certain situations but is not the first response for a small, manageable fire.