---
title: 'Learn to use it now: Carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher'
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-tetrachloride-1946/
description: 'War Department instruction sheet (WD Poster No. 5-3) for the carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher: a red brush-stroke field with the headline ''Learn'
section: Collection
---

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3. Learn to use it now: Carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher

[![Learn to use it now: Carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher, 1946 US poster: War Department instruction sheet](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-tetrachloride-1946.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-tetrachloride-1946.jpg)

# Learn to use it now: Carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher

War Department instruction sheet (WD Poster No. 5-3) for the carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher: a red brush-stroke field with the headline 'Learn to use it NOW', four numbered panels showing the extinguisher being lifted, carried and used, and a black 'Caution' disc. This is mainly an instruction sheet, so the technique is faint: the 'for your protection' and 'NOW' framing is a mild fear-appeal.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Fear appeal](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/fear-appeal/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
THIS EXTINGUISHER IS FOR YOUR PROTECTION
LEARN TO USE IT NOW
FOR FIRE ONLY CARBON TETRACHLORIDE HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER, 1-QUART TYPE. For Use on live electrical equipment and burning liquids and greases. Effect is obtained by smothering vapors, and is a nonconductor of electricity.
HOW TO OPERATE
1. Remove from wall bracket by grasping handle and pulling outward
2. On way to fire unlock handle by turning to left
3. Pump vigorously, aim directly into electrical fires. 4. Direct stream at base of flames and work around fire rapidly. If in container, direct stream against inside opposite wall above level of burning liquid
Caution
Avoid Breathing fumes or smoke
Don't aim stream directly into burning liquids
REPORT to proper authorities* any of the following features:
1. Extinguisher empty or partially empty. 2. Discharge orifice clogged. 3. Evidence of tampering. 4. Evidence of corrosion or leaking.
* Call __________ Phone _____
ARRANGE FOR CHARGING AND REPLACEMENT IN SERVICE IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE
WD Poster No. 5-3. Carbon Tetrachloride Hand Fire Extinguisher.
[imprint:] U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1946-O-719344
Distribution: Special.
```

[← Learn to use it now: Carbon dioxide hand fire extinguisher](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-dioxide-1946/) [Learn to use it now - Carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-tetrachloride-extinguisher-1946/)

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