Fire Extinguisher

OSHA Requirements If portable fire extinguishers are to be for fire control, certain requirements must be met Only approved portable fire extinguishers can be used They must be maintained in an operable condition at all times Kept in their designated location at all times Only attempt to extinguish incipient stage fires (small fires)

OSHA Requirements Where the employer provides portable fire extinguishers for employee use, employee training is required Employees must be familiar with the general principles of fire extinguisher use Employees must understand the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting Training is required upon hire and at least annually OSHA regulations preclude an employee who is not properly trained from using any portable fire extinguisher. If you haven’t been trained you are not allowed to use a fire extinguisher.

Types of Portable Fire Extinguisher Constructed to extinguish fires based on the type of material that is burning: Class A fire extinguishers for wood, paper, plastics, textiles Class B fire extinguishers for gasoline or oil Class C fire extinguishers for computers and electrical equipment Our fire extinguishers are typically “ABC” – meaning they are capable of extinguishing all three types of fires

Other Extinguisher Classifications

Fire Extinguishers may be labeled: “Ordinary” Combustibles Paper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles “Flammable Liquids” Oil, gasoline, solvents “Energized Circuits” Electrical equipment, computers

OSHA Requirements for Extinguishers Fire extinguishers must be selected and distributed based on the class of anticipated fires Distribution is based on the type of fire Class A & D fires – travel distance 75 feet or less Class B fires – travel distance 50 feet or less Class C fires – distance based on Class A and B Fire extinguishers must be mounted, located and identified so that they are readily accessible to employees won’t subject the employee to injury

Extinguisher Common Features Operating Lever Locking Pin Pressure Gauge Carrying Handle Label: Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical) Classification (A, B, C) NFPA capacity Rating Instructions Discharge Nozzle or Horn

Can the fire be controlled by an extinguisher? You have alerted other occupants Someone has called the fire department The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket The fire extinguisher is in working order & charged You are safe from toxic smoke produced by the fire Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher

Am I capable of using the extinguisher? Some people may have fear of fire that they cannot overcome Some people have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their ability to properly use a fire extinguisher. People with lifting limitations, older adults, or children may find that an extinguisher is too heavy to handle or too difficult to operate. Remember, NO ONE is REQUIRED to use a fire extinguisher Do I want to put out this fire? How do you operate this thing, anyway? Do I need help?

Using a Fire Extinguishers FIRST Remember YOUR Safety Have an escape plan – how will you get out of the room or out of the building – never trap yourself Notify others – that there is a fire in progress have them activate the fire alarm Assist others – who are in immediate danger BUT Remember – don’t become a second victim If you are unsure of anything, evacuate the building and activate the fire alarm

Using a Fire Extinguisher It’s easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you remember the acronym Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep PASS:

Pull the pin to discharge the extinguisher Using a Fire Extinguisher Pull the pin to discharge the extinguisher REMEMBER: The area in front of fire extinguishers and pull alarms must be kept clear at all times!

Be sure to hit the material that’s burning Using a Fire Extinguisher Aim at the base of the fire Be sure to hit the material that’s burning If you aim at the flames the extinguishing agent will pass through the flames and will not have an affect on the fire.

Using a Fire Extinguisher Squeeze the operating lever to release the pressurized extinguishing agent Remember: The time to use an extinguisher is in the beginning stages of a fire. The average portable fire extinguisher typically operates no more than a couple of minutes.

Sweep from side to side until the fire is completely out Using a Fire Extinguisher Sweep from side to side until the fire is completely out Begin using the extinguisher from a safe distance away from the fire, then slowly move forward as it is safe to do so.

P.A.S.S. PULL AIM SQUEEZE SWEEP A Review The Pin At base of the fire Operating lever SWEEP From side to side P.A.S.S.

Using a Fire Extinguishers Start from a safe distance away from the fire Move closer as the flames are extinguished Use the entire extinguisher – fires tend to flare up again Watch the fire after it is put out be ready in case it flares up again

Extinguisher Care and Maintenance The extinguisher cannot be blocked by furniture, boxes, equipment or any thing that might limit access in an emergency. Not even temporarily. Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly There must be an annual maintenance check on each extinguisher Remember they are under pressure Fire extinguisher are to be properly mounted on the wall at waist height – never store an extinguisher on the floor

Questions – contact EHS at 251-6038 http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fire+extinguisher+video+abc&view=detail&mid=21D92EB054596C9BFA1121D92EB054596C9BFA11&FORM=VIRE3 Ok, then you are ready for the Quiz

Quiz What does PASS mean? A. Pass, Aim, Squash, Surround B. Pull, Align, Span, Surround C. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep What are the training requirements for fire extinguishers A. Employees must know the hazards of incipient stage fires B. Employees must know the basics of how to use a fire extinguisher C. Both A & B Your first priority is always putting out the fire True False The pressure gauge on a fire extinguisher must be in the red zone to be effective Class C fire extinguishers are used for what type of fires? A. Wood, paper, or textile fires B. Flammable liquid fires C. Electrical fires