What Library Staff Should Know About Fire Safety

Preventing Fires Educate all staff on a regular basis with a fire safety awareness and education plan Document an emergency evacuation plan Emergency evacuation exercises should be conducted on a regular basis Provide staff with hands-on fire extinguisher training

Fire Alarms and Suppression An electronic fire alarm system should be monitored 24-hours a day by a UL-approved central monitoring station. All fire alarm detection, annunciation and suppression systems should be regularly inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with state and local life safety codes.

A pull station protector with a high decibel audible alarm (Stopper II) should be installed over each fire alarm pull station An automatic sprinkler fire suppression system should be installed in the library

Stairwell and mechanical fire doors should be regularly inspected for proper operation Easily accessible fire extinguishers should be located on each floor

What To Do If You Discover a Fire Activate the nearest fire alarm If it can be done quickly and safely, telephone the fire department with details Do not attempt to use a fire extinguisher unless: The building fire alarm has been activated to alert others  The fire department has been notified  You have received specific training in the use of a fire extinguisher

Evacuate the building immediately by the nearest safe exit You know what is burning and what type of fire extinguisher to use  It is a small fire – perhaps no larger than a wastebasket  The fire is not spreading rapidly  There is no toxic smoke present  You know the fire extinguisher is fully charged    There is an escape exit or route behind you Evacuate the building immediately by the nearest safe exit

Evacuation Procedures Whenever an alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately If you can do so safely, close windows and doors Leave lighting on or in an “as is” position Do not use elevators Evacuate in a calm manner Do not re-enter the building unless an authorized person (fireman, law enforcement officer) tells you to do so.

Fire Extinguishers and Their Use The Fire Triangle: Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation or burning of fuel. It needs three elements to occur:

Fuel – can be any combustible material – solid, liquid or gas Fuel – can be any combustible material – solid, liquid or gas. In a library this may be periodicals, books, furniture, etc.  Oxygen – There must be enough oxygen present to sustain combustion.  Heat – Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a point where sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur.

Classification of Fires and Fuels Class A:Ordinary combustibles or fibrous material, such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics.

Class B: Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, paint, paint thinners and propane.

Class C: Fire involving electrical wiring or electrical equipment such as appliances, switches, or panel boxes.

Class D: Certain combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. This type of fire would most likely not occur in a library.

Types of Fire Extinguishers The three most common types of fire extinguishers are: Water (APW) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Dry Chemical (ABC, BC, DC)

Air-Pressured Water Extinguisher - designed for Class A (wood, paper, cloth) fires only

Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher – designed for Class B (flammable liquid and Class C (electrical) fires only

Dry Chemical Extinguisher – with the letters “ABC” are designed to extinguish Class A, B, and C fires

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher The easiest way to remember how to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher is to remember the acronym, PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.   P A S S -- Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep

Pull - the pin at the top of the extinguisher Pull - the pin at the top of the extinguisher. This allows the handle to be compressed and the extinguisher discharged

Aim – the nozzle of the extinguisher toward the base of the fire Aim – the nozzle of the extinguisher toward the base of the fire. You should be 6-8 feet from the fire.

Squeeze – the handle to discharge the fire extinguisher Squeeze – the handle to discharge the fire extinguisher. Be prepared for a powerful discharge. Releasing the handle causes the discharge to stop

Sweep – from side to side, beginning from a safe distance from the fire and slowly moving forward