Portable Fire Extinguisher Annual Refresher Training

Course Objectives  Discuss How Fires are Initiated.  Discuss How Fires are Classified.  Discuss Extinguisher Responsibilities.  Discuss How to Extinguish Small Fires.  Discuss How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher.  Discuss How to Inspect a Portable Fire Extinguisher.  Discuss How to Identify the Proper Fire Extinguisher.

Course Basics  Employers are Responsible for Employee Safety.  Fire is One of the Most Common Industrial Accidents.  3 Billion Dollars Per Year Are Lost Due to Fire.  300 Workers Per Year Lose Their Lives Due to Fire.  Training Greatly Lessens the Probability of Fire.  This Training Helps Improve: Safety Morale Productivity Employee well-being

General Program Requirements  All employers must:  Assign Responsibility.  Establish a Written Program.  Conduct Fire Safety Training.  Develop Fire Safety Procedures.  Conduct Work Area Inspections.  Maintain a Safe Work Environment.  Conduct Regular Program Evaluations.

Why we need training 1. Over 150 Major fires occur in workplaces every year. 2. Fire is the 3 rd leading cause of accidental deaths. 3. OSHA requires that employers provide not only portable fire extinguishers but the training so that employees can use them safely.

Employer Responsibilities Manage the fire extinguisher program. Schedule the proper training for employees. Update the program when necessary. Record and maintain training records. Ensure monthly / annual inspections are conducted.

Employee Responsibilities Ensure that used and damaged fire extinguishers are replaced. Notify safety dept. of any damages. Ensure installed equipment does not block access. Ensure employees are aware of extinguisher locations. Ensure extinguishers are clean and free from obstructions.

The Mechanics of Fire  The fire tetrahedron is the four components required to have a fire. Take any component away and fire cannot survive

The Mechanics of Fire Ignition can be: Electrical Chemical Thermal Radioactive

SolidLiquidGas The Mechanics of Fire Fuel can be: Solid  Solid Liquid  Liquid Gas  Gas In order to combust the right mixture of oxygen and fuel must be present.

OXYGEN 0 0 OXY 3 2 The Mechanics of Fire  A fire cannot start without a source of oxygen being present. 19%  People need 19% percent to live. 16%  Fire only needs 16% percent.

D The 5 Classifications of Fire  Class AWood, paper, cloth, rubber, some plastics. K Class B Flammable & Combustible Liquids Gasoline, kerosene, paint, propane. Class C Electrical equipment. Class D Metals like magnesium, titanium, sodium Class K Kitchen (Combustible vegetable oils or animal oils and fats)

CLASS “A” FIRES : Ordinary Combustibles ash  Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, some plastics and therefore leave an ash residue.  PREVENTION STEPS: Keep storage and working areas free of trash Keep oily rags in covered containers (where the lid will limit the supply of oxygen) Control smoking in the area and Limit sources of possible ignition Keep passageways, fire exits and fire doors clear at all times Employees should be aware of the locations of fire extinguishers and emergency exits.

CLASS “ B” FIRES: Flammable Liquids or Gases  Flammable & Combustible Liquids Gasoline, kerosene, paint, propane.  PREVENTION STEPS: Consider nonflammable substitutes Ensure solvent tanks have fusible links on covers Only refuel equipment in well ventilated areas Properly store flammable liquids Use flammable liquids only in well ventilated areas Ensure storage drums are properly grounded Restrict welding and cutting to authorized areas

CLASS “C” FIRES: Electrical  Electrical equipment. Never  The first approach when dealing with electrical fire is call 911 then cut source of power to equipment if possible. Never use fire extinguishers that contain water or a water hose to fight an electrical fire. PREVENTION STEPS: Inspect wiring and insulation frequently Ensure motors are kept clean and lubricated Be cognizant of unusual odors Ensure outlets and connections are not overloaded Never misuse fuses, look for correct rating Keep motors clean, lubricated, free of excess dust and grease Ensure machinery is properly maintained and follow maintenance guidelines.

D CLASS “ D” FIRES: Combustible Metals  Metals like magnesium, titanium, sodium. Metal fires can burn up to 5000 degrees. Special equipment and training is necessary to fight a metal fire and are extremely difficult to extinguish.  PREVENTION STEPS: Control dust and turnings Follow established control procedures Never use wet sand or water to extinguish fires Moisture releases oxygen which can fuel the fire Metals can be extremely difficult to extinguish  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT A METAL FIRE UNLESS PROPERLY TRAINED

CLASS “K” FIRES: Kitchen Cooking Materials  Kitchen (Combustible vegetable oils or animal oils and fats)  Class K Fires are mostly confined to kitchen areas or when cooking because they are result of cooking oils or animal fats catching fire. Modern restaurants have special fire suppression systems (using dry chemicals) to deal with these types of fires. The first step to fight a Class K fire is to Call 911. Then if possible turn off the fuel source or heat. Never use water, flour, or sugar on a Class K fire. The water can boil over immediately causing the fire to spread.  PREVENTION STEPS: If possible, Turn off fuel source (heat) Cover with lid, soaked wet towel (free of dripping water, if possible) Never use a fire extinguisher on a class K fire because the force of the propellant coming out of the fire extinguisher can also cause the fire to spread. Use dry chemical extinguisher (be aware that high pressure can cause the fire to spread) Never use water, flour, sugar (both are combustible materials) Modern restaurants have dry powder suppression systems or extinguishers K

Grease Fire

When it is Safe to Fight a Fire EVACUATION PATH Is there a Safe Evacuation Path? You have a clear, unobstructed path behind you as you fight the fire. You know where you are and how to safely EXIT the building. AIR Is the AIR safe to Breath? Smoke may be accumulating on the ceiling, but you can see the fire clearly. Respiratory Protection is not needed. FIRE Is the Fire too Big? Fire has not spread Beyond point of origin. Flames are not higher than your head and you can safely approach the FIRE (room temperature is only slightly increased).

When it is Safe to Fight a Fire EVACUATION PATH Is there a Safe Evacuation Path? You have a clear, unobstructed path behind you as you fight the fire. You know where you are and how to safely EXIT the building. AIR Is the AIR safe to Breath? Smoke may be accumulating on the ceiling, but you can see the fire clearly. Respiratory Protection is not needed. FIRE Is the Fire too Big? Fire has not spread Beyond point of origin. Flames are not higher than your head and you can safely approach the FIRE (room temperature is only slightly increased).

How to Extinguisher a Small Fire PASS 1. “P”ULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal. 2. “A”IM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire. Note: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin. 3. “S”QUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. 4. “S”WEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!

Pull the Pin (straight out) Quickly Check the Pressure Gauge Pick up the Fire Extinguisher with your least favorite hand. Support the bottom with your strong hand.

Know what to look for A fully charged Fire Extinguisher has the arrow in the green section…

Remove the nozzle from the clip. Hold the nozzle with your strong hand. Carry the Extinguisher with your opposite hand. Squeeze the handle gently to test the Extinguisher.

Aim at the Base of the Fire Sweep Back and Forth to cover the width of the fire

Monthly Inspection 1. Is the Fire Extinguisher in its designated place? 2. No obstruction to access or visibility? 3. Pressure gauge reading or indicator in operable range or position?

Monthly Visual Inspection Cylinder Shell 1. Corrosion 2. Mechanical Damage (dent abrasion) 3. Paint Condition 4. Presence of repairs (welds, soldering) 5. Damaged Threads 6. Broken Hanger attachment 7. Broken Handle Lug

Monthly Visual Inspection Name Plate, Instructions and Pull Ring 1. Illegible Wording 2. Corrosion or loose plate 3. Verifying operating instructions on nameplates are legible and face outward. 4. Broken, missing safety seals and tamper indicators.

Monthly Visual Inspection Nozzle or Horn 1. Deformed, Damaged or Cracked 2. Blocked opening 3. Damaged threads 4. Hose obstruction 5. Hydrostatic test date

Monthly Visual Inspection Pressure Indicating Device 1. Immovable, jammed, missing pointer 2. Deformed, or broken crystal 3. Illegible or faded dial 4. Corrosion 5. Dented case or crystal retainer 6. Immovable or corroded pressure indicating stem

Annual Maintenance Check Annually 1. Utilize a 3 rd party for Annual maintenance check. 2. Ensure you have adequate protection when fire extinguishers are removed for maintenance or recharging. Hydrostatic Testing 1. Refer to Table L-1 for hydrostatic testing interval dates. 2. Testing must be performed by someone with suitable testing and equipment facilities. 3. Retain certification record for all testing.

Call for Help 911  Call 911 if you see a fire. 911  If you don’t feel comfortable fighting a fire make sure 911 is called and evacuate the area.  Once away from the fire make sure that no one else enters the area of the fire.  Assist others if they have injuries or other problems until the Fire Department arrives.

Emergency Action Plan  Always look at the Emergency action plan for the area you are assigned to work.  Be aware of the emergency escape routes. Report blocked exit routes or defective fire exit lights and fire fighting equipment to your supervisor immediately AREA TBD ASSEMBLY POINT = FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Questions?