Recognizing the potential for a fire and knowing how to extinguish it effectively

Objective To recognize the potential for a fire and know how to extinguish the fire effectively. SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

How do fires burn? Three elements needed: Oxygen Heat source Fuel This is called the fire triangle If you remove just one element from the fire, you can control and/or extinguish it SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Four classes of fires Class A Fire Ordinary combustible material Wood, paper, leaves, trash, cloth, some plastics and rubbers Typically will leave an ash Smothering, quenching, or cooling effect needed to extinguish SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Four classes of fires Class B Fire Flammable/combustible liquid, flammable gasses or grease Gasoline, diesel, propane, some aerosols, oils, paints, some cleaners DO NOT use water! Fire will only spread Dispersal or removal of oxygen or flame suppression is needed to extinguish SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Four classes of fires Class C Fire Energized electrical equipment motors, panels, transformers, wiring, and circuits Can develop into other classes DO NOT USE WATER! Requires non-conductive extinguishing media SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Four classes of fires Class D Fire Combustible metal Magnesium, titanium, zirconium, lithium, and potassium Not generally found in green industry Very hard to extinguish Must use extinguisher rated for combustible metals SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Three types of extinguishers 1. Water 2. Carbon dioxide 3. Dry chemical Each has a specific use

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Water: Class A fires only Cools the fire or reduces the heat and makes the fuel harder to burn Extinguishers are pressurized Pressure gauge is present and the yellow arrow should be in the green DO NOT use on electrical or liquid fires.

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Carbon dioxide: Class B or C Not commonly used on Class A Can spread the fire, does not extinguish deep-seeded fires such as a burning log Removes/displaces the oxygen There is no pressure gauge Note: Nozzle can reach freezing temps and cause injuries including frost bite on hands

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Dry chemical: Class A, B, C Commonly known as an ABC or general purpose fire extinguisher Extinguishes by chemically reacting to the fuel source and smothering it Has pressure gauge Yellow arrow should be in the green Contents are a fine powder similar to baking powder

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. How to use a fire extinguisher Just remember the word PASS! P: Pull the pin. This will allow you to squeeze the handle.

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. How to use a fire extinguisher A: Aim. You must aim at the base of the fire. Start close and work away. If you aim it at the middle it just pass right through.

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. How to use a fire extinguisher S: Squeeze. This will release the extinguishing agent.

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. How to use a fire extinguisher S: Sweep. Use side to side motions. Cover the entire area that is on fire and continue to use until the fire is extinguished. Keep and eye out for re-ignition of the flames.

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. If you must fight a fire… Always notify other employees in the area or building FIRST before fighting the fire. Fires can spread quickly; notify everyone immediately so they may evacuate the building or area Call 911 Always have your back to the exit Use the right extinguisher for the fire

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. If you must fight a fire… Only fight a fire in its incipient stage “A fire which is in the initial or beginning stage and which can controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, class II standpipe or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus.” If it has spread beyond its original point of origin, call 911

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. If you must fight a fire… If you cannot extinguish the fire with just one fire extinguisher it might be beyond your control Leave the area and wait for the fire department If you instincts tell to you run, then you RUN!!

Control/eliminate fire hazards Cut down or remove brush or trees from around buildings In buildings, check for excessive accumulation of dust, cob webs or other combustible materials Store flammable and combustible materials in an approved fire cabinet and away from ignition sources SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Control/eliminate fire hazards Use approved electrical installations which include using proper fuses, circuit breakers, outlets, junction boxes, covers Inspect all wiring and electric motors and appliances for exposed wires, missing or broken insulation, improper grounding, and missing ground pins SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Control/eliminate fire hazards Check your buildings heating system for dirty airshafts and motors Do not store or stack combustible material near electrical panels, circuits, transformers, or electrical motors SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Control/eliminate fire hazards Do not store or stack combustible material such as leaves or other yard waste near the hot exhaust of lawn mowers, leaf blower, gas shears, or other mobile equipment in the back of the trucks Let equipment cool down before adding fuel SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Control/eliminate fire hazards Avoid welding, cutting, or sharpening blades near combustible or flammable material If possible welding or sharpening of blades should be done in a designated area Fire extinguishers should be readily available SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Control/eliminate fire hazards Store oil-soaked rags in an approved container Practice good housekeeping SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review What are the different classes of fires that your employees may see? What different types of fire extinguishers does your company use? Where are fire extinguishers located in your office and trucks? What are the basic principles of operating a fire extinguisher? Notify other employees or people before fighting the fire. Don’t be a hero! SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.