Means of Egress and Fire Protection

2 Objectives Understand Alarms and Warning Devices Know the location of Exits and Exit Routes Understand the RACE and PASS Methods Understand the Types of Fire Extinguishers Know Proper Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers NOT for Electrical Equipment fires

3 Fire in the United States  The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. Fire killes more Americans than all natural disasters combined.  An average of 3,200 Americans lost their lives and another 17,500 were injured annually as the result of fire.  Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the home; at least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in residences.  Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $15.3 billion annually.

4 Where Fires Occur There are over 1.5 million fires reported in the United States annually, of these: 40% were Outside Fires 31% were Structure Fires 22% were Vehicle Fires 7 % were fires of other types Fires in the home most often start in the: Kitchen 29% Bedroom 13% Living Room 7% Chimney 5% Laundry Area 4%

Warning Alarms General Requirements Fire alarms are required if a fire could start without providing adequate warning to occupants.  Alarms might include: –Voice – yell for help/fire/Code Red –Public Address system (PA) –Alarm Pull Stations

Escape Route A continuous, unobstructed way of exit from any point in a building or structure to a rally point. Three parts to an escape route:  the path of exit access  the exit door or opening  the way of exit discharge.

7 RACE Method of Evacuation R Remove all persons in danger! A Always sound the alarm and notify authorities. C Contain by closing the windows and doors. E Extinguish the fire only if you are trained and confident it is safe to do so.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Training and Education Where portable fire extinguishers have been provided for employee use in the workplace, employees must be provided with an educational program on the:  General principles of fire extinguisher use  Hazards of incipient stage fire fighting Employees designated to use extinguishers must receive instruction and hands-on practice in the operation of equipment

9 Types of Fire Extinguishers Class A – ordinary combustibles Class B – flammable liquids, gases, greases Class C – energized electrical equipment Class D – combustible metals Class K – cooking media

10 The Fire Triangle Heat Fuel Oxygen

Extinguisher Rating All extinguishers are rated according to the class and size of the fire they are designed for. Class A and B receive a numerical rating to determine the extinguishing potential for each type and size of extinguisher. Class C is basically a class A or B fire with electricity involved. The C designation indicates a non-conductive agent. Class D extinguishers have no numerical rating, however the exact type of metal the extinguisher is designed for must be on the label. Class K extinguishers have no numerical rating, and uses a special wet chemical extinguishing agent that is specially suited for extinguishing and suppressing these extremely hot fires that have the ability to re-flash.

Extinguisher Rating Class A extinguishers are rated 1-A to 40-A. 1-A equals 1 1/4 gallons of water and is the benchmark even for non-water type extinguishers. 2-A has two times the extinguishing capability of a 1-A, 10-A ten times a 1-A etc.

Extinguisher Rating Class B extinguishers are rated 1-B to 640-B. 1-B equals one square foot and is the benchmark. A 60-B extinguisher should be able to extinguish 60 square feet of flammable liquid fire by a non-expert.

14 Different Kinds of Extinguishers The 3 most common fire extinguishers:  All Purpose Water  Carbon Dioxide  Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Each type of extinguisher has a specific use.

15 All Purpose Water Use on CLASS A fires Pressurized water Pressure gauge present

16 Carbon Dioxide Use on CLASS B and CLASS C fires No pressure gauge Caution! Skin can freeze to the discharge horn during use.

17 Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Use on CLASS A, CLASS B, and CLASS C fires Fine powder under pressure Pressure gauge present

18 Decision Making Leave Immediately Extinguish The Fire Can I escape quickly and safely? Is my extinguisher the right type? Is my extinguisher the right size? Is the area free of other hazards? YES NO

19 Decision Making

20 P.A.S.S Method –P ull –A im –S queeze –S weep Test the extinguisher before approaching any fire.

21 Fire Suppression Safety Do: Use safety equipment. Have two ways to exit. Maintain a safe distance. Overhaul the fire.

22 Fire Suppression Safety Do Not: Try to suppress large fires. Get too close. Enter smoke-filled areas.

Maintaining Portable Fire Extinguishers Must maintain in a fully charged and operable condition Must keep in their designated places at all times except during use Must conduct an annual maintenance check Must record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less

Summary Be aware of, and understand, the alarms for fire in your work area. Escape routes must be marked, lighted, free of obstructions, that my impede or prevent escape Follow the steps for PASS and RACE Fire extinguisher classes and numerical ratings help a user understand its capabilities Fire extinguishers must be inspected, maintained and employees must be trained in how to use them