In Australia, fire is a significant hazard to people, property and the environment. A fire at home can mean more than just a few days off. You, could be badly injured or even killed. Even if no one is injured, a serious fire can mean that you could lose your home and personal possessions.

» Approximately 100 fatalities per year from structure fires. » Approximately 3000 injuries per year from structure fires.

» On average, 83 homes per year are lost to bushfire, costing the country millions of dollars, although this does vary yearly. E.g. In 2003, the Canberra bushfires destroyed over 500 properties, killed 4 people and cost AUD$300 million

Which is the odd one out? » Fire alarm systems » Smoke alarms » People » Fire and Rescue Service » Emergency Exits » Fire extinguishers

» Fire alarms, exits, wardens, FRS etc., are "re-active" forms of fire safety. They only work once a fire has started. » People are the only potential "pro-active" form of fire safety. They can prevent a fire before it happens.

» With basic, fire awareness, we can stop fires from even starting » Understand how fire behaves and safely use each type of common fire extinguisher » Have the knowledge to prevent and/or safely react to a fire situation.

Fire extinguishers work by removing one or more of the sides of the Fire Tetrahedron.

HEAT FUEL CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION  Seal compartments, rooms, buildings, etc.  Use of smothering agents: CO2 Fire blanket Foam Sand or Earth SMOTHERING Reduce or remove the supply of oxygen to the fire:

STARVING Reduce or remove the source of fuel.  Gas Fires or Liquid Fuel Fires – Isolate valves  Bush Fires – Fire breaks, Back burning

COOLING Reduce or remove the heat  Water  Foam

»A CLASS ˃ Combustible, Carbonaceous Materials +Wood, Paper, Textiles  C CLASS  Flammable Gasses  LPG, Acetylene, Natural Gas  B CLASS  Flammable Liquids  Petrol, Oil, Lubricants.

»D CLASS ˃ Combustible Metals +Magnesium, Aluminium, Iron Filings +Special portable extinguishers used  E CLASS  Electricity  Ensure extinguishing agent should be NON CONDUCTIVE  F CLASS  Hot Cooking Oil and Fats

Water Class A Foam Class B DCP Class C CO2 Class E Wet Chemical Class F

WATER  Most suitable for Class A fires  Cools

FOAM  Most suitable for CLASS B fires  Smothers, Cools  Designed for most B class fires – flammable liquids

CARBON DIOXIDE  Extinguishes CLASS B, E and F fires  Displaces oxygen  Most suitable for electrical fires  Limited effect on Class A fires

DRY CHEMICAL POWDER  Extinguishes CLASS B, F and E fires  Interferes with the chemical chain reaction, Smothers

WET CHEMICAL  Most suitable for CLASS F fires, also Class A  Smothers by turning hot fats or cooking oils into a combustion resistant soap

Application of Extinguishing Medium WATER – seat of fire CARBON DIOXIDE (C0 2 ) – between fuel surface and flames DRY CHEMICAL POWDER (DCP) – flame zone FOAM – Surface of fuel WET CHEMICAL – Surface of fuel

. 1. Raise Alarm (“Fire Fire Fire”) ask yourself:  Are there any hazards (trips etc)?  Are there any people in the building?  What is the class of fire?  What is the exact location of fire?  How big is the fire?  Do you need to call FESA Decide if you have appropriate equipment and you can safely extinguish the fire.

2. If safe attempt to extinguish fire ( ensure you have an escape route ) Ask yourself…… Is the extinguisher suitable? Is the extinguisher big enough? What hazards are nearby? 3. Evacuate if you are unable to fight the fire successfully and safely.

REMEMBER: If in any doubt…. GET OUT STAY OUT CALL US OUT