1. “Portable Fire Extinguishers Safety”

2. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Training Objectives:
What is FIRE?
The Fire Triangle
Extinguishment Theory
Types of portable fire extinguishers
Some Causes of Fire
Reporting a Fire Emergency
Making the “right” decision
Quick-Check
How to use a portable fire extinguishers

3. OBJECTIVES: After this training you should be able to:
IDENTIFY 4 common classes of fires
SELECT the proper type of extinguisher
EVALUATE when it is safe to
fight an “early-stage” fire, and;
APPLY the “P.A.S.S. method to
operate a portable extinguisher.

4. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
A rapid chemical reaction know as combustion which occurs when fuel and oxygen are brought together with sufficient heat to cause ignition.

5. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
The Fire Triangle
Any combustible material such as: solid, liquid, or gas. Most solids and liquids must vaporize before they will burn.
Sufficient oxygen must be present in the atmosphere surrounding the fuel for fire to burn.

6. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Sufficient heat energy must be
applied to raise the fuel to it’s
ignition temperature.
Open flame Hot surfaces
Sparks and arcs Friction
This reaction can occur when
all three of the above elements
are present in the proper
conditions & proportions.

7. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Extinguishment Theory
Remove Heat
Remove Fuel
Reduce Oxygen
WILL
Inhibit Chemical
Chain Reaction

8. Fuel Classifications
Fires are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning.
If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of fire, you might make matters worse.
Its very important to understand the four different fire (fuel) classifications…

9. Fuel Classifications
Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics—solids that are not metals.
Class B: Flammable liquids—gasoline, oil, grease, acetone. Includes flammable gases.
Class C: Electrical—energized electrical equipment. As long as it’s “plugged in.”
Class D: Metals—potassium, sodium, aluminum, magnesium. Requires Metal-X, foam, and other special extinguishing agents.

10. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire
Class A or Ordinary Combustibles
This includes fuels such as wood, paper, plastic, rubber, and cloth
Works by cooling the fire.

11. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire Cont.
Class B or Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases
This includes all hydrocarbon and alcohol based liquids and gases that will support combustion.
Works by blanketing the fuel.
Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface

12. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire Cont.
Class C or Electrical
This includes all fires involving Energized electrical equipment
Only indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive, safe on energized equipment.
Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire.

13. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire Cont.
Class D or Combustible Metals
Examples of these types of metals are:
Zirconium
Titanium
Potassium
Magnesium

14. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire Cont.
Class K for fires that involves combustible or fats cooking oils in well insulated cooking appliances in commercial kitchens.

15. Portable Fire Extinguishers
Can be CARRIED to a fire
Weigh from 5 to 30 pounds
NFPA Class and Rating

16. Portable Fire Extinguishers
LIMITED IN:
Capacity to 25 lbs. of extinguishing agent
Range - Typically 3 to 15 feet
Duration - Discharge their contents in only 5 to 30 seconds!

17. Extinguisher Common features
Locking pin
Carrying handle / operating lever
Pressure gauge
Label :
Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical)
Classification (A, B, C)
NFPA capacity Rating
Instructions
Discharge nozzle or horn

18. REACT upon discovery of fire or smoke
Remove persons in immediate danger!
Ensure containment of (confine fire/smoke)
Activate the building alarm !
Call the Hoistman or Security
Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!

19. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Some Causes of Fire?
Electrical
Improper storage
Housekeeping
Heat Sources (i.e. welding)
Cleaning supplies
Construction
Flammable & Combustible Liquids
Machinery

20. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Reporting a Fire Emergency
Call Hoistman or Supervisor
State
Your Name
Your Location
A description of the Emergency
A description of current conditions( size, what on fire)
A description of any special hazards or needs, such as hazardous materials storage or non-ambulatory occupants
Request mine stench activation
Stay on the line, unless told to do otherwise

21. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Quick-Check
Is it Ready To Use?

22. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
How to use of Fire Extinguisher
The P.A.S.S. Method
It is easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
Pull the Pin.
This will allow you to operate the extinguisher.

23. Portable Fire Extinguisher
The P.A.S.S. Method Cont.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever above the handle. This discharges the extinguisher agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.

24. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
The P.A.S.S. Method Cont.
Sweep from side to side.
Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.

25. OK, It’s out… Now What? WATCH the fire area Call the Mine Rescue Team
If the fire flares up again repeat!
If you can’t control the fire, LEAVE immediately!
Call the Mine Rescue Team
Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!

26. In Summary Don’t Loose your head, Remain Calm
Approach from upwind side if possible,
With your back to the escape route.
Uses Pass,
Pull
Aim
Squeeze
Sweep
Put the fire out.