1. Fire Safety Training Environmental and Occupational Health Support Services Wentworth House, Room 115 Ext 24352

2. The Fire Triangle All three elements are needed to start a fire. To extinguish a fire, one side must be removed. Oxygen Heat Fuel Chemical Reaction

3. Types of Fuel Regular Flammables – paper, wood Liquid Flammables – Gasoline, paint thinner Electrical – Anything that is plugged in Metals – Potassium, sodium. Typically found in a lab setting.

4. Types of Extinguishers Three main types Water (APW)– Class A fires only CO2 – Class B and C fires only Dry Chemical - For ABC or BC fires D class extinguishers are typically specific to the fuel

5. Extremely Toxic Spreads Rapidly Displaces Oxygen People Become: disoriented impaired blinded confused SMOKE

6. Using the Extinguisher P.A.S.S. P A S ull the pin im at the base queeze the lever weep from side to side

7. Leave the building immediately! Testing is posted on a yellow sign at your main entrance. You will see fire wardens identified by a bright orange vest. Follow their direction and report any pertinent information. Re-Entry is authorized by the Fire Department only. Be Certain the building as been cleared for entry. EVACUATION

8. Static Electricity Static Electricity may become a serious hazard if: A static electric charge is generated under the operating conditions The charge is accumulative Discharges will cause a spark There is an ignitable mixture (e.g., solvent vapour or dust in the air) in the area where a static electricity discharge occurs The discharge generates an incendive spark, i.e. a spark that has enough energy to ignite the mixture in air Where a solvent or fuel is used, then static electricity can be a fire / explosion hazard http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/flammable_static.html

9. Static Electricity contd Flammable and combustible liquids become hazardous depending on their ability to generate static electricity, their ability to conduct electricity (conductivity), and their flashpoint. Ignition sources: Sparks Electric tools Welding/Cutting Grinding/Crushing Rotating belts Open Flames Portable torches Heating units Boilers & Pilot lights Ovens & Driers www/ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/flammable_static.html

10. Bonding and Grounding Defined: Providing an electrically conductive pathway between a dispensing container, a receiving container, and an earth ground. Complete Bonding and Grounding System http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf255.htm

11. Bonding and Grounding Liquids with a flash point lower than 37.8 °C need to be bonded and grounded during dispensing. If the containers are not properly bonded and grounded, the resulting static spark could be capable of raising the flash point, causing an explosion. Electric charges can build up in flammable liquids when the liquids flow through piping systems or when they are agitated in their storage containers as a result of mechanical movement or splashing. The proper bonding and grounding of the piping system is enough to control this static build-up. http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety/pdf/staticsituations.pdf http://www.labsafety.com/store/dept.asp?dept_id=5688

12. How to Stay Safe 1) 1) Reduce flow rates 2) 2) Avoid splashing in tank 3) 3) Allow for relaxation time 4) 4) Check that bonding and grounding cables/clamps/conductors are in good condition http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/flammable_static.html

13. Recent Fires on Campus Lab Fire 2005/04/04

14. Electrical Fire 2005/05/16

15. Questions?? Contact us at ext. 24352 Contact us at ext. 24352 Visit us at Wentworth House room 115 Visit us at Wentworth House room 115 Visit us at our website Visit us at our website www.workingatmcmaster.ca/eohss Safety is No Accident