1. Fire Safety and Fire Extinguishers
Occupational Health and Safety Program
This presentation emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control – not standards. No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively. It is essential that trainers tailor their presentations to the needs and understanding of their audience.
This presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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2. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Course Description
Introduces employees to the identification and control of fire hazards.
Topics include
Introduction.
Exits/Egress.
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
Fire Extinguisher Practice.
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3. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Introduction
Fires and explosions kill more than 200 and injure more than 5,000 workers each year.
There is a long and tragic history of workplace fires in this country caused by problems with fire exits and extinguishing systems.
Kentucky OSH and Kentucky Fire Code requires employers to provide proper exits, fire fighting equipment, and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the workplace.
Fire Protection: 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L
An employer who demonstrates compliance with the exit route provisions of NFPA , the Life Safety Code, will be deemed to be in compliance with the corresponding requirements in 29 CFR , , and
In 1995, more than 75,000 workplace fires cost businesses more than $2.3 billion.
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4. Exits/Egress Terms exit and egress can be used interchangeably.
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5. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Exit Route
A continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety (including refuge areas).
Consists of three parts:
Exit access.
Exit.
Exit discharge.
Refuge Area
29 CFR
An exit route includes all vertical and horizontal areas along the route.
Exit access is that part of an exit route that leads to an exit.
Exit is that part of an exit route that is generally separated from other areas to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
Exit discharge is that part of an exit route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.
A refuge area is:
- A space along an exit route protected from fire by a barrier with at least a 1-hour fire resistance rating; or
- A floor with at least 2 spaces, separated from each other by smoke-resistant partitions, in a building protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Emphasis is on escaping from fires; however, some additional hazards include explosion,earthquake, bomb threat, toxic vapors, storms (tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.). Compounding factors that may interfere with safe escape include panic and confusion, poor visibility, lack of information, and misinformation. These factors frequently cause more injuries and fatalities than the hazard itself.
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6. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Exit Route
Exit routes must be permanent and there must be enough exits in the proper arrangement for quick escape.
(a) and (b)
(d): Exit routes must be maintained during construction, repairs, or alterations
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7. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Exit Discharge
Each exit discharge must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside that is large enough to accommodate all building occupants likely to use the exit route.
(c)
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8. Exit Doors Must Be Unlocked
Exit stairs that continue beyond the level on which the exit discharge is located must be interrupted on that level by doors, partitions, or other effective means that clearly indicate the direction of travel to the exit discharge.
(d)
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9. Exit Doors Must Be Unlocked
Must be able to open from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge.
Device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted.
Must be free of any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use if the device or alarm fails.
May be locked from the inside only in mental, penal, or correctional facilities where there is constant supervision.
(d)
Locked and blocked exit!
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10. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Side-hinged Exit Door
Must be used to connect any room to an exit route.
A door that connects any room to an exit route must swing out in the direction of exit travel if the room is designed to be occupied by more than 50 people or contains high hazard contents.
(e)
High hazard contents are those which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity or which may produce poisonous fumes or explosions in a fire. Examples include flammable chemicals and grain.
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11. Minimize Danger to Employees
Exit routes must be free and unobstructed.
Keep exit routes free of explosive or highly flammable materials.
Arrange exit routes so that employees will not have to travel toward a high hazard area, unless it is effectively shielded.
Emergency safeguards (e.g., sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire doors, exit lighting) must be in proper working order at all times.
(a)
(b)(1): Each exit route must be adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along the exit route
Obstructed exit route!
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12. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Exit Marking
Each exit must be clearly visible and marked with an “Exit” sign.
Each exit route door must be free of decorations or signs that obscure the visibility of the door.
(b)(2) and (3)
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13. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Exit Marking
If the direction of travel to the exit or exit discharge is not immediately apparent, signs must be posted along the exit access indicating direction to the nearest exit.
The line-of-sight to an exit sign must clearly be visible at all times.
(b)(4)
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14. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Exit Marking
Each doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit must be marked “Not an Exit” or similar designation, or be identified by a sign indicating its actual use (e.g., closet).
(b)(5)
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15. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Emergency Action Plan
Describes actions that must be taken to ensure employee safety in emergencies.
Includes floor plans or maps which show emergency escape routes.
Tells employees what actions to take in emergency situations.
Covers reasonably expected emergencies, such as fires, explosions, toxic chemical releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and floods.
The emergency action plan must be in writing, except for firms with 10 or fewer employees. These businesses can communicate the plan orally to employees.
Emergency plans include, as a minimum:
- Escape procedures and escape route assignments
- Critical plant operations shutdown procedure
- Procedure to account for all personnel
- Assignment of rescue and medical duties
- Means for reporting emergencies
- Identification of responsible persons to contact for further information
Employee training is necessary and an alarm system must be in place which has a distinctive signal.
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16. Portable Fire Extinguishers
The employer must mount, locate and identify fire extinguisher so workers can access them without subjecting themselves to possible injury.
(c)(1)
Employers can choose whether to train their workers to fight fires or to rely on outside services.
Blocked extinguisher!
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17. Extinguisher Classification
Letter classification given an extinguisher to designate the class or classes of fire on which it will be effective.
Class A – ordinary combustibles (wood, cloth, paper)
Class B – flammable liquids, gases, greases
Class C – energized electrical equipment
Class D – combustible metals
Class K – combustible cooking media
Combustible
The class of extinguisher should be on the extinguisher shell. The picture-symbol labeling system now in use is designed to make the operation of fire extinguishers more effective and safe to use through the use of less confusing pictorial labels. The system also emphasizes when not to use an extinguisher on certain types of fires.
Because of recent information outlining the difficulties inherent in the extinguishment of fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats), a new classification (Class K) has been established. This classification is not listed in OSHA standards. NFPA 10 specifies that listed and labeled Class K fire extinguishers are to be provided in these cases.
Class A Class B Class C Class K
Ordinary
Flammable
Electrical B C A D
Combustibles
Liquids
Equipment
Metals
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18. 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.
(c)(4)
(e)(3)
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19. Maintaining Portable Fire Extinguishers
Must receive visual monthly inspection.
Inspection must be documented-
On the extinguisher tag, or
Separate report available to OSHA upon request.
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20. 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 (beginning) stage fire fighting.
(g)
Training and education required upon initial employment/assignment and at least annually thereafter.
“Incipient Stage Fire” means a fire which is in the initial or beginning stage and which can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, Class II standpipe or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus. [ (c)(26)]
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21. Fire Protection Summary
There must be enough exits in the proper arrangement for quick escape.
Exit routes must be marked, lighted, free of obstructions, and locks must not be used to impede or prevent escape.
An emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan must be in place.
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.
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22. Portable Fire Extinguishers
Identification and Use
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23. OSHA Office of Training and Education
The Fire Triangle
Fire safety and extinguishing is based upon the principle of keeping fuel sources and ignition sources separate.
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24. The Fire Triangle
Three things must be present at the same time to produce fire:
Enough OXYGEN to sustain combustion.
Enough HEAT to reach ignition temperature.
Some FUEL or combustible material.
Together, they produce the CHEMICAL REACTION that is fire.
Take away any of these things and the fire will be extinguished!
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25. OSHA Office of Training and Education
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 five different fire (fuel) classifications.
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26. OSHA Office of Training and Education
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.
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27. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Fuel Classifications
Class K: Kitchens and Food Preparation Areas—Cooking Fuels, Cooking Materials, Fats, Cooking Oil and preparations.
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28. OSHA Office of Training and Education
Fuel Classifications
Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which types of fire the extinguisher is designed to fight.
For example, a simple water extinguisher might have a label like this…
…which means it should only be used on Class A fires.
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29. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different classes of fire.
The 3 most common types of fire extinguishers are:
Water,
Carbon Dioxide,
Dry Chemical.
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30. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers
Large silver fire extinguishers that stand about 2 feet tall and weigh about 25 pounds when full.
APW stands for “Air-Pressurized Water.”
Filled with ordinary tap water and pressurized air, they are essentially large squirt guns.
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31. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers
APW’s extinguish fire by taking away the “heat” element of the Fire Triangle.
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32. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers
APW’s are designed for Class A fires only:
Wood, paper, cloth.
Using water on a flammable liquid fire could cause the fire to spread.
Using water on an electrical fire increases the risk of electrocution. If you have no choice but to use an APW on an electrical fire, make sure the electrical equipment is un-plugged or de-energized.
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33. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
The pressure in a CO2 extinguisher is so great, bits of dry ice may shoot out of the horn.!
CO2 cylinders are red. They range in size from 5 lbs to 100 lbs or larger. On larger sizes, the horn will be at the end of a long, flexible hose.
OSHA Office of Training and Education

34. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
CO2’s are designed for Class B and C
(Flammable Liquids and Electrical Sources) fires only!
CO2s will frequently be found in mechanical rooms, kitchens, and flammable liquid storage areas.
OSHA Office of Training and Education

35. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide is a non-flammable gas that takes away the oxygen element of the fire triangle. Without oxygen, there is no fire.
CO2 is very cold as it comes out of the extinguisher, so it cools the fuel as well.
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36. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
A CO2 may be ineffective in extinguishing a Class A fire because it may not be able to displace enough oxygen to successfully put the fire out.
Class A materials may also smolder and re-ignite.
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37. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers
Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. This separates the fuel from the oxygen in the air.
The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. These extinguishers are very effective at putting out fire.
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38. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers
ABC extinguishers are red. They range in size from 5 to 30 pounds and larger.
“ABC” fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. The extinguishers are pressurized with nitrogen.
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39. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers
Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types…
ABC (can be used on Class A, B, or C fires)
BC (designed for use on Class B and C fires)
DC (for “Dry Chemical”)
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40. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers
It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area!
An “ABC” extinguisher will have a label like this, indicating it may be used on Class A, B and C fires.
You don’t want to mistakenly use a “BC” extinguisher on a Class A fire thinking that it was an “ABC” extinguisher.
OSHA Office of Training and Education

41. Types of Fire Extinguishers
Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers
Dry chemical extinguishers with powder designed for Class B and C fires (“BC” extinguishers) may be located in places such as commercial kitchens and areas with flammable liquids.
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42. Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers Numerical Ratings
Numerical rating given to Class A and B extinguishers which indicate how large a fire an experienced person can put out with the extinguisher.
Ratings (Examples).
Class A: 1-A, 2-A, A.
Class B: 1-B, 2-B, B.
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43. Types of Fire Extinguishers-K Class
Fires involving cooking media (grease, fats, and oils in commercial cooking appliances are unlike most other fires because these oils have a wide range of auto-ignition temperatures.
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44. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
It’s easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you remember the acronym PASS:
Pull
Aim
Squeeze
Sweep
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45. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Pull the pin…
This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
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46. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Aim at the base of the fire…
Hit the fuel.
If you aim at the flames...
… the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good.
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47. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Squeeze the top handle…
This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.
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48. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Sweep from side to side…
.. until the fire is completely out.
Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then slowly move forward.
Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.
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49. Rules for Fighting Fires
Fires can be very dangerous and you should always be certain that you will not endanger yourself or others when attempting to put out a fire.
For this reason, when a fire is discovered…
Assist any person in immediate danger to safety, if it can be accomplished without risk to yourself.
Call 911 or activate the building fire alarm. The fire alarm will notify the fire department and other building occupants and shut off the air handling system to prevent the spread of smoke.
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50. Rules for Fighting Fires
. . . before deciding to fight the fire, keep these things in mind:
Know what is burning. If you don’t know what’s burning, you won’t know what kind of extinguisher to use.
Even if you have an ABC fire extinguisher, there may be something in the fire that is going to explode or produce toxic fumes.
Chances are you will know what’s burning, or at least have a pretty good idea, but if you don’t, let the fire department handle it.
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51. Rules for Fighting Fires
. . . before deciding to fight the fire, keep these things in mind:
Is the fire spreading rapidly beyond the point where it started? The time to use an extinguisher is at the beginning stages of the fire.
If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building.
As you evacuate a building, close doors and windows behind you as you leave. This will help to slow the spread of smoke and fire.
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52. Rules for Fighting Fires
Do not fight the fire if:
Your instincts tell you not to.
If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason.
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53. Rules for Fighting Fires
Do not fight the fire if:
You don’t have adequate or appropriate equipment.
If you don’t have the correct type or large enough extinguisher.
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54. Rules for Fighting Fires
Do not fight the fire if:
You might inhale toxic smoke.
When synthetic materials such as the nylon in carpeting or foam padding in a sofa burn, they can produce hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia in addition to carbon monoxide. These gases can be fatal in very small amounts.
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55. Rules for Fighting Fires
Always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire.
In case the extinguisher malfunctions, or something unexpected happens, you need to be able to get out quickly. You don’t want to become trapped.
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56. Thank You For Your Participation
For additional assistance contact:
Richard T. Owen
Education Cabinet Safety Coordinator
601 East Main Street
Frankfort, Kentucky
OSHA Office of Training and Education

57. Fire Extinguisher Practice
Actual Use of Fire Extinguishers
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