Fire Extinguishers OBJECTIVES IDENTIFY 3 common classes of
“Fire Extinguishers”
OBJECTIVES: • IDENTIFY 3 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.
UNTRAINED PEOPLE Cannot use a fire extinguisher safely because they are: • UNABLE to evaluate a fire • UNAWARE of DANGER due to. . . • LACKING JUDGEMENT regarding: – Safe and correct use of, and – Limitations of portable
WHY UNTRAINED PEOPLE Can’t use a fire extinguisher safely (continued): INEXPERIENCED • Don’t know about the proper type of extinguisher • Don’t know how to make a “Fight or Flight” analysis • Unfamiliar with the “P. A. S. S. method”
COMMON FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS combustibles plastics “Ordinary” P aper, wood, rubber, and textiles. “Flammable liquids” Oil, gasoline, solvents circuits” equipment “Energized Electrical
HOW THEY WORK: • Works by cooling. • Numerical rating indicates amount of agent, duration, and range of discharge on test fires. • Area of Class A fire which a “nonexpert” can extinguish, with proper training – 1 -A is equivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of water.
HOW THEY WORK: • Works by blanketing the fuel. • Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface. • Class B ratings signify the area in square feet of flammable liquid fire a unit will extinguish when used, by a trained, “non-expert. ”
HOW THEY WORK: • Class “C” units have no numerical rating. • A Class “C” rating doesn’t imply any capacity. • Only indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive, safe on energized equipment. • Works by displacing oxygen,
COMMON TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS • WATER • DRY CHEMICAL • CO 2 and Halon
WATER • Water + CO 2 propellant • ONLY for Class fires – wood / paper, etc. • Spreads burning liquids! • DANGER of electric shock if used on on live circuits!
DRY CHEMICAL MULTI-PURPOSE RATED Either Or • Best for general use: • Reduced risk of re-ignition • A 10 lb. unit empties in 8 -10 secs. – Effective range of 6 ft. to 15 ft.
C 02 - Rated • Best on burning liquids / electrical • SHORT range - 3 to 8 ft. • 10 - pound unit empties in 5 to 10 seconds! – Use short spurts! • DISPERSES QUICKLY! – Continue applying after the fire is out! • Unit gets VERY cold - hold properly
Halon • Best for computers / electronics • Weight-for-weight TWICE as effective as C 02 • • No residue, easy clean-up VERY SHORT range, 3 to 6 ft. Like C 02, Discharges QUICKLY! Like C 02, Disperses QUICKLY! – Continue after flames are extinguished
Portable Fire Extinguishers • Can be CARRIED to a fire • Weigh from 5 to 30 pounds • NFPA Class and Rating – Arabic numerals
Portable Fire Extinguishers LIMITED IN: • Capacity - 1. 5 to 25 lbs. of extinguishing agent • Range - Typically 3 to 15 feet • Duration - Discharge their contents in only 5 to 30 seconds!
Extinguisher Common features • • Locking pin Carrying handle / operating lever Pressure gauge Label : – – Type (Water, C 02, Dry Chemical) Classification (A, B, C) NFPA capacity Rating Instructions • Discharge nozzle or horn
In case of burning odor or smoke: • Call 911 First! • Notify ? • Disconnect Equipment – Remove combustibles, if you can do so without danger to yourself • Notify Emergency Safety Coordinator
Use a portable extinguisher ONLY if the: • Building is being evacuated (Fire alarm has been pulled) • Fire Department has been called (Dial 911!) • Fire is NOT spreading (small and contained) • EXIT IS CLEAR (fight fire with your back to an exit ) • Proper extinguisher is at hand, and. . . – You have been trained and know how to use it! – You use “Buddy System” - have someone back
Remember the PASS word: 1) Keep your back to a clear escape route, 2) Stand back 6 to 8 feet from the fire, 3) Then >>: P. A. S. S. PULL AIM SQUEEZE SWEEP
PULL the pin AIM SQUEE ZE SWEE P LOW at the base of the fire the lever
OK, It’s out… Now What? • WATCH the fire area – If the fire flares up again repeat! – If you can’t control the fire, LEAVE immediately! • Call the fire department to inspect the scene! • Recharge or replace any used fire
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
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