Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguisher Use

Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguisher Use Cal/OSHA Training Requirement n n Initially Annually Thereafter General Principles of Fire Extinguisher Use Incipient Stage Fire Fighting Hazards

Major Types of Fires Type A – Combustible Materials n Paper, Wood, Rubbish Type B – Flammable/Combustible Liquids n Chemicals, Oil, Paint, Grease Type C – Energized Electrical Equipment n Appliances, Computers, Electrical Wiring, Plugs

Types of Fire Extinguishers Multi-Purpose - Dry Chemical (Red Color) n n Type ABC Fire (Ammonium Phosphate) or Type BC Fire (Potassium Bicarbonate) Pressurized Water (Silver Color) n Type A Fire Only Carbon Dioxide (Red Color) n Type BC Fire Only

Fire Extinguisher Rated Capacity Number in Front of the “A” n Equals to the Equivalent Number of Units for 1. 25 Gallons of Water 2 A Equals 2. 5 Gallons of Water: (2 X 1. 25) = 2. 5 Number in Front of the “BC” n Area in Square Feet That a Non. Expert is Able to Extinguish a Class B or Class C Fire 10 BC Equals 10 Square Feet

Typical Fire Extinguisher Locations 1111 Franklin Street n n Kitchen Areas Outside Restrooms Near Elevator Lobby Near Emergency Exits Kaiser Building n Main Hallway & Near Exits 415 – 20 th Street n Outside the Copy Room at Each End of the Floors

Prior to Using an Extinguisher Prior to Approaching an Extinguisher n Set off the Fire Alarm or Have Co. Worker Set off the Fire Alarm Evaluate the Situation – Is It Safe To Use A Fire Extinguisher for This Situation?

When to Use a Fire Extinguisher Small & Contained ? n Wastebasket, Small Appliance, etc. Can You Fight the Fire with a Safe Escape Route Behind You? Is the Extinguisher Rated for Type of Fire You are Going to Be Fighting? Are You Trained in the Use & Confident You Can Operate the Extinguisher Effectively? Slightest Doubt - DON'T! Get Out. Close the Door Behind You to Slow the Spread of the Fire

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Remember “PASS” Stand 6 to 8 Feet Away P - Pull the Pin A – Aim at Base of Flame S – Squeeze the Handle S – Sweep from Side to Side Step Backwards When Done– Never Turn Your Back Towards an Extinguished Fire!