Using a Fire Extinguisher Bureau of Workers Comp

Using a Fire Extinguisher Bureau of Workers’ Comp PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) PPT-013 -01 1

Fire Extinguishers • Not all fire extinguishers are the same. • Use the proper class of fire extinguisher only on fires it was designed to extinguish. • Know where fire extinguishers are located and what class they are. • Number 1 goal = Safety. Only attempt to extinguish small fires! • Never put a used fire extinguisher back in place. Have it recharged. PPT-013 -01 2

General Requirements • Fire extinguishers must be easily at all times! accessible • Must not be obstructed by boxes, chairs or other miscellaneous items. • Should not be placed on the ground. • Should be mounted in such a way that they cannot easily fall and injure someone. PPT-013 -01 3

Do you see a Problem? Access to fire extinguisher is obstructed. PPT-013 -01 4

Any Problems Here? Access to extinguisher obstructed. Nothing should be placed in front, around or next to a fire extinguisher PPT-013 -01 5

Marking Locations of Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguisher locator signs should be placed so extinguishers are easy to find during an emergency. PPT-013 -01 6

Fire Extinguisher Labels • All fire extinguishers should have a label to indicate what class of fire they will extinguish. • Most extinguishers use an international picture label. • Become familiar with fire extinguisher labels before you to use an extinguisher. PPT-013 -01 need 7

Fire Triangle/Tetrahedron Fire extinguishers work by either cooling down heat, taking O 2 level below that necessary to support combustion, or interrupting chemical reaction. Oxygen = most basic 14 -16% necessary to support combustion 21% in atmosphere • Fire Triangle = Oxygen, heat and fuel • Fire Tetrahedron = Add chemical reaction • Remove any of these items = No fire (fire goes out) • Basic fire prevention = Separate fuel & ignition sources PPT-013 -01 8

Class of Fires • Class A Fires Ordinary combustibles (e. g. , wood, paper, cloth or plastic). • Class B Fires Flammable/combustible gases and liquids (e. g. , gasoline, kerosene and methane). PPT-013 -01 9

Class of Fires (cont. ) • Class C Fires Energized electrical (e. g. , power going to the device). • Class D Fires Combustible metals (e. g. , titanium, zirconium and magnesium). PPT-013 -01 10

Class of Fires (cont. ) • Class K Fires Cooking grease made from animal fat. • These fires usually burn very hot. • Dangerous to extinguish. • Special fire extinguishers are used for these classes of fires. • Usually occur in kitchen areas of restaurants and/or cafeterias. PPT-013 -01 11

Types of Fire Extinguishers Water Fire Extinguishers • Usually silver in color. • Hose attached somewhere at/near the top. • Can be used on Class A fires only. Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) • Usually red in color. • No pressure gauges. • “Horn” instead of a hose or nozzle. • Can be used on Class B and C fires only. PPT-013 -01 12

Types of Fire Extinguishers (cont. ) Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers • Can be red, yellow, white or other colors. • Extinguishers containing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or potassium bicarbonate can be used on Class B and C fires only. BC ABC • Those containing monammonium phosphate can be used to extinguish Class A, B and C fires. PPT-013 -01 13

Types of Fire Extinguishers (cont. ) Class D Fire Extinguishers • Contain special material (e. g. , graphite). • Use only on fires involving combustible metals (e. g. , titanium, zirconium, etc. ). PPT-013 -01 14

Types of Fire Extinguishers (cont. ) Halon Fire Extinguishers • “Halogenated hydrocarbons. ” (similar to Freon) • Primarily used to extinguish fires in sophisticated electrical/computer equipment (Class C fires). “Wet Chemical” Fire Extinguishers • Primarily used to extinguish Class K fires (cooking grease made with animal fats). PPT-013 -01 15

Up Close & Personal Pull Pin Anti-tamper seal Pressure Gauge Hose Horn PPT-013 -01 16

Pressure Gauge Any problems here? Needle on pressure gauge should be in “operable range. ” Extinguisher needs recharged. PPT-013 -01 17

To Use a Fire Extinguisher Remember P. A. S. S. • Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher handle. • Aim the nozzle/horn of the extinguisher at the base/bottom of the fire. • Squeeze the handles together to make the extinguisher work. • Sweep the nozzle/horn of the extinguisher from side to side as if using a broom. PPT-013 -01 18

After Using a Fire Extinguisher Never put a used fire extinguisher back up on the wall (even if it was used for only a few seconds). A fire extinguisher that has been used may not operate again due to the pressure inside leaking out. Notify the appropriate individual/department so the used fire extinguisher can be replaced or recharged. PPT-013 -01 19

Conclusion • Fire extinguishers are everywhere within buildings, work places, hotels and, hopefully, YOUR HOME! • Being comfortable using extinguishers involves being familiar with them. • Make sure you know where the closest fire extinguisher is, what type it is and what class of fire it can be used to extinguish. • Remember, being able to use a fire extinguisher correctly could save your life or the lives of others! PPT-013 -01 20

Questions PPT-013 -01 21