““Fire Extinguishers” 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 extinguishers

WHY UNTRAINED PEOPLECan’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

“Ordinary” combustibles Paper, wood, rubber, plastics

and textiles.

“Flammable liquids” Oil, gasoline, solvents

“Energized circuits”

Electrical equipment and computers

HOW THEY WORK:

• Works by Works by cooling.cooling. • Numerical rating indicates amount of agent, duration, and range of

discharge on test fires.• Area of Class A fire which a “non-expert” can extinguish, with Area of Class A fire which a “non-expert” can extinguish, with

proper trainingproper training – 1-A is 1-A is equivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of waterequivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of water. . – 22-A contains has -A contains has twice as muchtwice as much extinguishing agent. extinguishing agent.

HOW THEY WORK:

• Works by blanketing the fuel. Works by blanketing the fuel. • Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface.Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface. • Class B ratings signify the Class B ratings signify the area in square feetarea in square feet of of

flammable liquid fire a unit will extinguish when flammable liquid fire a unit will extinguish when used, by a trained, “non-expert.”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 Only indicates that the extinguishing agent is

non-conductivenon-conductive, safe on energized equipment., safe on energized equipment.• Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire.

COMMON TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHING

AGENTS

• WATER • DRY CHEMICAL• CO2 and Halon

WATER• Water + CO2 propellant

• ONLY for Class firesONLY for Class fires

–wood / paper, etc.

• Spreads burning liquids!

• DANGERDANGER of electric shock if used on on live circuits!

DRY CHEMICAL MULTI-PURPOSE RATED

• 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.

Either Or

C02 - 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 C02

• No residue, easy clean-up• VERY SHORT range, 3 to 6 ft.

• Like C02, Discharges QUICKLY!

• Like C02, 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 according

to efficiency - 4A extinguishes

twice as much Class A fire as 2A

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, C02, 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 you up!

• Get assistance BEFORE trying to fight a fire!

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 LOW at the base

of the fire

SQUEEZEthe lever

SWEEP

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 extinguisher!

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