DRRR

• FIRE EXTINGUISHER


  Device designed to put out or control small fires
• SAFETY


  Ensuring the protection of people, property, and the environment from harm
• Unified Fire Authority's Safety Training Program
• Overview


  • Fire basics
  • Fire extinguisher overview
  • Types of fire extinguishers
  • Following the P.A.S.S. Technique
• Fire extinguishers


  Designed to put out or control small fires
• Small fires, if not checked immediately, can spread out of control
• It is important that we equip our facilities with the proper fire extinguishers as part of our fire protection plan
• Fire extinguisher safety program


  Implementing and informing occupants of the specific building's fire safety procedures
• Knowing the different classes of fire and types of fire extinguishers CAN save lives
• Fight or flee


  Critical decision when planning for a fire emergency - whether employees should fight a small fire with a portable fire extinguisher, or evacuate
• Small fires can often be put out quickly with a portable fire extinguisher
• Employees must understand the use and limits of a portable fire extinguisher, and the hazards associated with fighting fire
• Fire


  Requires 4 elements: Enough oxygen, Enough heat, Some sort of fuel, Chemical reaction
• 4 Classes of Fires

  • Wood-based, cloth, paper, rubber, certain plastics
  • Flammable liquids, gases, greases, Petroleum products
  • Energized electrical equipment, conductors, or appliances
  • Combustible metals such as sodium, potassium, or magnesium
• Fire extinguishers


  Apply an extinguishing agent that will either: Cool burning fuel, Displace or remove oxygen, Stop the chemical reaction
• How a fire extinguisher works

  When the handle is compressed, it opens an inner canister of high-pressure gas that forces the extinguishing agent from the main cylinder through a siphon tube, and out the nozzle
• Conditions for a fire extinguisher to be effective

  • The extinguisher must be right for the type of fire
  • It must be located where it can be easily reached
  • It must be in good working order
  • The fire must be discovered while it is still small
  • The person using the extinguisher must be trained to use it properly
• Labeling


  All portable fire extinguishers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (UL, FM) to verify compliance with applicable standards
• Most common types of fire extinguishers

  • Air-pressurized water
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Dry chemical
• Air-pressurized water (APW)


  Water is one of the most commonly used extinguishing agents for type A fires, extinguishes fire by cooling the surface of the fuel to remove the heat from the fire triangle, designed for Class A (wood, paper, cloth, rubber and certain plastics) fires only
• Never use water to extinguish flammable liquid or electrical fires
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)


  Extinguishes fires by displacing oxygen, has a high pressure that causes dry ice to shoot from the horn (also a cooling effect), designed for Class B and C (flammable liquid and electrical) fires only
• Never use CO2 extinguishers in a confined space while people are present without proper respiratory protection
• Dry chemical


  Puts out fires by coating the fuel with a thin layer of fire retardant powder, separating the fuel from the oxygen and interrupting the chemical reaction, extremely effective, designed for Class B and C fires and may be marked multiple purpose for use in A, B, and C fires
• Where to find fire extinguishers

  • Industrial vehicles
  • Hallways
  • Mechanical rooms
  • Offices
  • Computer labs
  • Flammable liquid storage areas
• Using a fire extinguisher

  1. Sound the fire alarm and call 911

  2. Select a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire

  3. Do not allow the heat, smoke, or fire come between you and the evacuation path

  4. Discharge the fire extinguisher with its appropriate range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep)

  5. Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up

  6. Evacuate immediately if the fire extinguisher is empty and the fire is not yet out

  7. Evacuate immediately if the fire progresses passed the incipient stage

  8. While in the process of evacuating, make others aware of the fire
• P.A.S.S. Technique


  • Pull
  • Aim
  • Squeeze
  • Sweep
• Make a plan and practice exit drills in the home (EDITH)