FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
USE
TYPE
SELECTION
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DISCLAIMER

• As an employee, you are not required to operate
  a fire extinguisher.
• If you do, it is totally your choice.
• Be absolutely sure you know how and are total
  command.
• Best advice, when the fire alarm sounds, proceed
  to evacuate the building.

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PURPOSE

• Contain small fires to prevent spreading.
• Put out small fires.
• Delay environmental damage.

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CLASSES OF FIRESBased On Fuels

• Class A - wood, paper, rags, trash, etc.
• Class B - gases and flammable liquids.
• Class C - for electrical equipment.
• Class D - combustible metals (K, Na, Zn, Al, Ti,
  etc.).

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CLASSES OF EXTINGUISHERS

• Classes are based on fire type.
• Some classes can be combined.
• May be more hazardous to use the wrong class.
• Halon - special class for electronics.

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HOW THEY WORK

• Reduce fuel temperature.
• Reduce or eliminate oxygen supply.
• Prevent chemical reaction(s).

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CONDITIONS

• Operator must know how to use them.
• Must be in easy reach and in working order.
• Extinguisher should match fire type.
• Should have adequate contents.

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CONDITIONS

• Should be located near exits.
• User must have an escape route.
• Should be spaced no farther apart than 75 feet.

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NUMBERS/LETTERS ON EXTINGUISHERS

• Class A - A1, A2, A3, Etc. (Relative size).
• Class B - 5B, 10B, 20B, Etc. (Area in square feet
  it will cover).

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• You have decided you can safely fight the fire.
• Make sure your back is to a safe exit.
• Stand no closer than 6 to 8 feet from the fire.

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OPERATING EXTINGUISHER

• Pull the pin.
• Aim low at base of fire.
• Squeeze the trigger.
• Sweep from side to side.