Fire Extinguishers

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FireExtinguishers

• Safety Counselling, Inc. ? 3207 Matthew Ave. NE ?
  Albuquerque, NM 87107
• 505-881-1112 / 800-640-0724 ? www.safetycounselli
  ng.com

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Presentation Contents

• Fire Basics
• The Fire Triangle
• Types of Fires
• Types of Extinguishers
• How to Use an Extinguisher
• Rules for Fires
• Egress and Fire Requirements
• Permits

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Key Terms
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Key Terms

• Flash Point
• The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives
  off enough vapors to ignite if it comes in
  contact with an ignition source, such as a spark
  or flame
• Flammable
• A liquid is flammable if it has a flash point of
  less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Combustible
• A liquid is combustible if its flash point is 100
  degrees Fahrenheit or higher

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Key Terms

• Pyrophoric
• A type of gas or substance that will ignite when
  exposed to air
• Spontaneous Combustion
• The process of a substance catching fire as a
  result of heat generated by an internal chemical
  action
• Flashback
• The rapid travel of a spreading gas from a source
  of ignition back to the point at which it
  originated
• Flashback occurs when a gas or vapor heavier than
  air travels at a low level to an ignition source

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Key Terms

• Lower Explosive Limit
• The minimum concentration of a flammable
  substance in the atmosphere that will ignite
• Upper Explosive Limit
• The maximum concentration of a flammable
  substance in the atmosphere that will ignite

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The Fire Triangle

• Once the four requirements are met and a fire has
  started, it continues to burn due to complex
  chain reactions between the fuel and oxygen
• The relationship between fuel, heat, and oxygen
  is best described by a three-sided diagram known
  as the Fire Triangle

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The Fire Triangle
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Air, Fuel, and Heat

• To START, a fire must be supplied with
• Oxygen
• Catalyst that sustains combustion
• Can come from air or fuel itself
• Heat
• Raises material to ignition temperature
• Fuel
• Supports combustion
• The chemical reaction when these elements
  interact results in a fire

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The Fire Tetrahedron

• ALL fires require four basic elements

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Extinguishing a Fire

• One of the basic elements must be REMOVED to
  extinguish a fire
• Fuel Cool to below the temperature at which it
  will burn (kindling temperature)
• Oxygen Cut off supply (smothering the fire)
• Chemical Reactions Interrupt the chain
  reactions that keep the fire going by reducing or
  eliminating the heat or ignition source (primary
  extinguishment method when using a dry-chemical
  fire extinguisher)

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Types of Fires

• Fires are classified by the type of fuel they
  burn the five classes of fire are known as
• A
• B
• C
• D
• K

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Class A Fires

• Ordinary Combustibles
• Wood
• Paper
• Cloth
• Plastic
• Trash

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Class B Fires

• Flammable Liquids
• Gasoline
• Oil
• Grease
• Paint
• Flammable Gases
• Propane
• Butane
• Does NOT include fires involving cooking oils or
  grease

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Class C Fires

• Energized Electrical Equipment
• Motors
• Switchgears
• Transformers
• Appliances
• Heaters
• Remove the power and a Class C fire becomes one
  of the other classes of fire

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Class D Fires

• Combustible Metals
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Aluminum
• Magnesium

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Class K Fires

• Cooking Oils and Greases
• Animal fats
• Vegetable fats
• Typically found in commercial kitchens

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Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Water
• CO2
• Foam
• Halon
• Powder

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Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

• Two types
• Copper
• Sodium Chloride
• Extinguish the fire by separating the fuel from
  the oxygen element or by removing the heat
  elements of the fire triangle
• For use on Class D fires ONLY
• Remember Class D fires have extreme heat and
  toxic fumes
• Ineffective on all other classes of fire

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Combination Fire Extinguishers

• Combination ABC or BC extinguishers are used when
  a fire involves one or more of the three types of
  fires

ABC
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Tips for Extinguishing a Fire

• Important Aiming an extinguisher at a single
  point at the edge, 2-4 outside edge, of the
  fire will not work the fire will simply spread
  around the spot that has been put out

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Kitchen Oil Fire Video
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Operating Fire Extinguishers

• Four basic steps
• Pull the pin
• Aim low
• Squeeze the lever (trigger)
• Sweep side to side

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Operating Fire Extinguishers

• After the fire appears to be extinguished, watch
  the fire area. Dont waste expellant
• Keep in mind that the discharge time of a
  portable extinguisher can be very short
• If the fire cannot be completely extinguished,
  leave the area immediately and wait for the fire
  department to arrive

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Operating Portable Fire Extinguishers

• NFPA recommends that when a small fire breaks
  out, someone should call the fire department
  immediately
• A portable extinguisher may not be able to put
  out the fire, and waiting to call the fire
  department could waste valuable time
• The fire department should inspect all fires even
  after they have been extinguished
• Because it is standard procedure for most fire
  departments to respond to any call by dispatching
  a fully-staffed fire truck to the scene, many
  people feel this step is unnecessary.
• But from the fire professionals point of view,
  it is better to prevent a small fire from
  re-igniting than to deal with a full-blown fire
  emergency

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Size of an Extinguisher

• NEVER fight a fire without the proper type and
  size of fire extinguisher
• 2 lb
• 5 lb
• 10 lb
• 20 lb
• 40 lb
• Or Bigger

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REMEMBER!

• Fires have many possible characteristics
  depending on location and fuel
• All fires are unpredictable and should be
  approached with caution and respect
• Keep in mind that unconfined or uncontrolled
  fires spread, advancing outward in all directions
  from where they started toward new fuel
• This is an important concept to remember because
  to put out even a small fire it is necessary to
  work from the outside in

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Christmas Tree Fire Video
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Tips for Extinguishing a Fire

• Most Class A fires start small - be careful not
  to make them bigger!
• Begin fighting the fire from a safe distance of
  at least six feet or until you feel heat.
• Avoid direct exposure to smoke as much as
  possible
• Stay up wind.

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Tips for Extinguishing a Fire

• Aim the extinguisher low at the base of the fire,
  not at the center of the blaze
• Fires tend to be coolest at their edges and
  therefore are easier to extinguish there
• Sweeping the extinguishing agent from side to
  side will extinguish the edge of the fire evenly
  - like using a hose to wash dirt off a sidewalk
• As the edge of the fire recedes, it is alright to
  move closer to the fire area
• Always keep in mind that the capacity of a
  portable fire extinguisher is limited, so work to
  extinguish the fire as quickly and safely as
  possible.

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REMEMBER!

• It is very important to use the proper
  extinguisher for the type of fuel present!
• Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to
  re-ignite after seemingly being extinguished
  successfully

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Fire Rules

• FIRES ARE VERY DANGEROUS!
• Pull the fire alarm
• Call 911
• Assist anyone in danger
• Be certain that you will not endanger yourself or
  others when attempting to put out a fire

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Fire Rules

• NEVER fight a fire if you dont know whats
  burning
• If you don't know whats burning, you don't know
  what type of extinguisher to use
• Even if you have an ABC extinguisher, there may
  be something in the fire that will explode or
  produce highly toxic smoke

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Fire Rules

• NEVER fight a fire if its spreading rapidly
  beyond the spot where it started
• The time to use an extinguisher is in the
  beginning stages of a fire
• If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is
  best to simply evacuate the building, closing
  doors and windows behind you as you leave

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Fire Rules

• NEVER fight a fire if you don't have adequate or
  appropriate equipment
• If you don't have the correct type or large
  enough extinguisher, it is best not to try to
  fight the fire
• NEVER fight a fire if you might inhale toxic
  smoke
• If the fire is producing large amounts of smoke
  that you would have to breathe in order to fight
  it, it is best not to try
• Gases from man-made materials can be fatal, even
  in very small amounts

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Fire Rules

• NEVER fight a fire if your instincts tell you not
  to
• If you are uncomfortable with the situation for
  any reason, just let the fire department do their
  job
• ALWAYS position yourself with an exit or means of
  escape at your back before you attempt to use an
  extinguisher to put out a fire
• In case the extinguisher malfunctions or
  something unexpected happens, you need to be able
  to get out quickly
• You don't want to become trapped
• Just remember, always keep an exit at your back
  or back to the wind

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Important Reminders

• Thermal decomposition of fire extinguisher
  agents
• ABC dry chemical (ammonium phosphate) is the most
  common extinguisher
• Contains agents of ammonia, carbon monoxide, and
  oxides of nitrogen
• Carbon Dioxide
• Do not use in confined areas as this gas will
  displace the oxygen in the air and will cause
  asphyxiation
• Halon 1211
• Halon fire extinguishers should not be used in
  confined areas or small rooms with poor
  ventilation will cause asphyxiation
• Smoke from fires
• Can cause asphyxiation, respiratory problems, and
  may contain chemical contents that are toxic
• Rekindling of fires
• All fires must be watched closely since
  rekindling is always a possibility

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ExtinguisherRegulations and Placement
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Extinguisher Placement

• Fire extinguishers weighing 40 pounds or less
  should be installed so that the top of the
  extinguisher is no more than five feet above the
  floor
• Extinguishers weighing more than 40 pounds should
  be installed so that the top of the extinguisher
  is no more than 3½ feet above the floor
• The clearance between the bottom of the
  extinguisher and the floor should never be less
  than four inches

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Extinguisher Placement

• Extinguishers should be conspicuously located
  where they will be readily accessible and
  immediately available in the event of a fire
• Place them along normal paths of travel,
  including exits from areas
• Labels which point to and identify extinguisher
  placement can be purchased from local vendors
• Fire extinguishers should be installed in plain
  view, not stored in cabinets or closets

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Responsibilities

• The owner or occupant of a property in which fire
  extinguishers are located should
• Read and understand the nameplate(s) and
  instruction manual for the extinguisher(s)
• Train personnel in the correct use of fire
  extinguishers on the different types of fires
  that may occur on the property
• Recognize fire hazards on his or her property and
  plan in advance the exact means and equipment
  with which a fire will be fought
• Ensure that everyone knows how to call the fire
  department and stress that they do so for every
  fire, no matter how small

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Responsibilities

• Under Standard 29 CFR 1910.157, OSHA requires
  most companies to
• Provide portable fire extinguishers
• Maintain these extinguishers in good working
  order (requires monthly visual inspections and
  annual maintenance)
• Provide annual training for employees in correct
  extinguisher use

(NOTE This regulation exempts companies from
compliance if their written fire safety policy
requires all employees to evacuate immediately in
case of fire and if they also have an emergency
action plan and a fire prevention plan. However,
many companies that meet these requirements also
have fire extinguishers, so its a good idea for
employees to know how to use them.)
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Statistics

• In recent years, the greatest number of OSHA
  standard violations involved
• Employee training (nearly 15,000 violations)
• Maintenance of fire extinguishers (nearly 1,000
  violations)

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Statistics

• Fires and explosions kill more than 200 and
  injure more than 5,000 workers each year
• There is a long and tragic history of workplace
  fires in this country caused by problems with
  fire exits and extinguishing systems
• OSHA requires employers to provide proper exits,
  fire fighting equipment, and employee training to
  prevent fire deaths and injuries in the workplace

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Escape Route

• A continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel
  from any point in a building or structure to a
  public way (a street, yard, court, or other open
  space leading to the street)
• Three parts to an escape route
• Way of exit access
• Exit
• Way of exit discharge

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Escape Routes General Requirements

• Fire alarms are required if a fire could start
  without providing adequate warning to occupants
• There must be enough exits in the proper
  arrangement for quick escape
• Adequate and reliable illumination must be
  provided for all exit facilities
• Escape Routes
• Minimum width 28 inches
• Minimum ceiling height 7½ feet

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Locking Exits

• MUST NOT install any lock or fastening that
  impedes or prevents escape from the inside of any
  building

Locked and blocked exit
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Access to Exits

• Exits must be readily accessible at all times
• A door from a room to an exit or escape route
  must be a side-hinged swinging type and swing in
  the direction of exit travel when the room is
  occupied by more than 50 people or contains high
  hazard contents

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Maintaining Escape Routes

• Escape routes from all parts of the building must
  be continuously maintained free of all
  obstructions in case of emergency

Obstructed exit
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Exit Marking

• Exits must be marked by a readily visible sign
  when the exit or way to reach it is not
  immediately visible to occupants

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Exit Marking

• If a door, passage, or stairway is not an exit or
  a way of exit access but may be mistaken for one,
  it must be identified by a sign reading Not an
  Exit, Storeroom, To Basement, etc.

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Exit Marking

• A sign reading Exit with an arrow indicating
  the directions must be placed in every location
  where the direction of travel to the nearest exit
  is not immediately apparent

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Emergency Action Plan

• Describes actions that must be taken to ensure
  employee safety in emergencies
• Includes floor plans or maps which show emergency
  escape routes
• Tells employees what actions to take in emergency
  situations
• Covers emergencies the employer may reasonably
  expect, such as fires, explosions, toxic chemical
  releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and
  floods
• Where to meet

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Fire Prevention Plan

• The plan MUST include
• List of the major fire hazards and handling,
  storage, and control procedures
• Names or job titles of persons responsible for
  maintenance of equipment and systems to prevent
  or control ignitions or fires
• Names or job titles of persons responsible for
  control of fuel source hazards
• Training for all employees who have
  responsibilities in the plan

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

• If portable fire extinguishers are provided for
  employee use, the employer must mount, locate,
  and identify them so workers can access them
  without subjecting themselves to possible injury

Blocked extinguisher
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Portable Fire ExtinguisherTraining and Education

• Where portable fire extinguishers have been
  provided for employee use in the workplace,
  employees must be provided with an educational
  program on the
• General principles of fire extinguisher use
• Hazards of incipient (beginning) stage fire
  fighting
• Employees designated to use extinguishers must
  receive instruction and hands-on practice in the
  operation of equipment

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Permits and Specifications
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Permits

• Check with your supervisor for any specific
  permits that must be obtained before any type of
  hot work is conducted AT ANY LOCATION
• Abide by any of those permit requirements
• If you have questions, contact your supervisor or
  safety officer/coordinator

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SNL Requirements (SNL ONLY)

• Firewatchers shall be required whenever welding
  or cutting is performed in locations where other
  than a minor fire might develop
• (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iii)(A)
• Firewatchers shall have fire extinguisher
  equipment readily available and be trained in its
  use
• (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(iii)(B)
• The employer shall provide employees who have
  been designated to use fire-fighting equipment as
  part of an emergency action plan with training in
  the use of the appropriate equipment
• (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(g)(3).
• The employer shall provide the training upon
  initial assignment and at least annually
  thereafter
• (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(g)(4).

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SNL Requirements (SNL ONLY)

• Firewatchers shall be required whenever welding,
  cutting, open flames, grinding or other sparks
  are created by task being performed.
• Fire watchers shall remain in place for 30
  minutes after activity is completed.

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SNL Requirements (SNL ONLY)

• REMEMBER, if a fire is detected at SNL you
  should
• Pull the fire alarm
• Call 911 from an SNL phone to reach the SNL
  Emergency Operations Center
• If an SNL phone is not available dial
  [phone]
• Important Note If you call 911 from an outside
  telephone line such as a cell phone, the call
  will go to the Albuquerque 911 call center and
  thus delay the response time

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Summary

• Fire is a dangerous element that deserves respect
• In order to put out a fire you must remove one of
  the four elements
• Air, Fuel, Heat, Chemical Reaction
• There are many types of extinguishers - make sure
  to know the classifications - fire extinguisher
  classes and numerical ratings help a user
  understand its capabilities
• Fire extinguishers must be inspected and
  maintained and employees must be trained in how
  to use them
• Remember to P.A.S.S. when extinguishing a fire
• Escape routes must be marked, lighted, and free
  of obstructions, and locks must not be used to
  impede or prevent escape
• An emergency action plan and a fire prevention
  plan must be in place in buildings and at job
  site locations
• Training