FireExtinguishers

Safety Counselling, Inc. ▪ 3207 Matthew Ave. NE ▪ Albuquerque, NM 87107

505-881-1112 / 800-640-0724 ▪ www.safetycounselling.com

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmatic solutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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)

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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Class D Fires• Combustible Metals:

– Potassium– Sodium– Aluminum– Magnesium

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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Class K Fires• Cooking Oils and Greases:

– Animal fats– Vegetable fats

• Typically found in commercial kitchens

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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Operating Fire Extinguishers• After the fire appears to be extinguished, watch the

fire area. Don’t 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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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 professional’s point of view, it is better to prevent a small fire from re-igniting than to deal with a full-blown fire emergency

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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.

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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.

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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Fire Rules• NEVER fight a fire if you don’t know what’s

burning– If you don't know what’s 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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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Fire Rules• NEVER fight a fire if it’s 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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

(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 it’s 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)

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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Locking Exits• MUST NOT install any lock or fastening that

impedes or prevents escape from the inside of any building

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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).

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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.

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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 (505)844-0911

• 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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973

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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

Safety Counselling, Inc.Providing creative, pragmaticsolutions to business safety since 1973