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Portable Fire Extinguisher Training

Objective

Refresh our memories on the use and operation of the Ansul Fire Extinguisher.

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Agenda

Open Discussion

Show Power Point Program

Video :

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers are intended as a first line of defense to cope with fires of limited size.

Portable fire extinguishers are not a substitute for assistance by the Emergency Response Team (ERT), who are trained to operate other fire Suppression Equipment.

If a fire occurs, have another employee activate the fire alarm to summon the ERT, before operating portable fire extinguishers.

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Four Types of Fires

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Class A Fires

Wood, Paper products, Etc .

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Class B Fires

Solvents, Hydrocarbon, Alcohol's

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Class C Fires

Electrical – (live electrical)

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Class D Fires Metals - Zirconium, Titanium, Magnesium, etc.

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Fire Extinguishers Types

20 Lb AnsulABC or BC

150 Lb AnsulBC Ext.

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Assess the fire and select the suitable extinguisher by it’s classification. (Extinguishers are classified by fire types according to the extinguishing agent loaded in them, and are effective for only the types of fire indicated. Improper use can cause personal injury as well as aggravate the fire situation).

Portable Fire Extinguishersg

Symbols & Shapes

• In order to make the selection of the correct fire extinguisher easier, fire extinguishers have labels.

• Each label indicates the fire class the extinguisher will extinguish.

• There are two ways to label fire extinguishers.

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Two Identification Labels

Class A Class B Class C Class DNo Picture

Exist for thisClass

No PictureExist for this

Class

Ordinary Flammable Electrical CombustibleCombustibles Liquids Equipment

SYMBOLS

GEOMETRIC SHAPES

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Combinations– Some extinguishers are suitable for putting out more than one

class of fire. A quick glance at the symbols will show the classes of fire that can be extinguished.

– These are frequent combinations. A red line across the image indicates this extinguisher may not be used for that class of fire.

• This symbol indicates the extinguisher may be used for Class A, B, & C fires.

• This symbol indicates the extinguisher may be used for Class B, & C fires but NOT Class A fires.

• This symbol indicates the extinguisher may be used for Class A, & B fires but NOT Class C fires.

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Fire Extinguisher

Label

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Carry the extinguisher to the fire. At a safe distance (upwind if outdoors) from the fire, place the extinguisher on the ground. Remove the nozzle from it’s holder, and break the seal.

Removing theHose

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Depress the lever to puncture the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) cartridge (Stand to the side of the extinguisher so your body is not positioned over top of the extinguisher) (Make sure the extinguisher was energized by observing the indicator cap if present, the indicator, (Red) will pop up when energized).

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Charging the Fire Extinguisher

Indicator on top of the Extinguisher

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

Test the extinguisher by operating the nozzle. Approach the fire cautiously, keeping an

escape route open, and initiate discharge at a distance of 10-15 feet by operating the nozzle.

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Test Before Useg

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Discharge the extinguisher at the base of the fire using a rapid side-to-side motion covering the entire width of the fire. Advance as the fire is pushed back to maintain optimum extinguishing distance. (Never walk in extinguished areas as a flash back may occur).

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Discharging Extinguisherg

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Step back and watch for possible re-ignition of the fire. (Maintain a safe distance and never turn your back to a fire).

After use, turn ext. upside down & blow down the fire extinguisher to remove the excess CO2

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Never turn your backg

The P-A-S-S Method

• The easiest way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher is by using the P-A-S-S method.

P - Pull the pin

A - Aim the extinguisher

S - Squeeze the handle

S - Sweep the agent from side to side at the base of the fire

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FIRE

If you encounter a fire, let the letters of the word "FIRE" remind you of the four basic

steps for a safe and a proper response.

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Fight or Flee ?

• Incipient fire fighting (fighting a fire in it's early stages) can save property and lives. But correctly assessing the situation and determining if the fire can be safely extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher is the first and most important step you must take.

• If there is too much smoke, or if the fire could worsen and block your way of escape, then fleeing to safety would be the safest choice.

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Identify

• Identify the type of fire and quickly locate the proper extinguisher for this type of fire. If you cannot find the correct extinguisher, it is best to not try to fight the fire.

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Review

• Review how to properly use the extinguisher BEFORE you approach the fire. Use the P-A-S-S method for fire fighting reviewed earlier in this course.

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Extinguish

• Extinguish the fire. This can also remind you to evacuate yourself and others and to call emergency service personnel for help.

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