Using a Fire Extinguisher

Bureau of Workers’ CompPA Training for Health & Safety

(PATHS)

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Fire Extinguishers

• Not all fire extinguishers are the same.

• Use the proper class of fire extinguisher only on fires it was designed to extinguish.

• Know where fire extinguishers are located and what class they are.

• Number 1 goal = Safety. Only attempt to extinguish small fires!

• Never put a used fire extinguisher back in place. Have it recharged.

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General Requirements

• Fire extinguishers must be easily accessible at all times!

• Must not be obstructed by boxes, chairs or other miscellaneous items.

• Should not be placed on the ground.

• Should be mounted in such a way that they cannot easily fall and injure someone.

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Do you see a Problem?

Access to fire

extinguisher is

obstructed.

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Any Problems Here?

Access to extinguisher obstructed.

Nothing should be placed in

front, around or next to a fire extinguisher

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Marking Locations of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguisher locator signs should be placed so extinguishers are easy to find during an emergency.

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Fire Extinguisher Labels

• All fire extinguishers should have a label to indicate what class of fire they will extinguish.

• Most extinguishers use an international picture label.

• Become familiar with fire extinguisher labels before you need to use an extinguisher.

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• Fire Triangle = Oxygen, heat and fuel • Fire Tetrahedron = Add chemical reaction

• Remove any of these items = No fire (fire goes out)• Basic fire prevention = Separate fuel & ignition sources

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Fire Triangle/Tetrahedron

Fire extinguishers work by either

cooling down heat, taking O2 level

below that necessary to

support combustion, or interrupting

chemical reaction.

Oxygen = most basic

14-16% necessary to

support combustion

21% in atmosphere

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Class of Fires

• Class A Fires Ordinary combustibles (e.g., wood, paper, cloth or plastic).

• Class B Fires Flammable/combustible gases and liquids (e.g., gasoline, kerosene and methane).

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Class of Fires (cont.)

• Class C Fires Energized electrical (e.g., power going to the device).

• Class D Fires Combustible metals (e.g., titanium, zirconium and magnesium).

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Class of Fires (cont.)

• Class K Fires Cooking grease made from animal fat.

• These fires usually burn very hot.

• Dangerous to extinguish.

• Special fire extinguishers are used for these classes of fires.

• Usually occur in kitchen areas of restaurants and/or cafeterias.

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Types of Fire Extinguishers

Water Fire Extinguishers

• Usually silver in color.

• Hose attached somewhere at/near the top.

• Can be used on Class A fires only.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

• Usually red in color.

• No pressure gauges.

• “Horn” instead of a hose or nozzle.

• Can be used on Class B and C fires only.

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Types of Fire Extinguishers (cont.)

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

• Can be red, yellow, white or other colors.

• Extinguishers containing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or potassium bicarbonate can be used on Class B and C fires only.

• Those containing monammonium phosphate can be used to extinguish Class A, B and C fires.

BC

ABC

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Types of Fire Extinguishers (cont.)

Class D Fire Extinguishers

• Contain special material (e.g., graphite).

• Use only on fires involving combustible metals (e.g., titanium, zirconium, etc.).

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Types of Fire Extinguishers (cont.)

Halon Fire Extinguishers

• “Halogenated hydrocarbons.” (similar to Freon)

• Primarily used to extinguish fires in sophisticated electrical/computer equipment (Class C fires).

“Wet Chemical” Fire Extinguishers

• Primarily used to extinguish Class K fires (cooking grease made with animal fats).

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Up Close & Personal

Pressure Gauge

Anti-tamper seal

Hose

Horn

Pull Pin

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Pressure Gauge

Needle on pressure gauge should be in “operable range.”

Any problems here?

Extinguisher needs recharged.

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To Use a Fire Extinguisher Remember P.A.S.S.

• Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher handle.

• Aim the nozzle/horn of the extinguisher at the base/bottom of the fire.

• Squeeze the handles together to make the extinguisher work.

• Sweep the nozzle/horn of the extinguisher from side to side as if using a broom.

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After Using a Fire Extinguisher

Never put a used fire extinguisher back up on the wall (even if it was used for only a few seconds). A fire extinguisher that has been used may not operate again due to the pressure inside leaking out. Notify the appropriate individual/department so the used fire extinguisher can be replaced or recharged.

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Conclusion

• Fire extinguishers are everywhere within buildings, work places, hotels and, hopefully, YOUR HOME!

• Being comfortable using extinguishers involves being familiar with them.

• Make sure you know where the closest fire extinguisher is, what type it is and what class of fire it can be used to extinguish.

• Remember, being able to use a fire extinguisher correctly could save your life or the lives of others!

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Questions

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