Transcript Fire Extinguishers - Florida A&M University

Fire Extinguishers
Team 6
Garrett Ellanson
Jeffrey Ethier
Sean Tacey
Inspection
• OSHA requires that fire extinguishers be
inspected annually and must keep records of
this inspection for a year.
• When fire extinguishers are being inspected or
recharged, a suitable replacement device
must be present until the fire extinguisher is
returned.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
• If a fire is to occur in the laboratory, or
elsewhere, one should remember the
acronym P.A.S.S.:
1) Pull
2) Aim
3) Squeeze
4) Sweep
Pull the Pin
• This step involves pulling the pin to prime the
fire extinguisher for use.
Aim at the Base of the Fire
• This step is important! If one were to aim at
the top of flames, the fuel source will not be
extinguished when the fire extinguisher is
used.
Squeeze the Handle
• Performing this action releases the
extinguishing agent from the fire extinguisher.
Sweep From Side to Side
• This step ensures that the entire fire is
extinguished as the extinguisher is used.
Location of Fire Extinguishers in the
Lab
The enclosed red circles represent fire extinguishers.
The Fire Triangle
• For a fire to be
sustainable, it needs
1.
2.
3.
•
Enough Oxygen to sustain
combustion.
Enough Heat to remain at
the combustion
temperature.
Fuel to provide a source
for the combustion.
If any of the above three
items are removed from
a fire, it will be
extinguished.
Classes of Fires
Class
Description
Example
A
Fires that involve ordinary
combustible materials
Cloth, wood, and paper
B
Involve flammable and
combustible liquids
Gasoline and alcohol
C
Involve electrical fires
Outlet fire
D
Fires caused by
combustible metals
Magnesium, titanium, and
sodium
K
For use in “kitchen/cooking Vegetable oil, animal oils,
fires”
and fats
Labels on Fire Extinguishers
• Before using a fire
extinguisher it is important
to know the source that is
causing the fire (which class
of fire is occurring).
• Also, it is important to know
what type of fire
extinguisher is used for
each class.
• The fire extinguishers in our
laboratory are designed to
handle Class A, B, and C
fires.
Different Types of Propellant Storage
• Stored Pressure
– The propellant is stored with the flame
extinguishing agents
• Cartridge
– Requires a separate cartridge to be inserted for
propellant.
Variety is the spice of life
• Different fires require different extinguishing
agents
– Though there is no standard for color,
extinguishers are labeled with pictograms
• Most common color-contents:
– Yellow used for Combustible Metals extinguisher
– Silver/White contains Water
– In United States, most extinguishers are Red
Different Types of Extinguishers
• Typically, one will encounter three types of
fire extinguishers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pressurized water models
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers
Dry-chemical extinguishers
Sodium bicarbonate extinguishers
Potassium bicarbonate extinguishers
Foam extinguishers (AEFF and FFFP)
Pressurized Water Models
• Typically silver and are
about 2 feet tall and
25 pounds in weight.
• Filled with tap water
and pressurized air
• Are meant for Class A
fires.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
• These extinguishers are usually red and vary in
size.
• On larger models there will usually be a horn
attached to aim the extinguisher.
• Designed for Class B and C fires.
Dry Chemical Extinguishers
• Are red in color and vary in size
(typically from about 5 to 20 lbs).
• They contain a yellow powder
that consists of monoammonium
phosphate and are pressurized
with nitrogen.
• Are used for either A,B, and C
fires or just B and C fires.
• Will either be labeled DC (dry
chemical), ABC, or BC.
Sodium Bicarbonate Extinguishers
• Are useful when faced with class B and C fires.
• Preferred over dry chemical extinguishers
when a grease fire occurs.
• May also prove useful in that some
extinguishers of this category protect cooking
appliances when used.
Potassium Bicarbonate Extinguishers
• Are similar to sodium bicarbonate based
extinguishers; yet, they may be able to put out
fires of a larger size.
• Are typically filled with urea-based potassium
bicarbonate or potassium chloride.
• Leave a heavy residue that can harm electrical
equipment.
Foam Extinguishers
• When used these
extinguishers coat the
surface of a burning liquid
with a chemical foam.
• Results in either the
lowering of the
temperature or the oxygen
supply of the flame.
• The foams usually consist of
water and thus cannot be
used on electrical fires
(class C fires).
Before Using a Fire Extinguisher…
• Always perform these actions IMMEDIATELY
after a fire is discovered:
1. If there is no personal risk involved, assist anyone
who is found to be in danger of personal harm.
2. Call 911 and/or activate the fire alarm. This will notify
the fire department and the occupants of the building
to the presence of a fire.
3. If the fire is small, one may use a fire extinguisher;
however, one must know exactly what is burning as to
allow for the use of the correct fire extinguisher.
a.
If the wrong extinguisher is used it may make the
problem worse, not better!
Let the Fire Department Handle it if…
• The fire is too big, as fire extinguishers are
meant to be used when the fire first starts.
• Inadequate or inappropriate equipment are
the only option (class B extinguisher for a class
C fire).
• There is a danger of inhaling toxic smokes.
• If your instincts tell you to.
Special Notes for Fire Extinguisher Use
• When using a fire extinguisher, always ensure
that a safe, fire-free exit is to your back. This is
important for if the fire cannot be contained,
you may need to leave the room.
• Once an extinguisher is used, report the use to
EH&S to ensure that it is inspected and refilled
for future use.
References
• “Fire Extinguisher Training.” Clemson University Fire
Department. Clemson University. Web March 30, 2013.
• “Fire Extinguisher Training.” Environmental Health and
Safety Department. Oklahoma State University. Web
March 30, 2013.
• “Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Portable
Fire Extinguishers.” Occupational Safety and Health
Administration. United States Department of Labor.
Web March 30, 2013.
• Schreiber, Loren B., Lab Library, Unit Operations
Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering,
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, January 7, 2013.