Transcript Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.157

Portable Fire Extinguishers
Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.157
Fire Extinguishers: Agenda
During this presentation, you will learn the following
about fire extinguishers:
• When a fire extinguisher should and should not be
used;
• How to choose the proper fire extinguisher;
• How to operate a fire extinguisher; and
• The necessary steps to ensure your safety.
Fire extinguisher use
Fire extinguishers are designed to fight small fires in
their early stages when a fire presents a relatively
small hazard to the operator.
When confronted with a need to use a fire
extinguisher, remember: There is no property worth
a human life in our facility. No one should ever
feel that they are required to use a fire
extinguisher, it is a judgment call.
When to use fire extinguishers
An incipient stage fire is:
Small
Slow to grow
Minimal smoke
Minimal heat
•
•
•
•
Fire Extinguishers are Designed
for Incipient Stage Fires Only
If a fire is too large, if there is too much smoke, or if you are
too frightened, DO NOT USE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
EVACUATE!
Types of Fires
Fires are classified by the burning fuel:
Class A (A = Ash)
Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood)
Class B (B = Boil)
Flammable and combustible liquids and gasses
(gasoline, oil, propane)
Class C (C = Current)
Energized electrical (motors, wires)
Class D
Combustible Metal (aluminum, sodium)
Class K
Cooking fats and oils
•
•
•
•
•
Selecting a fire extinguisher to use
After determining what fuel is burning, we can choose from
the following types of extinguishers in our facility:
• Dry Chemical
• Carbon dioxide
• Water/foam
• Halon/halon replacements
• Class K
Note: Class D fires require special extinguishers and special training
Fight a small fire with PASS
To operate a fire
extinguisher, we
use this word:
PASS
Each letter
represents one of
the operations:
P=Pull (pull the safety
pin)
A=Aim (Aim at the base
of the fire)
S=Squeeze (squeeze
the operating handle)
S=Sweep (sweep side
to side)
A closer look at PASS
•
•
•
•
Pull
-The safety pin is usually held in place by a plastic seal, it will pull off
-Do not push down on the operating lever while pulling the pin, it won’t come out
Aim
-Aim at the base of the fire, the lowest flame closest to you
-The base of the fire will recede from you as you use the extinguisher, so you
must adjust your aim
Squeeze
-The operating lever is above the carrying handle. The operating lever opens the
valve when you squeeze it down. When you let go, the valve closes and the
discharge stops
Sweep
-Sweep the nozzle by moving your arm at the elbow
-Direct the discharge to cover the entire width of the base of the fire
Steps to take when using a fire extinguisher
1. Alert others who are at risk from the fire
2. Activate the fire alarm and call the fire department
3. Position yourself between the fire and an exit
4. Stay low
5. Start from 8-10 feet back from the fire
6. Use the PASS system
7. You need to work fast, discharge time is short: generally 10-30
seconds
Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips
•
Back away from the fire in case of re-ignition
•
Avoid breathing smoke and products of combustion
•
Always report fire extinguisher use to your supervisor
Above all else: Never attempt to fight
a fire if your instincts tell you it is unsafe
Conclusion
•
•
•
•
Safety is always more valuable than property. Do not use a fire
extinguisher if: A fire is too large, if there is too much smoke
or if you are too frightened, DO NOT USE THE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER. YOU MUST EVACUATE!
Always alert others at risk and activate the fire alarm or call the
fire department before using an extinguisher
Your safety is more important than putting the fire out
Always report use of a fire extinguisher: do not return used
extinguishers to operation
For more information
For more information regarding Portable Fire
Extinguishers, or other safety issues, please contact:
Gregory & Appel Insurance
Mike Salazar, Vice President
Direct: 317-686-6407
Email: [email protected]