Transcript Virginia ARES / RACES

An Introduction to
“Fire Extinguishers”
Legal Basis
for this Training
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Occupational Safety and Health Standards
29 CFR Part 1910
Subpart “L” - Fire Protection
Standard 1910.157
“Portable fire extinguishers”
1910.157(b)(1)
Where the employer has implemented a written
fire safety policy which requires the immediate
and total evacuation of employees from the
workplace …and which includes an
emergency action plan and fire prevention
plan…and when extinguishers are not
available in the workplace, the employer is
exempt from all requirements of this section
unless a specific standard in Part 1910
requires that a portable fire extinguisher be
provided.
1910.157 (g)(1)
Where the employer has provided
portable fire extinguishers… the
employer shall provide an
educational program to familiarize
employees with general principles of
fire extinguisher use and the hazards
involved with incipient stage fire
fighting.
OBJECTIVES:
After this training you should be able to:
• IDENTIFY 3 common classes of fires
• SELECT the proper type of extinguisher
• EVALUATE when it is safe to
fight an “early-stage” fire, and;
• APPLY the “P.A.S.S. method to
operate a portable extinguisher.
UNTRAINED PEOPLE
Cannot use a fire extinguisher safely
because they are:
• UNABLE to evaluate a fire
• UNAWARE of DANGER due to...
• LACKING JUDGEMENT regarding:
– Safe and correct use of, and
– Limitations of portable extinguishers
WHY UNTRAINED PEOPLE
Can’t use a fire extinguisher safely
(continued):
INEXPERIENCED
• Don’t know about the
proper type of extinguisher
• Don’t know how to make
a “Fight or Flight” analysis
• Unfamiliar with the
“P.A.S.S. method”
COMMON FIRE
CLASSIFICATIONS**
“Ordinary” combustibles
Paper, wood, rubber, plastics
and textiles.
“Flammable liquids”
Oil, gasoline, solvents
“Energized circuits”
Electrical equipment
and computers
• ** There are other ‘special’ classifications of fires –
these are the most common **
HOW THEY WORK:
• Works by cooling.
• Numerical rating indicates amount of agent,
duration, and range of discharge on test fires.
• Area of Class A fire which a “non-expert” can
extinguish, with proper training
– 1-A is equivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of water.
– 2-A contains has twice as much extinguishing agent.
HOW THEY WORK:
• Works by blanketing the fuel.
• Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface.
• Class B ratings signify the area in square feet
of flammable liquid fire a unit will extinguish
when used, by a trained, “non-expert.”
HOW THEY WORK:
• Class “C” units have no numerical rating.
• A Class “C” rating doesn’t imply any capacity.
• Only indicates that the extinguishing agent is
non-conductive, safe on energized equipment.
• Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire.
Portable Fire
Extinguishers
• Can be CARRIED to a fire
• Weigh from 5 to 30 pounds
• NFPA Class and Rating
– Arabic numerals according
to efficiency - 4A extinguishes
twice as much Class A fire as 2A
Portable Fire
Extinguishers
LIMITED IN:
• Capacity - 1.5 to 25 lbs.
of
extinguishing agent
• Range - Typically 3 to 15 feet
• Duration - Discharge their
contents in only 5 to 30 seconds!
Extinguisher
Common features
•
•
•
•
Locking pin
Carrying handle / operating lever
Pressure gauge
Label :
–
–
–
–
Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical)
Classification (A, B, C)
NFPA capacity Rating
Instructions
• Discharge nozzle or horn
COMMON TYPES OF
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
• WATER
• DRY CHEMICAL
• CO2 and Halon
WATER
• Water + CO2 propellant
• ONLY for Class
fires
–wood / paper, etc.
• Spreads burning liquids!
• DANGER of electric shock
if used on on live circuits!
DRY CHEMICAL
MULTI-PURPOSE RATED
Either
Or
• Best for general use:
• Reduced risk of re-ignition
• A 10 lb. unit empties in 8-10 secs.
– Effective range of 6 ft. to 15 ft.
C02 -
Rated
• Best on burning liquids / electrical
• SHORT range - 3 to 8 ft.
• 10- pound unit empties in 5 to 10 seconds!
– Use short spurts!
• DISPERSES QUICKLY!
– Continue applying after the fire is out!
• Unit gets VERY cold - hold properly
Halon
• Best for computers / electronics
•
•
•
•
•
Weight-for-weight TWICE as effective as C02
No residue, easy clean-up
VERY SHORT range, 3 to 6 ft.
Like C02, Discharges QUICKLY!
Like C02, Disperses QUICKLY!
– Continue after flames are extinguished
In case of burning odor
or smoke:
• Call 911 First!
• Disconnect Equipment
– Remove combustibles, if you can do
so without danger to yourself
REACT
upon discovery of fire or smoke
Remove persons in immediate danger!
Ensure doors are closed! (confine fire/smoke)
Activate the building alarm !
Call the Fire Department !
Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!
– Continue a complete building evacuation
– Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are
OSHA certified in use of a fire extinguisher !
Use a portable extinguisher
ONLY if the:
• Building is being evacuated (Fire alarm has been pulled)
• Fire Department has been called (Dial 911!)
• Fire is NOT spreading (small and contained)
• EXIT IS CLEAR (fight fire with your back to an exit )
• Proper extinguisher is at hand, and...
– You have been trained and know how to use it!
– You use “Buddy System” - have someone back you up!
• Get assistance BEFORE trying to fight a fire!
Remember
the PASS
word:
1) Keep your back to
a clear escape route,
2) Stand back 6 to 8
feet from the fire,
3) Then
>>:
P.A.S.S.
PULL
AIM
SQUEEZE
SWEEP
PULL the pin
AIM
LOW at the base of the fire
SQUEEZE
the lever
SWEEP
from side to side
OK, It’s out…
Now What?
• WATCH the fire area
– If the fire flares up again repeat!
– If you can’t control the fire, LEAVE immediately!
• Call the fire department to inspect the scene!
• Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!
TAKE THE TEST!
SELECT “TEST” FROM THE MAIN MENU