FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING

Office of Environmental Health and Safety East Carolina University 1

How Does a Fire Work?

• • • • Three components Need all three components to start a fire Fire extinguishers remove one or more of the components Oxygen is required as a catalyst – may come from the air or from the fuel itself 2

ECU’S Policy On Fire is to EVACUATE

Regardless of the internal policies that may have been in place previously, current University policy is to evacuate the area where a fire occurs regardless of the amount or cost of equipment that may be lost.

“DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE BUILDING FOR ANYTHING, NOT EVEN TO ATTEMPT A RESCUE”.

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There Is A What Do I Do?

• Upon discovering a fire, immediately sound the building fire alarm and/or alert other occupants.

Only properly trained emergency response personnel should assist with the evacuation of mobility-impaired individuals.

• From outside of the building dial 911.

• Provide your name, which residence hall you are in, and the location of the fire.

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Incipient Stage Fires

Fires in the initial or beginning stage and can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus.

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Locate and identify extinguishers so that they are readily accessible.

• Only approved extinguishers shall be used.

• Maintain extinguishers in a fully charged and operable condition.

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Classification of Fires & Extinguishers Class A Fires

 Wood  Paper  Rags  Some rubber and plastic materials 7

Classification of Fires & Extinguishers Class B Fires

 Gasoline  Oil  Grease  Paint  Flammable Gases  Some rubber and plastic materials 8

Classification of Fires & Extinguishers Class C Fires

 Electrical Fires – Office Equipment – Motors – Switchgear – Heaters 9

Classification of Fires & Extinguishers Class D Fires

 Metals – Magnesium – – – – – Titanium Sodium Zirconium Potassium Lithium 10

Multi-Class Ratings

• There are several types of multi-class extinguishers: A-B, B-C, or A-B-C. • Be sure the correct extinguisher is provided for the hazards.

NOT for Electrical Equipment fires 11

Different Kinds of Extinguishers

The 4 most common fire extinguishers: – All Purpose Water – Carbon Dioxide – Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical – Dry Powder Each kind of extinguisher has a specific use.

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All Purpose Water

• Use on CLASS A fires • Pressurized water • Pressure gauge present 13

Carbon Dioxide

• • • Use on CLASS B and CLASS C fires Caution! Skin can freeze to the discharge horn during use.

No pressure gauge 14

Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical

• • • Use on CLASS A, CLASS B, and CLASS C fires Fine powder under pressure Pressure gauge present 15

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety You are not to be expected firefighters !

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How to Use an Extinguisher

P A S S

P

: Pull the pin.

A

: Aim extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flame.

S

: Squeeze trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.

S

: Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area with the extinguishing agent.

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Hands-On Training

• Although employees are not encouraged to fight fires, Fire Extinguisher Training is available for interested groups.

• For additional information or to schedule Fire Extinguisher Training contact EH&S at 328-6166 or [email protected]

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Is It Ready To Use ?

Inspection, Maintenance and Testing • • • Visually inspected monthly Maintained annually Hydrostatically tested periodically (5 or 12 yrs.) 19

When NOT to Fight a Fire!

• Only fight a fire in the incipient stage • Fire has spread beyond its point of origin • Your instincts tell you GET OUT • Remember to keep an exit to your back 20

Partnership with GFR

• • • • Pre-fire planning Campus building surveys Training / Education Authority having jurisdiction is the State Dept. of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal. 21

Questions and Comments

• Office of Environmental Health and Safety • • • 328-6166 [email protected]

Office of Radiation and Biological Safety 744 2236 ECU Police (Emergency) Dial 911 East Campus ECU Police – 744-2247 22 West Campus