FIRE SAFETY AND USING PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

In the event of a fire, the correct use of a portable fire extinguisher could mean the difference between suffering a minor loss or a major one. Portable fire extinguishers, if used properly, can make that difference. But there are several things to consider in using fire extinguishers. For instance, you must know the class of fire involved and the correct type of fire extinguisher to use.

CLASSES OF FIRES AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

• Class A Involves ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber or plastics. The common extinguishing media is water or dry chemical.
• Class B Flammable liquids, grease or gases are covered under this category.
  Common extinguishing media are foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical.
• Class C Live electrical fires are class C fires.
  CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers should be used. However, the actual burning product may be class A items.
• Class D Burning materials include combustible metals such as magnesium and sodium. Special extinguishing agents, approved by recognized testing laboratories, are needed when working with these metals.

RESPONDING TO FIRES:

Sound the fire alarm and call the local fire department immediately if a fire breaks out, Follow your company's procedures on responding to fires. But attempt to fight the fire only if, (1) you know the type of combustible material burning, (2) you have been trained to use the fire extinguisher correctly, and (3) if the fire is still in the incipient (beginning) stage. If the fire gets too large or out of control, evacuate immediately.

REMEMBER P-A-S-S WHEN USING AN EXTINGUISHER:

P - Pull the locking pin before using the fire extinguisher.

A - Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire. Not at the flames or smoke.

S - Squeeze the lever of the fire extinguisher to operate and discharge.

S - Sweep the fire extinguisher back and forth at the base of the fire to extinguish.

(Most extinguishers will only allow about 10-seconds of extinguishing media.)

Prevention is the key when it comes to firefighting. Good housekeeping, proper storage procedures and safe work practices will go a long way toward reducing the likelihood that a fire will destroy valuable property or injure either you or a fellow employee.

Discussion Questions:

What is your company's policy on sounding an alarm and contacting the fire department?
What kinds of flammables are most likely to create a fire danger at your jobsite?
What type of fire extinguisher should be used on those flammables or combustibles.



FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS SAFETY CHECKLIST

		Are combustible scrap, debris, and waste materials (oily rags, etc.) stored in covered metal receptacles and removed from the worksite promptly?
		Is proper storage practiced to minimize the risk of fire including spontaneous combustion?
		Are approved containers and tanks used for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids?
		Are all connections on drums and combustible liquid piping, vapor and liquid tight?
		Are all flammable liquids kept in closed containers when not in use (for example, parts cleaning tanks, pans, etc.)?
		Are bulk drums of flammable liquids grounded and bonded to containers during dispensing?
		Do storage rooms for flammable and combustible liquids have explosion-proof lights?
		Do storage rooms for flammable and combustible liquids have mechanical or gravity ventilation?
		Is liquefied petroleum gas stored, handled, and used in accordance with safe practices and standards?
		Are "NO SMOKING" signs posted on liquefied petroleum gas tanks?
		Are liquefied petroleum storage tanks guarded to prevent damage from vehicles?
		Are all solvent wastes and flammable liquids kept in fire-resistant, covered containers until they are removed from the worksite?
		Is vacuuming used whenever possible rather than blowing or sweeping combustible dust? Are firm separators placed between containers of combustibles or flammables, when stacked one upon another, to assure their support and stability?
		Are fuel gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders separated by distance, and fire-resistant barriers, while in storage?
		Are fire extinguishers selected and provided for the types of materials in areas where they are to be used?
		Class A Ordinary combustible material fires.Class B Flammable liquid, gas or grease fires.Class C Energized-electrical equipment fires.
		Are appropriate fire extinguishers mounted within 75 feet of outside areas containing flammable liquids, and within 10 feet of any inside storage area for such materials?
		Are extinguishers free from obstructions or blockage?
		Are all extinguishers serviced, maintained and tagged at intervals not to exceed 1 year?
		Are all extinguishers fully charged and in their designated places?
		Where sprinkler systems are permanently installed, are the nozzle heads so directed or arranged that water will not be sprayed into operating electrical switch boards and equipment?
		Are "NO SMOKING" signs posted where appropriate in areas where flammable or combustible materials are used or stored?
		Are safety cans used for dispensing flammable or combustible liquids at a point of use?
		Are all spills of flammable or combustible liquids cleaned up promptly?
		Are storage tanks adequately vented to prevent the development of excessive vacuum or pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or atmosphere temperature changes?
		Are storage tanks equipped with emergency venting that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by fire exposure?
		Are "NO SMOKING" rules enforced in areas involving storage and use of hazardous materials?

OSHA Fire Safety Guidance

OSHA Construction Fire Safety Guidance

29 CFR 1926.24 Construction General Fire Safety Standards

29 CFR 1910.38 General Industry Fire Prevention Standards

Training Roster

Training Acknowledgement