Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate. Pull the locking pin before using the fire extinguisher. To get an overview of what state fire codes are based on and if states have made enhancements to fire codes visit the interactive fire safety map. Seven out of ten fire related deaths occur from breathing poisonous gases produced by the fire.
Mar 08, 2019 knowing that there are four types of fire extinguishers is a good start in learning how to use a fire extinguisher in the case of a fire. Different types of fire extinguishers are placed according to the areas intended use. If the fire gets too large or out of control, evacuate immediately. How to use a fire extinguisher safely and effectively. If fire extinguishers are available for employee use, it is the employers responsibility to educate employees on the principles and practices of using a fire extinguisher and the hazards associated. The steps to using a portable fire extinguisher seem simple to remember. The fire must be discovered in its incipient stage for the extinguisher to be effective. Deploying a fire extinguisher correctly depends on which type it is and the material on fire. Osha fire extinguisher safety employee information requirements.
Many people in this situation have reported that their mind goes blank, and as a result they were unable to get their portable extinguisher to function properly, or they failed to extinguish the fire. Operational safety rules for fire extinguisher use are. The abc extinguisher is the most common type for general use. Osha fire extinguisher safety employee information. The key to putting out a fire with an extinguisher is to use the pass strategy.
How to use a fire extinguisher marsden fire safety. Osha fire extinguisher training requirements based on evacuation and fire fighting options listed above. Knowing that there are four types of fire extinguishers is a good start in learning how to use a fire extinguisher in the case of a fire. The extinguisher must be easily accessible and in good working order. A aim the extinguisher the base of the fire, this will allow you to hit the fuel. Know where fire extinguishers are located never place a pressurized fire extinguisher upright unless you are holding it if it falls over the nozzle can break off all fire extinguishers should have an inspection tag and a trigger seal and a pin after use, do not put a. How to use a fire extinguisher the art of manliness. For extinguisher use on a class d fire, the relative effectiveness is detailed on the extinguisher nameplate for the specific combustible metal fire for which it is recommended. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. They can be used to put out fires that are started from paper, flammable fluids, and electricity. Fire extinguisher use training workplace fire safety. However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly. After the fire appears to be out, watch the area in case the fire breaks out again, and repeat use of the extinguisher if necessary.
On the other hand, some fire extinguishers can put out several different types of fires. A fire extinguisher inspection is conducted monthly to ensure that fire extinguishers are in good working condition. Using the correct type of extinguisher for the fire, use the fourstep pass technique. Hopefully, youll never be in a fire and so youll never need to know how to use a fire extinguisher. If fire extinguishers are available for employee use, it is the employers responsibility to educate employees on the principles and practices of using a fire extinguisher and the hazards associated with fighting small or developing fires. All you ever wanted to know about fire extinguishers. May 14, 2017 use a sweeping motion from side to side to cover the base of the fire. May 09, 2017 osha fire extinguisher training requirements based on evacuation and fire fighting options listed above.
Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust, separating the fuel from the oxygen in the air. Fire extinguisher training handson faculty, staff and students who work in labs, shops, and cooking areas where a fire extinguisher is likely to be used are encouraged to take the handson training course. Extinguishers are labeled to correspond to the classes of fires they are designed to fight. Fires are classified by the types of materials that are burning. Starting at the recommended distance, sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out. Well, its true that using a fire extinguisher isnt rocket science by any stretch, but there are a few basics you need to be aware of and probably arent. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire diminishes. Replace or recharge your fire extinguisher as soon as possible. Fire extinguisher use it is important to know the locations and the types of extinguishers in your workplace prior to actually using one. It is a common misconception that all fire extinguishers are the same. Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.
Ensure all the fire has been extinguished as reignition is possible when a co2 extinguisher has been used how to use co2 fire extinguishers 1. Chances are, you will know whats burning, or at least have a pretty good idea, but if you dont, let the fire department handle it. The fire extinguisher for a class c fire should be based on the amount of the class a or class b component. Whenever possible, use the buddy system when using a fire extinguisher. Also, on a class a fire it creates a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen. Fire extinguisher maintenance and monitoring is covered under the inspection and is conducted by external professionals or an organizations own safety officers as part of an overall fire safety strategy. Never use a fire extinguisher for a class of fire that is not indicated on the label. The agent works by interrupting the chemical chain reaction. Use a temporary message until your factorymade sign arrives in a few days.
If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire, you can, in fact, make matters worse. The employer may use uniformly spaced standpipe systems or hose stations connected to a sprinkler system installed for emergency use by employees instead of class a portable fire extinguishers, provided that such systems meet the respective requirements of 1910. This program applies to the placement, use, maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees and also provides basic safety guidelines when. Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the p. You should only use that type of extinguisher on type a fires. You could use that type of fire extinguisher to put out type a, type b, and type c fires. Fire extinguishers are labeled according to the type of fire on which they may be used. Pdf use of fireextinguishing balls for a conceptual system. Every state has a state fire code with a section on fire extinguisher requirements. Jul 03, 2017 the multipurpose fire extinguisher is the most common fire extinguisher you can purchase today for residential use. Since most people have only seen a fire extinguisher put to use in the movies, they arent aware of the different types of fire extinguishers and their individual capabilities. The successful use of a fire extinguisher depends on the following conditions. The wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous or life threatening.
Fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint, diesel fuel or solvents fire extinguishers back. For example, you may see a fire extinguisher with an a, b, and c rating. The purpose of the fire safety program of case western reserve university cwru is to protect its employees who must exit from an area where a fire hazard is present. All fire extinguisher use will be reported to the program administrator 5. Pdf this paper examines the potential use of fire extinguishing balls as part of a proposed system, where drone and remotesensing technologies are. We recommend you make a copy of the handout that comes. Be familiar with the fire extinguishers and manual pull station in your area of work, class, and dorms. Even if you have an abc extinguisher, there may be something in the fire that is going to explode or produce highly toxic smoke. The extinguisher must be the right type for the fire. Class c extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a nonexpert person can expect to extinguish.
S sweep the extinguisher hose from side to side until the fire is completely out. Our guide explains how to use the various types and how to deal with various materials, as well as giving some general principles for safe, effective use. They are not for use on class c fires due to the shock hazard. Mark the fire extinguishers location so you can find it in a hurry. These four steps for using a portable extinguisher are simple, but can easily be forgotten when faced with an unexpected fire. Emergency standards portable fire extinguishers fire. Aug 09, 2017 deploying a fire extinguisher correctly depends on which type it is and the material on fire. Others are rechargeable, and can be refilled with agent and repressurized. Fire extinguisher training online this course is intended for anyone who may need to use a fire extinguisher. It is typically a dry chemical extinguisher designed for the use of class a, b, and c solids, liquids, electrical fires. We recommend you make a copy of the handout that comes with.
Many fire extinguished are considered abc extinguishers. This document meets the training and education requirements for portable fire extinguisher osha 29 cfr 1910. Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher. Free downloads and resources fire extinguishers save lives. The following steps should be followed when responding to incipient stage fire. Do not leave an empty fire extinguisher lying around, because somebody may try to use it in an emergency. Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out. Continue extinguishing the fire until the fire is completely out. Most importantly, extinguishers that are labeled for class a fires only cannot be used on electrical or grease fires. Pdf use of fireextinguishing balls for a conceptual. According to fema, the majority of americans dont know how to use an extinguisher, even if they have one in their home. However, it is safe to use an extinguisher labeled for class b and c fires on a class a fire.
There is too much smoke or you are at risk of inhaling smoke. S squeeze the top handle or lever, this will release the pressurized extinguishing agent. Know how to use a fire extinguisher before you are in a situation where you have to use it. Hands on fire extinguisher traininghow to inspect a fire. The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers or other containers of class d extinguishing agent for use by employees so that the travel distance from the combustible metal working area to any extinguishing agent is 75 feet 22. Never use water on a grease fire it will cause the flames to explode and spread.
All residents of the home have been evacuated to safety the fire department has been notified there is a clear exit behind the person using the extinguisher use your extinguisher only to keep a small self. The fire is contained and not spreading the extinguisher is readily available you know how to use it properly personal safety is not compromised there is a clear path for escape. Pull the pin aim at base of fire squeeze the handle sweep from side to side types of fires. C recreational fire extinguisher 2pack extinguisher class a. The video below from our fire extinguisher safety online training course. Do not use water to put out this kind of fire you could get electrocuted. Do not touch the horn on a co2 extinguisher, it gets very cold and can damage the skin. It is not intended for use on an outofcontrol fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user i.
Download a free pdf and print a professional fire extinguisher sign in minutes. How to use a fire extinguisher with pictures wikihow life. When its time to use a fire extinguisher, just remember pull aim squeeze sweep pass. Class a ordinary solid combustibles like wood, cloth, and paper products. Aim low, pointing the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Before you continue reading this is a very summarised version of the standard that is not word for word and many parts have been omitted out. Singapore standard 578 or ss 578 for short governs the use and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are located throughout the university, near egress paths, corridors and adjacent to exterior barbeque grills. Some fire extinguishers are disposable, and these must be discarded once their discharged. It is important to know what type of extinguisher you are using and how to use it properly.
Fire extinguishers are for small fires in the early stages. As a general rule, remember pass to use a fire extinguisher ppull the pin, aaim at the base of the fire, ssqueeze, and ssweep from side to side. Fire extinguisher inspection a safety officers guide. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path. However, before you use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, its very important that you determine whether or not its appropriate for you to be fighting the fire. Before attempting to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher it is important to check that it is fully charged and that the safety pin is not bent fig. Choosing the proper extinguisher class a fire extinguisher combination fire extinguisher for fires involving flammable liquids, or electrical equipment, choose a dry. Pull the pin, aim the hose, squeeze the lever, and sweep the hose. Fire extinguishers are only one element of a complete fire survival plan. For ordinary fires involving solids such as wood, paper, and cloth.
Carbon dioxidefire extinguishers extinguish the fire by separating the oxygen element from the fuel and heat, and also by removing the heat with a very cold discharge. Fires involving wood or cloth, flammable liquids, electrical current or a combination of those will each react differently to extinguishers. Each type of fire extinguisher is suitable for different types of burning media and will have a fire rating based on the volume of fire that they are capable of extinguishing. The multipurpose fire extinguisher is the most common fire extinguisher you can purchase today for residential use. You dont want to mistakenly use a bc extinguisher on a class a fire, thinking that it was an abc extinguisher. The kind of fire extinguisher safety training a company will have to provide depends on if they expect the employees to use the extinguishers, and if the company has designated certain employees as those who can use the extinguishers. Design your own fire extinguisher sign to ensure that fire extinguishers are located quickly and used properly.
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