Fire Extinguisher Use Fire Extinguisher Review and Fire Safety
Topics to be discussed Fire Safety Fire Extinguisher Use Inspections and Maintenance Simulator Training
Fire Safety
The ABC s of Fire In order to understand how fire extinguishers work, you first need to know a little bit about fire.
The Fire Triangle Fire Safety, at its most basic, is based upon the principle of keeping fuel sources and ignition sources separate.
The Fire Triangle Three things must be present at the same time to produce fire: 1. Enough OXYGEN to sustain combustion 2. Enough HEAT to reach ignition point 3. Enough FUEL or combustible material Together, they produce the CHEMICAL REACTION that is fire Take away any of these things and the fire will be extinguished
Types of Fires Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastic. The most common method to control a class-a fire is to remove heat by spraying the burning solid fuels with water, or by using a dry chemical to separate the air from the fuel.
Types of Fires Class B: Flammable liquid such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil based paint, lacquer and flammable gas. Class-B fires cannot be efficiently controlled with water. Fuels such as gasoline and oil will float on water, resulting in the fire continuing on top of the water. Fire suppressant foams or dry chemical mixtures are common and effective.
Types of Fires Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse, boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliance. Class C fires can be controlled by removing the oxygen. The removal of electricity as the ignition source is also important.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Dry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. This will extinguish the fire by: separating the ignited fuel from the oxygen and/or interacting to interrupt the reaction of the fire at a chemical level The most common type used at Vale
Types of Fire Extinguishers Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is a non-flammable compressed gas that displaces the oxygen to extinguish the fire. The CO 2 also cools the fuel as well. They are primarily for Liquid or Electrical fires (Class B and C). CO 2 extinguishers should not be used on a Class A fire because the compressed gas will disturb the combustibles and spread the fire. Are typically located near electrical equipment.
Fire Hazards POOR HOUSEKEEPING (clutter around appliances, oily rags, etc.) EQUIPMENT (leaking oils, poor electrical equipment, etc) POOR PRACTICES (power bars, improper storage, oil storage, etc.) AWARENESS (burning in dry areas, etc) SMOKING(falling asleep, ashes in the garbage, etc.)
In Case of Fire If you discover a fire, DO NOT PANIC. You may attempt to extinguish it: If the fire is small and you feel that you safely extinguish the fire Otherwise follow your plant/mine fire emergency plan. Get to a safe location and report the fire. IMPORTANT: If a fire extinguisher has been discharged, advise your supervisor by reporting the fire extinguisher id # and location. Always recharge all extinguishers immediately after use!
Fire Extinguisher Use
Fire Extinguisher Use PASS Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep When using a fire extinguisher, always remember this acronym!
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher PASS Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep Pull the pin This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher PASS Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep Aim at the base of the fire Aim at the FUEL (not at the flame) Aiming at the flames alone will send the extinguishing agent right through the fire.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher PASS Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep Squeeze the top handle This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher PASS Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep Sweep from side to side.. until the fire is completely out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then slowly move forward. Once the fire is out, slowly back away and keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites
Fire Hoses Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 2007 Each hose connection in a standpipe system shall be provided with a legible sign reading: "FIRE HOSE FOR USE BY TRAINED PERSONS ONLY". This means fire hoses are for Fire Fighters ONLY! If a fire can not be put out with extinguishers Leave it for the Fire Department
Maintenance and Inspection
Maintenance vs Inspection MAINTENANCE Fire Code required that fire extinguishers are to be maintained annually by a Certified Fire Extinguisher Technician. Maintenance is a thorough check of the extinguisher to ensure it receives any necessary repair or recharging.
Maintenance vs Inspection INSPECTION An inspection is a quick check to give reasonable assurance that a fire extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable. The value of inspections lie in the frequency, regularity, and thoroughness. Fire extinguishers shall be replaced and/or sent for maintenance if found defective.
Inspecting Fire Extinguishers Monthly inspection and annual service tags must always be attached to the fire extinguisher Annual Service Tag Monthly Inspection Tag
Inspecting Fire Extinguishers FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTIONS ARE FOR EVERYONE S SAFETY Inspect fire extinguishers at least once a month and before performing hot work.
Inspecting Fire Extinguishers ENSURE THAT: it is located in it s designated place, as identified on the fire safety floor plan. it is not blocked by equipment or other objects check for: dents cracks/leaks excessive dirt rust or corrosion chemical deposits and/or other signs of abuse/wear
Inspecting Fire Extinguishers ENSURE THAT: WHMIS labels and operating instructions are legible and face outwards pin and tamper seal are intact condition of brackets and hangers are not worn or bent wheels and carriage are in good condition (where applicable)
Inspecting Fire Extinguishers Dry Chemical Extinguishers The pressure is at the recommended level. The needle should be in the GREEN zone on extinguishers equipped with a gauge. CO2 Extinguishers Most do not have gauges. Fire extinguisher fullness determined by hefting.
Inspecting Fire Extinguishers Vehicles equipped with a fire extinguisher: should have an appropriate harness should be mounted securely with a quick release mechanism
Simulator Training
Fire Extinguisher Training Simulator The training unit utilizes LED driven digital flames and either a laser training extinguisher, or a compressed air and water extinguisher The LED unit senses where the user aims and automatically varies the LED driven digital flames in response. This allows for a clean and safe demonstration.
Questions?