Classroom Introduction to “Portable Fire Extinguishers” with special attention to Motor Carrier Considerations for the Waste Industry Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program

OBJECTIVES: After this training you should be able to: 1 OBJECTIVES: After this training you should be able to: IDENTIFY causes of trash truck fires APPLY immediate action steps EVALUATE when it is safe to fight an “early-stage” vehicle fire, and; APPLY the “P.A.S.S. method to operate your portable extinguisher.

Trash Truck fires usually start in one of three places: 2 Trash Truck fires usually start in one of three places: CAB Electrical shorts under dash, often caused by improperly installed (unauthorized ) accessories Discarded cigarettes igniting trash or upholstery ENGINE COMPARTMENT Fuel or oil system leaks onto hot engine Pre-trip inspection, and proper maintenance CARGO AREA - COMPACTOR Hot ashes discarded in household refuse Hazardous Material reactions in collected refuse

IMMEDIATE ACTION: If vehicle catches fire during operation: 3 IMMEDIATE ACTION: If vehicle catches fire during operation: IN A SAFE LOCATION ! PULL ENTIRELY OFF THE ROAD Into a paved parking lot, or open field NEVER at a gas station! CONTACT YOUR DISPATCHER CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!

FIRE IN CAB: TURN OFF THE IGNITION! Stops flow of current to equipment 4 TURN OFF THE IGNITION! Stops flow of current to equipment EXIT THE CAB! Identify the source of smoke or fire EXTINGUISH THE FIRE ONLY IF: 1) You know what is burning, and fire is small / contained. 2) Extinguisher is available and you have been trained 3) Fire Department has been called, and you can fight the fire from outside of the cab or with your back to a clear exit.

FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMNENT: 5 FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMNENT: TURN OFF THE IGNITION! Stops flow of current to equipment EXIT THE CAB! Identify the source of smoke or fire DO NOT OPEN THE HOOD! (air intensifies fire!) KEEP CREW and BYSTANDERS AWAY! until the Fire Department arrives

FIRE IN CARGO COMPARTMNENT 6 FIRE IN CARGO COMPARTMNENT TURN OFF THE IGNITION! Stops flow of current to equipment EXIT THE CAB! Identify the source of smoke or fire DO NOT open cargo doors (air intensifies fire!) KEEP CREW and BYSTANDERS AWAY! until the Fire Department arrives

DO NOT FIGHT A FIRE IF: You don’t know what is burning! 7 Wrong extinguisher can make things worse Risk of toxic fumes, explosion hazards Note NFPA labels or placards in discarded refuse. If in doubt, tag and leave any questionable materials at the curb!

COMMON FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS 8 COMMON FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS “Ordinary” combustibles Paper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles. “Flammable liquids” Oil, gasoline, solvents “Energized circuits” Electrical equipment and computers

Extinguishers Approved for Motor Carrier Use Under NFPA-10 9 Extinguishers Approved for Motor Carrier Use Under NFPA-10 MULTI-PURPOSE RATED either or CO2 or Dry Chemical

C02 - Rated DISPERSES QUICKLY! Best on burning liquids / electrical 10 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! Nozzle / valve get VERY cold - hold properly

DRY CHEMICAL Best for general use: Reduced risk of re-ignition 11 DRY CHEMICAL Best for general use: Reduced risk of re-ignition A 10 lb. unit empties in 8-10 secs. Effective range is 6 ft. to 15 ft. Either Or

Extinguisher Common features 12 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

Extinguisher Inspection Is Part of your Pre-Trip! 13 Extinguisher Inspection Is Part of your Pre-Trip! Unobstructed access Protective cover, safety pin Gage - in the GREEN zone Inspect discharge hose and nozzle for cracks, damage No corrosion on valve or tank Bracket, securely mounted Check inspection tag date

14 Remember the P(t)ASS word: Don’t fight an engine or cargo area fire with a portable extinguisher! Exit the cab, stand well clear and WAIT for the fire department to arrive. If a cab fire is small and contained, stand at least 6 to 8 feet from the fire, with your back to a clear exit., then:

15 PULL the pin

TEST ONLY upon your approach to the fire 16 TEST ONLY upon your approach to the fire Otherwise the powdered extinguishing agent may clog the nozzle if a unit is squeezed and released.

LOW at the base of the fire 17 AIM LOW at the base of the fire

18 SQUEEZE the lever

19 SWEEP from side to side

OK, It’s out… Now What? WATCH the fire area 20 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 area! Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!

21 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This safety training module was developed in cooperation with: the National Fire Protection Association and the Public Information and Life Safety Education Section of the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department 4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22020 www.co.fairfax.va.us/ps/fr/general/Piolse.htm (703) 246-3801 or (703-385-4419 TTY Portions © 1995-2000 by Dr. Robert Toreki, used by permission http://www.ilpi.com/safety/extinguishers.html