1 FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING Office of Environmental Health and Safety East Carolina University

2 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

3 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”.

4 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.

5 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.

6 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.

7 Classification of Fires & Extinguishers Class A Fires Wood Paper Rags Some rubber and plastic materials

8 Class B Fires Gasoline Oil Grease Paint Flammable Gases Some rubber and plastic materials Classification of Fires & Extinguishers

9 Class C Fires Electrical Fires – Office Equipment – Motors – Switchgear – Heaters

10 Classification of Fires & Extinguishers Class D Fires Metals – Magnesium – Titanium – Sodium – Zirconium – Potassium – Lithium

11 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

12 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.

13 All Purpose Water Use on CLASS A fires Pressurized water Pressure gauge present

14 Carbon Dioxide Use on CLASS B and CLASS C fires Caution! Skin can freeze to the discharge horn during use. No pressure gauge

15 Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Use on CLASS A, CLASS B, and CLASS C fires Fine powder under pressure Pressure gauge present

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

17 How to Use an Extinguisher 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. P A S S

18 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 or

19 Visually inspected monthly Maintained annually Hydrostatically tested periodically (5 or 12 yrs.) Is It Ready To Use ? Inspection, Maintenance and Testing

20 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

21 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.

22 Questions and Comments Office of Environmental Health and Safety Office of Radiation and Biological Safety ECU Police (Emergency) Dial 911 East Campus ECU Police – West Campus