1. Fire Extinguisher

2. OSHA Requirements
If portable fire extinguishers are to be for fire control, certain requirements must be met
Only approved portable fire extinguishers can be used
They must be maintained in an operable condition at all times
Kept in their designated location at all times
Only attempt to extinguish incipient stage fires
(small fires)

3. OSHA Requirements
Where the employer provides portable fire extinguishers for employee use, employee training is required
Employees must be familiar with the general principles of fire extinguisher use
Employees must understand the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting
Training is required upon hire and at least annually
OSHA regulations preclude an employee who is not properly trained from using any portable fire extinguisher.
If you haven’t been trained you are not allowed to use a fire extinguisher.

4. Types of Portable Fire Extinguisher
Constructed to extinguish fires based on the type of material that is burning:
Class A fire extinguishers for wood, paper, plastics, textiles
Class B fire extinguishers for gasoline or oil
Class C fire extinguishers for computers and electrical equipment
Our fire extinguishers are typically “ABC” – meaning they are capable of extinguishing all three types of fires

5. Other Extinguisher Classifications

6. Fire Extinguishers may be labeled:
“Ordinary” Combustibles
Paper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles
“Flammable Liquids”
Oil, gasoline, solvents
“Energized Circuits”
Electrical equipment, computers

7. OSHA Requirements for Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must be selected and distributed based on the class of anticipated fires
Distribution is based on the type of fire
Class A & D fires – travel distance 75 feet or less
Class B fires – travel distance 50 feet or less
Class C fires – distance based on Class A and B
Fire extinguishers must be mounted, located and identified so that they are
readily accessible to employees
won’t subject the employee to injury

8. Extinguisher Common Features
Operating Lever
Locking Pin
Pressure Gauge
Carrying Handle
Label:
Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical)
Classification (A, B, C)
NFPA capacity Rating
Instructions
Discharge Nozzle or Horn

9. Can the fire be controlled by an extinguisher?
You have alerted other occupants
Someone has called the fire department
The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket
The fire extinguisher is in working order & charged
You are safe from toxic smoke produced by the fire
Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher

10. Am I capable of using the extinguisher?
Some people may have fear of fire that they cannot overcome
Some people have physical limitations that might diminish or eliminate their ability to properly use a fire extinguisher.
People with lifting limitations, older adults, or children may find that an extinguisher is too heavy to handle or too difficult to operate.
Remember, NO ONE is REQUIRED to use a fire extinguisher
Do I want to put out this fire?
How do you operate this thing, anyway?
Do I need help?

11. Using a Fire Extinguishers
FIRST
Remember YOUR Safety
Have an escape plan – how will you get out of the room or out of the building – never trap yourself
Notify others – that there is a fire in progress have them activate the fire alarm
Assist others – who are in immediate danger BUT
Remember – don’t become a second victim
If you are unsure of anything, evacuate
the building and activate the fire alarm

12. Using a Fire Extinguisher
It’s easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you remember the acronym
Pull
Aim
Squeeze
Sweep
PASS:

13. Pull the pin to discharge the extinguisher
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Pull the pin to discharge the extinguisher
REMEMBER: The area in front of fire extinguishers and pull alarms must be kept clear at all times!

14. Be sure to hit the material that’s burning
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Aim at the base of the fire
Be sure to hit the material that’s burning
If you aim at the flames the extinguishing agent will pass through the flames and will not have an affect on the fire.

15. Using a Fire Extinguisher
Squeeze the operating lever to release the pressurized extinguishing agent
Remember: The time to use an extinguisher is in the beginning stages of a fire. The average portable fire extinguisher typically operates no more than a couple of minutes.

16. Sweep from side to side until the fire is completely out
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Sweep from side to side until the fire is completely out
Begin using the extinguisher from a safe distance away from the fire, then slowly move forward as it is safe to do so.

17. P.A.S.S. PULL AIM SQUEEZE SWEEP A Review The Pin At base of the fire
Operating lever
SWEEP
From side to side
P.A.S.S.

18. Using a Fire Extinguishers
Start from a safe distance away from the fire
Move closer as the flames are extinguished
Use the entire extinguisher – fires tend to flare up again
Watch the fire after it is put out be ready in case it flares up again

19. Extinguisher Care and Maintenance
The extinguisher cannot be blocked by furniture, boxes, equipment or any thing that might limit access in an emergency. Not even temporarily.
Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly
There must be an annual maintenance check on each extinguisher
Remember they are under pressure
Fire extinguisher are to be properly mounted on the wall at waist height – never store an extinguisher on the floor

21. Questions – contact EHS at 251-6038
Ok, then you are ready for the Quiz

22. Quiz What does PASS mean? A. Pass, Aim, Squash, Surround
B. Pull, Align, Span, Surround
C. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
What are the training requirements for fire extinguishers
A. Employees must know the hazards of incipient stage fires
B. Employees must know the basics of how to use a fire extinguisher
C. Both A & B
Your first priority is always putting out the fire
True
False
The pressure gauge on a fire extinguisher must be in the red zone to be effective
Class C fire extinguishers are used for what type of fires?
A. Wood, paper, or textile fires
B. Flammable liquid fires
C. Electrical fires