1. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Sandra Kulik, CSP, CFPS
University Fire Safety Engineer
Virginia Tech
Environmental Health & Safety Services
Occupational Safety Division
Welcome to Virginia Tech’s new
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
training presentation !
On the Web at

2. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Emergency Procedures
If there is a fire in this building during our presentation - we will be notified and asked to leave in an orderly manner.
Remain outside until we are given the all clear by the fire or police department.
If there is a fire or other emergency during this presentation, please exit calmly through the nearest fire exit. Remember to use the stairs if necessary, and do not use the elevator.
If your building has an alarm system, activate it on your way out, close doors behind you, let others know that there is an emergency, and report to the designated assembly area and await the “all clear” signal.
On the Web at

3. Environmental Concerns
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Environmental Concerns
Location of:
Restrooms
Drinking fountain
Vending machines
Smoking is prohibited
There are, of course, a few other things that may lead to a hasty exit!
Please make yourself comfortable as you train to make yourself safer.
On the Web at

4. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
What are we going to Learn Today?
What “fire” is.
Classifications of fire.
Leading fire causes.
Fire prevention.
Importance of portable fire extinguishers
Types of portable fire extinguishers.
How to use a portable fire extinguishers.
Making the “right” decision.
Reporting an emergency.
Take a minute or two to identify some personal reasons for your interest in Portable Fire Extinguisher (PFE) Training.
We also have identified things we feel are important points for you to learn from this presentation.
We would like you to understand what fire is, how to classify it, how to prevent it from happening, and the importance of portable fire extinguishers.
On the Web at

5. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
What is Fire?
A rapid chemical reaction.
the self-sustaining process of rapid oxidation of a fuel, which produces
heat and light.
Most people are familiar with fire, but may not know how it actually works. When rapid oxidation reduces a molecularly complex material, or fuel, to a more stable state, it is commonly referred to as “fire”, or combustion. What is commonly observed as a result is light, heat, smoke, and ashes (or soot)--all by-products of combustion.
An apple rotting or a nail rusting is SLOW oxidation
of a fuel.
A candle burning is controlled and MODERATE
oxidation of a fuel.
Fire is a result of RAPID and uncontrolled oxidation
An explosion is ULTRA-RAPID oxidation of a fuel.
On the Web at

6. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Extinguishment Theory
Remove Heat
Remove Fuel
Reduce Oxygen
WILL
Inhibit Chemical
Chain Reaction
A unique combination of fuel, heat, and oxygen--in the proper proportions--together with an uninhibited chemical chain reaction, produces fire. Removing at least one of the four elements of fire stops the combustion process.
Water is most commonly used for temperature
reduction.
Separating the logs and spreading the coals of a
campfire,or shutting off a gas supply valve are
examples of fuel removal.
Placing a lid on flaming grease in a frying pan, or
flooding a compartment with carbon dioxide are
examples of oxygen exclusion.
Multi-purpose dry chemical and halongenated
extinguishing agents work by interrupting the
chemical chain reaction that supports combustion.
Keeping the elements of fire separated is
FIRE PREVENTION.
On the Web at

7. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire
Class A or Ordinary Combustibles
This includes fuels such
as wood,paper, plastic,
rubber, and cloth.
There are now five classifications of fire, which are based on the type of fuel involved. It is very important to use the proper type of extinguisher on a particular class of fire.
A GREEN TRIANGLE with a capital “A” and a pictogram with a flaming trash can and wood pile are commonly used to symbolize Class “A” fires.
Green Triangle
On the Web at

8. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire
Class B or Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases
This includes all hydrocarbon
and alcohol based liquids and
gases that will support combustion.
A RED SQUARE with a capital “B” and a pictogram with a fuel can and fire are commonly used to symbolize Class “B” fires.
Red Square
On the Web at

9. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire
Class C or Electrical
This includes all fires involving
energized electrical equipment.
A BLUE CIRCLE with a capital “C” and a pictogram with an electrical cord and plug and a flaming receptacle are commonly used to symbolize Class “C” fires.
When the fuel source is de-energized, it can then be classified as “A”, “B”, or “D”.
Blue Circle
On the Web at

10. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire
Class D
or Combustible Metals
Examples of these types metals are: zirconium, titanium, potassium, and magnesium. D
A YELLOW STAR with a capital “D” (no pictogram) is commonly used to symbolize Class “D” fires.
Within this fire classification, the extinguishing agent may vary, and it must be compatible with the anticipated use.
Yellow
Star
On the Web at

11. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Classification of Fire
Class K for fires in unsaturated cooking oils in well insulated cooking appliances in commercial kitchens.
Class “K” has no related symbol as yet, but it can be identified by a pictogram of a flame in a frying pan.
These extinguishers utilize a “misting wand” to deliver the extinguishing agent in a fine mist onto the surface of the hot cooking oil.
On the Web at

12. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Some Causes of Fire ?
Electricity Improper storage
Housekeeping Space Heaters
Cleaning supplies Construction
Flammable & Combustible Liquids
Machinery
Can you identify any fire hazards in your work area?
Improper use of electrical equipment is the leading cause of fires in the workplace.
Unattended cooking material and improper microwave cooking are leading fire causes in most university resident halls.
The improper storage of materials can compound individual fire causes, potentially making a small fire emergency much worse.
Fire prevention starts with good housekeeping practices that keep the fuel, oxidizers, and heat separated !
Any Ideas on Prevention ?
On the Web at

13. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Your first line of defense!
The importance of portable fire extinguishers?
Portable fire extinguishers are placed in the workplace primarily for life safety, and secondarily for the protection of property.
They should be used to facilitate and ensure a safe evacuation. If it can be accomplished safely, they can also be used to stop a small fire before it grows into something larger.
On the Web at

14. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Now, let’s watch a video.
“Fire Extinguishers at Work”
National Fire Protection Association
The film normally presented at this time is,
“Fire Extinguishers: Fight or Flight”, (18 min.)
produced by and available from the National Fire Protection Association.
On the Web at

15. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Characteristics
Water extinguisher ft sec.
Dry chemical ft sec.
In most cases, you will encounter one of the three most common types of extinguishing agents. The type of agent will have an impact on how you attack the fire in terms of distance and discharge time.
Begin your attack as close to the fire as is safely possible and continue to discharge the extinguishing agent until the PFE is empty and the fire is out.
If your extinguisher contains WATER you can begin your attack from feet away and expect your extinguisher to discharge for about 60 seconds.
A DRY CHEMICAL agent can be applied from a distance of 5-20 feet but discharge time is 8-25 seconds.
CO2 is applied from a 3-8 foot distance and will discharge for 8-30 seconds.
CO2 extinguisher ft sec.
On the Web at

16. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
“Quick-Check”
Is It Ready To Use ?
Determining if the PFE is ready to use is done on a monthly basis and only takes a few minutes.
Check to see if the PFE is in its designated place with no obstructions and with its label facing outward. Are the seals in place and does it feel full when lifted? Look for obvious physical damage and to be sure the gauge or indicator is in the operable position.
An extinguisher that fails this check needs to be serviced or replaced, so it is ready for use if needed.
On the Web at

17. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Making That “Right” Decision
You are trained in the use of extinguishers.
You know what is burning.
Fire is not spreading rapidly.
Smoke and heat has not filled the area.
You have a clear path of escape.
Follow your instincts.
Your decision to FIGHT or FLEE is an important one.
Only stay to FIGHT if:
you are trained to use PFE;
you know what is burning and the fire is not
spreading rapidly;
you don't need personal protective equipment;
the area is not smoky or hot; and
you have a clear path of escape.
Follow your instincts--if you feel you can successfully extinguish the fire, because the above conditions are met, then fight the fire.
Otherwise, FLEE!
On the Web at

18. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
The P.A.S.S. Method
Aim the hose
or nozzle.
Pull the pin.
Squeeze the lever.
Sweep the
agent.
Knowing how to use the PFE is a critical step in knowing whether to fight or flee.
P.A.S.S. is the method for PFE use. This series of letters gives quick operating instructions for the widely available types of extinguishers.
To use the PFE:
1. PULL the pin that keeps the extinguisher from
accidentally discharging.
2. AIM the hose or nozzle at the base of the fire so
the agent is discharged onto the burning fuel.
3. SQUEEZE the operating lever which is positioned as
part of the "handle".
4. SWEEP the hose or nozzle back and forth, so the
agent is spread over all of the fuel. Continue to
discharge the agent until the the extinguisher is
empty and the fire is out.
On the Web at

19. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Reporting an Emergency
Dial 911.
It is not recommended you stay in the building to call, call from an adjunct building or an emergency “blue” phone.
Give as much information as possible to the emergency dispatcher.
Use of a PFE does not replace the response by the
fire department!
Help others and activate the alarm on the way out.
Report the emergency from a phone in a building
away from the fire. Dialing 911 is a direct link to
emergency help.
Be prepared to give your name, location and call
back phone number.
You may be asked to describe the emergency, the
current conditions and any special hazards or needs
involved.
Know the location of the emergency when you call.
Don't hang up unless told to do so or your
surroundings become dangerous.
On the Web at

20. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
You are not expected
to be firefighters!
Only certain employees are REQUIRED to use fire extinguishers.
You are NOT expected to use PFE unless you are designated as part of an emergency plan, are a lab or research worker, or are designated because of your involvement in construction and maintenance.
EMPLOYEES ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE FIREFIGHTERS!
On the Web at

21. Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
3/27/2017
Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety
Thank You For Your Time!
Any Questions?
On the Web at