FIRE EXTINGUISHERS - CAN YOU USE YOURS?

Approximately every 16 seconds a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the World. The annual property loss from fire is in excess of $5 BILLION US. Roughly every two hours, someone will die in a fire. Here, we also have our share of fires and lives lost. The proper use of a fire extinguisher may have prevented these mishaps.

A fire extinguisher is probably the most common fire protection device available to the employees of your property. Most portable fire extinguishers are designed so that someone with just a little training can extinguish a fire that has just begun to burn. However, if your employee is completely unfamiliar with the proper use or basic understanding of the type of extinguisher, they can make a bad situation worse. Using the wrong type of extinguisher could increase the fire dramatically, endangering other employees and increasing the losscontrol damage. Employers who provide fire extinguishers should also provide the training necessary to use the extinguisher properly. Proper training is just as important as providing fire extinguishers, if not more so.

An employees stated in an interview that he had seen a fire just as it started to spread from a trash can to the drapes covering the office window. He said that if the extinguisher he used had worked properly, he could have put the fire out long before it had gotten out of control. The employee said he immediately closed the door to the room, moved quickly down the hall to the nearest fire extinguisher, (a 10 litre pressurized water extinguisher) and ran back to the room involved in the fire. He pulled the pin on the extinguisher, opened the door to the office, threw the extinguisher into the room and slammed the door shut, but the extinguisher never went off! Obviously this person was not trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

Where is the closest fire extinguisher in your area? Do you know how to use it? Look at the symbols on the extinguisher;

An A on an extinguisher label can be used to fight ordinary combustibles, such as burning trash or cloth.

A B on an extinguisher label can be used to fight flammable liquid fires, such as grease or oils or gasoline.

A C on an extinguisher label can be used to fight energized electrical fires, such as burning wires or switches.

A D on an extinguisher label can be used to fight combustible metal fires, such as titanium or magnesium.

Some extinguishers are multipurpose and can fight more than one class of fire. You may see an extinguisher near your work area that has an A,B,C rating on it. This type can fight ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and electrical fires, but would be of no use on a metal fire.

Kitchens need a fire extinguisher rated at B near the grease cook line in addition to a C extinguisher located throughout the kitchen area. All extinguishers shall be conspicuously located where they will be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of a fire. Preferably they will be located along normal paths of travel and within 2 metres travel distance to any point in the building, as a general rule.

In view of the numerous fires that have occurred during welding, soldering or cutting operations, it is imperative that you take the time to ensure your employees are familiar with and comply with all the safety provisions found in the Uniform Fire Code, article 49 and all local ordinances.

Remembering the word PASS can help you remember how to use the fire extinguisher;

Pull - the safety pin at the top of the extinguisher.

Aim - the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, standing about 2-2,5 meters away.

Squeeze - or depress the handle.

Sweep - gently from side to side until the fire is out.

Warn others of the fire, so they may get out of the building, and what is most important, call the fire department before attempting to extinguish a small fire. Should you make the decision to fight the fire, always keep the exit to your back and never let the fire get between you and your way out. Remember, the extinguisher will only last a few seconds, use it wisely.

Fire extinguishers have to be maintained in order to work properly. They must be serviced on an annual basis or if the gauge on the top of the extinguisher shows a low reading. The service must be done by an individual or firm licensed by your local Fire Brigade. The tag on the extinguisher shows the last time it was serviced. Of course, if the tag is missing, the extinguisher again needs to be serviced.

Selection of extinguishers depends on the hazards expected. For assistance in purchasing or locating your extinguishers, contact a state certified individual or firm. The Yellow Pages is a great place to start. Many of these companies offer classes on the use of their extinguishers. Contact the your local Fire Prevention Bureau for any assistance they can offer.

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Created on ... December 02, 2000