Portable Fire Extinguishers Presentation

Presented by: Todd & Cue Ltd

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© 2006, 2012 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Fire Extinguishers: Agenda

During this presentation, you will learn the following about fire extinguishers:

•When a fire extinguisher should and should not be used;

•How to choose the proper fire extinguisher;

•How to operate a fire extinguisher; and

•The necessary steps to ensure your safety.

Fire Extinguisher Use

Fire extinguishers are designed to fight small fires in their early stages when a fire presents a relatively small hazard to the operator.

When confronted with a need to use a fire extinguisher, remember: There is no property worth a human life in our facility. No one should ever feel that they are required to use a fire extinguisher, it is a judgement call.

When to use Fire Extinguishers

An incipient stage fire is:• Small • Slow to grow• Minimal smoke• Minimal heat

Fire Extinguishers are Designed for Early Stage Fires Only

If a fire is too large, if there is too much smoke, or if you are too frightened, DO NOT USE THE FIRE

EXTINGUISHER. EVACUATE!

Types of Fires

Fires are classified by the burning fuel:

Class A: SOLIDS such as paper, wood, plasticClass B: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS such as paraffin,

petrol, oil Class C: FLAMMABLE GASES such as propane,

butane, methane Class D: METALS such as aluminium, magnesium,

titaniumClass E: Fires involving ELECTRICAL APPARATUS Class F: Cooking OIL & FAT

Selecting a fire extinguisher to use

After determining what fuel is burning, we can choose from the following types of extinguishers in our facility:

•Dry Powder

•Carbon dioxide

•Water

•Foam

Fight a small fire with PASS

To operate a fire extinguisher, we use this word:

PASS

Each letter represents one of the operations:

P=Pull

Pull the safety pin A=Aim

Aim at the base of the fire

S=Squeeze Squeeze the operating

handle S=Sweep

Sweep side to side

A Closer Look at PASS

• Pull-The safety pin is usually held in place by a plastic seal, it will pull off

-Do not push down on the operating lever while pulling the pin, it won’t come out

• Aim-Aim at the base of the fire, the lowest flame closest to you

-The base of the fire will recede from you as you use the extinguisher, so you must adjust your aim

• Squeeze-The operating lever is above the carrying handle. The operating lever opens the valve when you squeeze it down. When you let go, the valve closes and the discharge stops

• Sweep-Sweep the nozzle by moving your arm at the elbow

-Direct the discharge to cover the entire width of the base of the fire

Using a Fire Extinguisher:7 Steps

1. Alert others who are at risk from the fire

2. Activate the fire alarm and call the fire service

3. Position yourself between the fire and an exit

4. Stay low

5. Start from 3 metres away from the fire

6. Use the PASS system

7. You need to work fast. Discharge time is short: generally 10–30 seconds

Conclusion

• Safety is always more important than property. If a fire is too large, if there is too much smoke or if you are too frightened, DO NOT USE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. YOU MUST EVACUATE!

• Always alert others at risk and activate the fire alarm or call the fire department before using an extinguisher

• Your safety is more important than putting the fire out

• Always report use of a fire extinguisher: do not return used extinguishers to operation

For More Information

For more information regarding fire extinguisher operation or other safety issues please contact:

Todd & Cue Ltd