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Fire extinguishers are everywhere, in public buildings, apartment blocks, and in all of our workplaces. Fire extinguishers have become part of the general backdrop of modern society. The BC Fire Code indicates specifi c requirements for the number and placements of extinguishers. In the workplace, fi re extinguishers are tools and every worker who might be required to use one has to be trained in the safe operation of fi re extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are also a very good piece of safety equipment to have in the home, in a car and on a boat where they may be required by Canadian boating legislation.

There are four classes of fi re extinguishers based on the type of burning material they can extinguish:

• Class A Ordinary combustibles, such as paper, wood and fabrics. Extinguishing agent is normally pressurized water

• Class B Combustible liquids, such as gasoline, diesel or solvents. Pressurized dry chemicals, such as sodium bicarbonate or mono-ammonium phosphate

• Class C Electrical components which are still energized. The extinguishing agent can be any product that is non-conductive, such as carbon dioxide gas

• Class D Flammable metals, such as magnesium or sodium. Extinguishing agent is normally a dry powder that is scooped out of a container and spread over the fi re source

As Class D fi res are not normally encountered, except in specialized industrial applications, they are not considered in the following recommendations.

The majority of fi re extinguishers are a 5, 10 or 20 pound size. These extinguishers are normally equipped with a gauge that indicates at a glance if the extinguisher is adequately pressurized.

The best practice is to purchase one or more multipurpose ABC class extinguishers in the appropriate size. A major benefi t of an ABC extinguisher is that you do not have to worry if you have the proper extinguisher for the class of fi re.

Basic points to consider before attempting to fi ght a fi re are:

• Ensure the fi re department is called and the fi re area is evacuated immediately.

• Ensure there is another person with a second extinguisher to back you up.

• Ensure a safe, unobstructed exit route from the fi re area for you and the backup person.

• Be aware of the time limitation of a fi re extinguisher being used by an inexperienced person - a 5 pound extinguisher will discharge in approximately 10 seconds, a 10 pound extinguisher in 20 seconds and a 20 pound in approximately 30 seconds.

The process for using a fi re extinguisher is referred to as the acronym PASS:

PULL

AIM

SQUEEZE

SWEEPPull the safety pin from the handle

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fi re

Squeeze the handle to expel the agent through the nozzle

Sweep the nozzle from one side to the other of the burning material, working your way from the front of the fi re to the back

For more information on fi re extinguisher requirements for your workplace, please visit: www.bccodes.ca/bccode_fi re.htm

Safety Facts:

Fire Extinguisher Basics

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