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An Introduction to “Fire Extinguishers” . Crusoe 7-10 Secondary College Science Senior Green Team. OBJECTIVES : After this training you should be able to :. IDENTIFY 3 common classes of fires SELECT the proper type of extinguisher EVALUATE when it is safe to
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An Introduction to“Fire Extinguishers” Crusoe 7-10 Secondary College Science Senior Green Team
OBJECTIVES:After this training you should be able to: • IDENTIFY 3 common classes of fires • SELECTthe proper type of extinguisher • EVALUATEwhen it is safe to fight an “early-stage” fire, and; • APPLYthe “P.A.S.S. method to operate a portable extinguisher.
UNTRAINED PEOPLE Cannot use a fire extinguisher safely because they are: • UNABLEto evaluate a fire • UNAWAREofDANGER due to... • LACKING JUDGEMENTregarding: • Safe and correct use of, and • Limitations of portable extinguishers
WHY UNTRAINED PEOPLECan’t use a fire extinguisher safely(continued): INEXPERIENCED • Don’t know about the proper type of extinguisher • Don’t know how to make a “Fight or Flight” analysis • Unfamiliar with the “P.A.S.S. method”
COMMON FIRE CLASSIFICATIONS “Ordinary” combustibles Paper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles. “Flammable liquids” Oil, gasoline, solvents “Energized circuits” Electrical equipment and computers E
HOW THEY WORK: • Works by cooling. • Numerical rating indicates amount of agent, duration, and range of discharge on test fires. • Area of Class A fire which a “non-expert” can extinguish, with proper training • 1-A is equivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of water. • 2-A contains has twice as much extinguishing agent.
HOW THEY WORK: • Works by blanketing the fuel. • Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface.
HOW THEY WORK: • Class “E” units have no numerical rating. • A Class “E” rating doesn’t imply any capacity. • Only indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive, safe on energized equipment. • Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire. E
Portable Fire Extinguishers • Can be CARRIED to a fire • Weigh from 1.5 to 20 kg
Portable Fire Extinguishers LIMITED IN: • Capacity - 1.5 to 9 kg. of extinguishing agent • Range - Typically 1 to 3 m • Duration - Discharge their contents in only 5 to 30 seconds!
Extinguisher Common features • Locking pin • Carrying handle / operating lever • Pressure gauge • Label : • Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical) • Classification (A, B, C) • Instructions • Discharge nozzle or horn
COMMON TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: • WATER • DRYCHEMICAL • CO2
WATER • Water + CO2 propellant • ONLY for Class fires • wood / paper, etc. • Spreads burning liquids! • DANGERof electric shock if used on on live circuits!
DRY CHEMICAL MULTI-PURPOSE RATED • Best for general use: • Reduced risk of re-ignition • A 3.5kg. unit empties in 8-10 secs. • Effective range of 2ft. to 5 m. Either Or
C02 - Rated • Best on burning liquids / electrical • SHORT range - 1 to 3 m. • 6- kg unit empties in 5 to 10 seconds! • Use short spurts! • DISPERSES QUICKLY! • Continue applying after the fire is out! • Unit gets VERY cold - hold properly
In case of burning odor or smoke: • Call 911 First! • Notify Security - X 43434 • Disconnect Equipment • Remove combustibles, if you can do so without danger to yourself • Notify Floor Monitors • and Emergency Safety Coordinator
REACTupon discovery of fire or smoke Removepersons in immediate danger! Ensuredoors are closed! (confine fire/smoke) Activatethe building alarm ! Callthe Fire Department ! Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS! • Continue a complete building evacuation • Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are OSHA certified in use of a fire extinguisher !
Use a portable extinguisherONLY if the: • Building is being evacuated(Fire alarmhas been pulled) • Fire Department has been called (Dial 911!) • Fire is NOT spreading (small and contained) • EXIT IS CLEAR (fight fire with yourback to an exit ) • Proper extinguisher is at hand, and... • You have been trained and know how to use it! • You use “Buddy System” - have someone back you up! • Get assistanceBEFOREtrying to fight a fire!
P.A.S.S. PULL AIM SQUEEZE SWEEP Remember the PASS word:1) Keep your back to a clear escape route,2) Stand back 2 to 3 feet from the fire,3) Then >>:
AIM LOW at the base of the fire
SQUEEZE the lever
SWEEP from side to side
OK, It’s out…Now What? • WATCHthe fire area • If the fire flares up again repeat! • If you can’t control the fire, LEAVE immediately! • Call the fire department to inspect the scene! • Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!