Portable Fire Extinguishers

Safety

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Training Objectives:

What is FIRE?
The Fire Triangle
Extinguishment Theory
Types of portable fire extinguishers
Some Causes of Fire
Reporting a Fire Emergency
Making the right decision
Quick-Check
How to use a portable fire extinguishers

OBJECTIVES:
After this training you should be able to:
IDENTIFY 4 common classes of fires
SELECT the proper type of extinguisher
EVALUATE when it is safe to
fight an early-stage fire, and;

APPLY the P.A.S.S. method to

operate a portable extinguisher.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

A rapid chemical reaction
know as combustion
which occurs when fuel
and oxygen are brought
together with sufficient
heat to cause ignition.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Any combustible material such as: solid,

liquid, or gas. Most solids and liquids must
vaporize before they will burn.

Sufficient oxygen must be present in the

atmosphere surrounding the fuel for fire to
burn.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Sufficient heat energy must be
applied to raise the fuel to its
ignition temperature.
Open flame
Sparks and arcs

Hot surfaces
Friction

This reaction can occur when

all three of the above elements
are present in the proper
conditions & proportions.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Extinguishment Theory

Remove Heat
Remove Fuel
Reduce Oxygen
WILL

Inhibit Chemical
Chain Reaction

Fuel Classifications
Fires are classified according to the type of
fuel that is burning.
If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher
on the wrong class of fire, you might make
matters worse.
Its very important to understand the four
different fire (fuel) classifications

Fuel Classifications
Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics
solids that are not metals.
Class B: Flammable liquidsgasoline, oil,
grease, acetone. Includes flammable gases.
Class C: Electricalenergized electrical
equipment. As long as its plugged in.
Class D: Metalspotassium, sodium, aluminum,
magnesium. Requires Metal-X, foam, and other
special extinguishing agents.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Classification of Fire

Class A or Ordinary Combustibles

This includes fuels such as wood, paper,
plastic, rubber, and cloth
Works by cooling the fire.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Classification of Fire Cont.

Class B or Flammable and Combustible

Liquids and Gases
This includes all hydrocarbon and alcohol
based liquids and gases that will support
combustion.

Works by blanketing the fuel.

Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Classification of Fire Cont.

Class C or Electrical
This includes all fires involving Energized
electrical equipment

Only indicates that the extinguishing agent is

non-conductive, safe on energized equipment.
Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Classification of Fire Cont.

Class D or Combustible Metals

Examples of these types of metals are:

Zirconium
Titanium
Potassium
Magnesium

Portable Fire Extinguisher

Safety
Classification of Fire Cont.

Class K for fires that involves combustible or

fats cooking oils in well insulated cooking
appliances in commercial kitchens.

Portable Fire
Extinguishers
Can be CARRIED to a fire
Weigh from 5 to 30 pounds
NFPA Class and Rating

Portable Fire
Extinguishers
LIMITED IN:
Capacity - 1.5 to 25 lbs.

of

extinguishing agent

Range - Typically 3 to 15 feet

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)
NFPA capacity Rating
Instructions

Discharge nozzle or horn

REACT
upon discovery of fire or smoke

Remove persons in immediate danger!

Ensure containment of (confine fire/smoke)
Activate the building alarm !
Call the Hoistman or Security
Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Some Causes of Fire?

Electrical
Improper storage
Housekeeping
Heat Sources (i.e. welding)
Cleaning supplies
Construction
Flammable & Combustible Liquids
Machinery

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Reporting a Fire Emergency

Call Hoistman or Supervisor

State
Your Name
Your Location
A description of the Emergency
A description of current conditions( size, what on
fire)
A description of any special hazards or needs, such
as hazardous materials storage or non-ambulatory
occupants
Request mine stench activation

Stay on the line, unless told to do otherwise

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

Quick-Check

Is it Ready To Use?

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

How to use of Fire Extinguisher

The P.A.S.S. Method

It is easy to remember how to use a fire
extinguisher if you can remember the
acronym PASS, which stands for Pull,
Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

Pull the Pin.

This will allow you to operate the
extinguisher.

Portable Fire Extinguisher

The P.A.S.S. Method Cont.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the
base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever above the handle.

This discharges the extinguisher agent.
Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

The P.A.S.S. Method Cont.
Sweep from side to side.
Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the
extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire
and sweep back and forth until the flames
appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If
the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.

OK, Its out

Now What?
WATCH the fire area

If the fire flares up again repeat!

If you cant control the fire, LEAVE immediately!

Call the Mine Rescue Team

Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!

In Summary
Dont Loose your head, Remain Calm
Approach from upwind side if possible,
With your back to the escape route.
Uses Pass,
Pull

Aim

Squeeze

Sweep
Put the fire out.