Spontaneous Ignition Many people do not believe it can happen. For no apparent reason, fire erupts, usually during off-hours. It does happen. It's called spontaneous ignition, and preventing it is part of your job. Spontaneous ignition occurs when a combustible object is heated to its ignition temperature by a chemical reaction involving the oxygen in the air around us. This "oxidation" process creates heat that, if not dissipated, will build up until ignition occurs. Generally, this can happen when the materials are left in piles and the heat being generated in the pile cannot be released into the air. A number of materials...

Emergency! Where's The Fire Extinguisher? As you walk toward the maintenance shop, you smell something burning and see light gray smoke coming from the window. You run into the shop and find the contents of the plastic trash can burning. What will you do? What is burning in the trash can? Where is the closest fire extinguisher? What type of extinguisher is it? Is the fire too big for you to put out? Do you even need a fire extinguisher? Are there people in the shop that should be warned of the danger? These are questions that should be going through your...

Fire Extinguishers One of the quickest ways to lose a job is to allow a fire to start. Sometimes fires do start and it then becomes a matter of putting the fire out as soon as possible. The best way is to use a fire extinguisher. Guide for Discussion Care and Use Be sure the fire extinguishers are charged, strategically located and ready for use. Everyone has a responsibility to check to see that fire extinguishers and fire hoses (as well as other dispensing components) are not blocked. Common Types of Extinguishers Class A Fires: Rubbish, paper, scrap, scrap lumber. Use soda acid and pressurized extinguishers...

Fire Safety In Case of Fire You are responsible for fire safety at work for your safety and that of your co-workers. The best way to prevent fire is to be on the lookout for possible fire hazards. Be aware of potential fire hazards in the workplace. Report hazardous situations to the supervisor. Know the location of fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment that is available to you. During an actual emergency, protect yourself. If it is not safe for you to get involved, don't. If you're ever confronted with a fire keep your cool, but think fast and act with caution. When a...

Fire Extinguishers Even though your company may be equipped with automatic sprinklers or other means of fire protection, the portable fire extinguishers are the first line of defense in the control of fires at their start. Most fires, in the beginning stage, can be extinguished easily with portable equipment, but only if the equipment is readily accessible and the employee knows how to use it. The reaction time, from when the fire is first realized, is extremely important. If time is wasted in a search for the proper fire extinguisher and a review of the operating instructions, a small, easily controlled fire...