24 Apr Using Portable Fire Extinguishers

Using Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers can help control a small fire before it becomes a major emergency—but only when the correct extinguisher is used by a trained employee under safe conditions. Employees should never place themselves in danger or allow firefighting efforts to delay evacuation.

The first priorities during a fire are to alert others, follow the emergency action plan, and evacuate when required. An employee should attempt to use a portable extinguisher only when permitted by company policy, trained to do so, and the fire is small and in its beginning or incipient stage.

Guide for Discussion

Classes of Fires

Selecting the correct extinguisher is critical. Using the wrong extinguishing agent may be ineffective and, in some situations, can make the fire more dangerous.

Class A – Ordinary Combustibles

Class A fires involve materials such as:

• Wood;
• Paper;
• Cloth;
• Rubber; and
• Many plastics.

Extinguishers rated for Class A fires may use water, foam, or appropriate dry chemical agents.

Class B – Flammable Liquids and Gases

Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids and gases, such as:

• Gasoline;
• Oils;
• Grease;
• Paints and solvents; and
• Flammable gases.

Appropriate extinguishing agents may include carbon dioxide (CO₂), dry chemical, or other agents specifically rated for Class B fires.

Never use water on a flammable-liquid fire unless the extinguishing system or method is specifically designed for that application.

Class C – Energized Electrical Equipment

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as electrical panels, wiring, motors, appliances, or power tools.

Use an extinguisher rated for Class C hazards, such as an appropriate dry chemical or CO₂ extinguisher.

Once the electrical equipment has been de-energized, the fire is classified according to the material that continues to burn.

Never use a water extinguisher on energized electrical equipment.

Class D – Combustible Metals

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, and certain other metals.

These fires require special extinguishing agents specifically designed for the metal involved. Do not attempt to extinguish a combustible-metal fire with an ordinary ABC extinguisher unless it is specifically approved for that hazard.

Class K – Cooking Oils and Fats

Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats commonly found in commercial cooking operations.

Class K wet-chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for these hazards. Never apply water to burning cooking oil or grease.

Before Attempting to Fight a Fire

Only attempt to extinguish a fire when:

• You have been trained and are authorized to use a portable fire extinguisher.
• The fire is small and in its incipient stage.
• The appropriate extinguisher is immediately available.
• The alarm has been sounded and emergency procedures have been initiated.
• The atmosphere is not filled with smoke or hazardous gases.
• You have a clear and unobstructed escape route.
• You can maintain a safe distance from the fire.
• You are confident the fire can be controlled safely.

Always keep an exit behind you. Never allow the fire, smoke, or heat to get between you and your escape route.

If the fire spreads, the extinguisher becomes ineffective, smoke or heat becomes excessive, or you have any doubt about your safety, stop fighting the fire and evacuate immediately.

Remember P.A.S.S.

When using most portable fire extinguishers, remember P.A.S.S.:

P – Pull
Pull the pin. This allows you to operate the extinguisher.

A – Aim
Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not at the flames or smoke.

S – Squeeze
Squeeze the operating handle to discharge the extinguishing agent.

S – Sweep
Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be extinguished.

Watch the area carefully because the fire may reignite.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Access

Portable extinguishers must be maintained so they are ready when needed.

Employees should:

• Know the locations of extinguishers in their work areas.
• Keep extinguishers visible and readily accessible.
• Never block access with equipment, materials, vehicles, or stored items.
• Report missing, damaged, discharged, or obviously defective extinguishers.
• Check that the extinguisher is appropriate for the hazards in the area before attempting to use it.
• Never return a partially or completely discharged extinguisher to service without proper servicing.

Portable fire extinguishers provided for employee use must receive required inspections and maintenance.

Prevention Comes First

The safest fire is one that never starts. Help prevent workplace fires by:

• Maintaining good housekeeping;
• Properly storing flammable and combustible materials;
• Controlling ignition sources;
• Following hot-work procedures;
• Keeping electrical equipment in safe condition;
• Properly disposing of oily or solvent-contaminated materials; and
• Keeping exits, evacuation routes, and firefighting equipment unobstructed.

Discussion Questions

• Where are the portable fire extinguishers located in your work area?
• What classes of extinguishers are available?
• What types of fires are most likely at this jobsite?
• What is the company’s procedure for reporting a fire and initiating an evacuation?
• Are employees expected to use extinguishers or evacuate immediately?
• Where is your nearest safe exit or evacuation route?

Remember

Your safety comes before property. A portable extinguisher is intended for a small, beginning-stage fire, not a fire that is spreading or producing dangerous smoke and heat. Know when and how to use an extinguisher—and, more importantly, know when to evacuate.

What type of fire extinguisher should be used on those flammables or combustibles