Fire Extinguisher Training: Instructor: SGT Michael Chism Bco204 Elm Shop
Fire Extinguisher Training: Instructor: SGT Michael Chism Bco204 Elm Shop
Fire Extinguisher Training: Instructor: SGT Michael Chism Bco204 Elm Shop
What is Fire?
The rapid oxidation of a fuel evolving heat, particulates, gases and non-ionizing radiation
Sources of Ignition
Smoking Electrical equipment Heaters Contractors tools and equipment Arson
Fuels
Paper & Boxes etc. Expanded polystyrene beads Plastics Solvents Carpets Furniture Waste materials
Instructor: SGT Chism
Fire Safety, at its most basic, is based upon the principle of keeping fuel sources and ignition sources separate.
Instructor: SGT Chism
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
Instructor: SGT Chism
Fuel Classifications
Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plasticssolids 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.
Fuel Classifications
Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which types of fire the extinguisher is designed to fight.
For example, a simple water extinguisher might have a label like this
APWs extinguish fire by taking away the heat element of the Fire Triangle.
Using water on a flammable liquid fire could cause the fire to spread. Using water on an electrical fire increases the risk of electrocution. If you have no choice but to use an APW on an electrical fire, make sure the electrical equipment is un-plugged or de-energized.
Instructor: SGT Chism
CO2 cylinders are red. They range in size from 5 lbs to 100 lbs or larger. On larger sizes, the horn will be at the end of a long, flexible hose.
Instructor: SGT Chism
CO2 is very cold as it comes out of the extinguisher, so it cools the fuel as well.
At OSU, ABC fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. The extinguishers are pressurized with nitrogen.
Instructor: SGT Chism
Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types You may see them labeled: DC (for Dry Chemical) ABC (can be used on Class A, B, or C fires) BC (designed for use on Class B and C fires)
Instructor: SGT Chism
An ABC extinguisher will have a label like this, indicating it may be used on Class A, B and C fires. You dont want to mistakenly use a BC extinguisher on a Class A fire thinking that it was an ABC extinguisher.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher a fire Its easy to remember how to use
Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep
Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.
Instructor: SGT Chism
If the fire is small (and Only after having done these 2 things), you may attempt to use an extinguisher to put it out. However . . . .
Instructor: SGT Chism
2.
Even if you have an ABC fire extinguisher, there may be something in the fire that is going to explode or produce toxic fumes.
Chances are you will know whats burning, or at least have a pretty good idea, but if you dont, let the fire department handle it.
4.
If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building.
As you evacuate a building, close doors and windows behind you as you leave. This will help to slow the spread of smoke and fire.
Instructor: SGT Chism
Your instincts tell you not to. If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason, just let the fire department do their job.
In case the extinguisher malfunctions, or something unexpected happens, you need to be able to get out quickly. You dont want to become trapped. Instructor: SGT Chism