2012-11 Fire Extinguishers

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SAFE TALKFIRE EXTINGUISHERS

OIL, GAS AND CHEMICALS SERVICES NOVENBER 2012

Introduction

Following on from last month’s Safe Talk on fire prevention in the laboratory, this month’s Safe Talk will reviewwhat is often our first line of defense in fighting fires – the fire extinguisher. Fire is a chemical reaction calledcombustion. Fire needs fuel, oxygen and heat in order to burn. Fire extinguishers apply an agent that will coolburning fuel or restrict or remove oxygen so the fire cannot continue to burn. Small fires can often be quicklycontrolled by a portable fire extinguisher.

Do you know what type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for your area and how to use it most effectively?

There are different types of fires and there are different kinds of extinguishers. It is important to do researchon the best extinguisher for your lab or office. Remember that a fire extinguisher is a first-response tool andthat it will not control a big fire. If you are unsure of your ability to extinguish the fire, evacuate the area.

To properly use an extinguisher, you must first be familiar with what type of fire each extinguisher is rated for,and then know how it operates.

Fire Classifications

Fires involving the ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics,etc.

Fires involving combustible or flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene and oils.

Fires involving energized electrical equipment such as appliances of all kinds, motors,computers, etc.

Fires involving combustible metals such as sodium, lithium, titanium and magnesium.

How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher

The easiest way to remember how to use a portable fire extinguisher is to use the acronym:

Pull: Pull the safety pin. Aim: Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.Squeeze: Squeeze the trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.Sweep: Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering all areas of the fire with extinguishing agent.





Do You Know Which Extinguisher To Use?

2½ Gallon Pressurized Water: Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical: Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Use on Class A fires Use on Class A, B & C Fires Use on Class A, B & C Fires

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be mounted to a wall not placed on the floor, ready for immediate use when needed.Equipment supplies or furniture cannot be placed in front of fire extinguishers.





There are other types of fire extinguisher than those mentioned, the most common of which is the “Halon”extinguisher, which works similar to that of a carbon dioxide extinguisher. Caution should be exercised whenusing either of these types of extinguisher in a very small space as they can displace the oxygen in such aspace.

Conclusion

If a fire breaks out, quickly alert others in the area as well as an emergency team. Make sure to evacuate thearea should the flames be to out of hand to extinguish. Also, try to isolate the problem by closing doors to thearea. Only try to fight the flames if you're not putting yourself at risk.

Always know the location of the nearest extinguisher, that it's in operable condition and how to use it.

Before using the fire extinguisher, evacuate the building by pulling the fire alarm. Don't wait until the fire getsout of control.

Only attempt using the extinguisher if the fire is small. If one extinguisher doesn't put out the fire, evacuate.

While fighting the fire, don't allow your escape route to become blocked by fire.

All fires must be reported and an incident report filed, regardless of their size. Even though a fire may beextinguished, you should contact your local fire department if the source of the fire is not readily discernible sothat they can verify that it will not restart again.





Minutes of Safe Talk Meeting:

Branch:_______________________________ Divis ion: ______________________________

Person Conducting Meeting:__________________________________________________

At tendees:

Addi tional Items Discussed:

Problem Areas o r Concerns:

Comments:

The original is to be maintained at the Branch forreference and audit purposes. Data from this form isrequired as part of your monthly Global QHS&E reporting

2012-11 Fire Extinguishers

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