Fire Extinguisher Review… and Fire Safety

Fire Extinguisher Use

Topics to be discussed

• Fire Safety• Fire Extinguisher Use• Inspections and Maintenance• Simulator Training

Fire Safety

In order to understand how fire extinguishers work, you first need to know a little bit about fire.

The ABC’s of Fire

Fire Safety, at its most basic, is based upon the principle of keeping fuel sources and ignition sources separate.

The “Fire Triangle”

Take away any of these things and the fire will beTake away any of these things and the fire will be extinguishedextinguished

The “Fire Triangle”

Three things must be present at the same time to produce fire:

1. Enough OXYGENOXYGEN to sustain combustion2. Enough HEATHEAT to reach ignition point3. Enough FUELFUEL or combustible material

Together, they produce the CHEMICALCHEMICAL REACTIONREACTION

that is fire

Types of Fires

Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastic.

The most common method to control a class-A fire is to remove heat by spraying the burning solid fuels with water, or by using a dry chemical to separate the air from the fuel.

Types of Fires

Class B: Flammable liquid such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil based paint, lacquer and flammable gas.

Class-B fires cannot be efficiently controlled with water. Fuels such as gasoline and oil will float on water, resulting in the fire continuing on top of the water.

Fire suppressant foams or dry chemical mixtures are common and effective.

Types of Fires

Class C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse, boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliance.

Class C fires can be controlled by removing the oxygen. The removal of electricity as the ignition source is also important.

Types of Fire ExtinguishersDry Chemical (ABC) Fire Extinguishers

Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. This will extinguish the fire by:

• separating the ignited fuel from the oxygen and/or • interacting to interrupt the reaction of the fire at a chemical level

The most common type used at Vale

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a non-flammable compressed gas that displaces the oxygen to extinguish the fire. The CO2 also cools the fuel as well.

They are primarily for Liquid or Electrical fires (Class B and C). CO2extinguishers should not be used on a Class A fire because the compressed gas will disturb the combustibles and spread the fire.

Are typically located near electrical equipment.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire Hazards

• POOR HOUSEKEEPING (clutter around appliances, oily rags, etc.)

• EQUIPMENT (leaking oils, poor electrical equipment, etc)• POOR PRACTICES (power bars, improper storage, oil storage, etc.)

• AWARENESS (burning in dry areas, etc)

• SMOKING (falling asleep, ashes in the garbage, etc.)

In Case of FireIf you discover a fire, DO NOT PANIC.

You may attempt to extinguish it:• If the fire is small• and you feel that you safely extinguish the fire

Otherwise follow your plant/mine fire emergency plan.Get to a safe location and report the fire.

IMPORTANT: If a fire extinguisher has been discharged, advise your supervisor by reporting the fire extinguisher id # and location.Always recharge all extinguishers immediately after use!

Fire Extinguisher Use

Fire Extinguisher Use

“PASS” – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

When using a fire extinguisher, always remember this acronym! When using a fire extinguisher, always remember this acronym!

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

PPull the pin…

This will allow you This will allow you to discharge the to discharge the extinguisherextinguisher

“PASS” – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

Aim at the Aim at the FUELFUEL

(not at the flame)(not at the flame)

Aiming at the flames alone will send the extinguishing agent right through the fire.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

“PASS” – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

AAim at the base of the fire…

This depresses a button that This depresses a button that releases the pressurized releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.extinguishing agent.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

“PASS” – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

SSqueeze the top handle…

Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then slowly move forward.

Once the fire is out, slowly back away and keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

“PASS” – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

SSweep from side to side…

.. until the fire is completely out... until the fire is completely out.

Fire HosesFire Protection and Prevention Act, 2007

“Each hose connection in a standpipe system shall be provided with a legible sign reading: "FIRE HOSE FOR USE BY TRAINED PERSONS ONLY".

This means fire hoses are for Fire Fighters ONLY!

If a fire can not be put out with extinguishers – Leave it for the Fire Department

Maintenance and Inspection

Maintenance vs Inspection

MAINTENANCE

Fire Code required that fire extinguishers are to be maintained annually by a Certified Fire Extinguisher Technician.

Maintenance is a “thorough check” of the extinguisher to ensure it receives any necessary repair or recharging.

INSPECTION

An inspection is a “quick check”to give reasonable assurance that a fire extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable.

The value of inspections lie in the frequency, regularity, and thoroughness.

Fire extinguishers shall be replaced and/or sent for maintenance if found defective.

Maintenance vs Inspection

Inspecting Fire Extinguishers

Monthly inspection and annual service tags must always be attached to the fire extinguisher

Annual Service Tag Monthly Inspection Tag

Inspecting Fire Extinguishers

FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTIONS ARE FOREVERYONE’S SAFETY

• Inspect fire extinguishers at least once a month and before performing hot work.

Inspecting Fire Extinguishers

ENSURE THAT:

• it is located in it’s designated place, as identified on the fire safety floor plan.

• it is not blocked by equipment or other objects

• check for:• dents • cracks/leaks • excessive dirt• rust or corrosion• chemical deposits and/or • other signs of abuse/wear

Inspecting Fire Extinguishers

• WHMIS labels and operating instructions are legible and face outwards

• pin and tamper seal are intact

• condition of brackets and hangers are not worn or bent

• wheels and carriage are in good condition (where applicable)

ENSURE THAT:

Inspecting Fire Extinguishers

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

• The pressure is at the recommended level.

The needle should be in the GREENzone on extinguishers equipped with a gauge.

CO2 Extinguishers

• Most do not have gauges.• Fire extinguisher fullness determined by hefting.

Inspecting Fire Extinguishers

Vehicles equipped with a fire extinguisher:

• should have an appropriate harness

• should be mounted securely with a

quick release mechanism

Simulator Training

Fire Extinguisher Training Simulator

The training unit utilizes LED driven digital flames and either• a laser training extinguisher, or • a compressed air and water extinguisher

The LED unit senses where the user aims and automatically variesthe LED driven digital flames in response.

This allows for a clean and safe demonstration.

Questions?