Recognizing the potential for a fire and knowing how to extinguish it effectively.

Recognizing the potential for a fire and knowing how to extinguish it effectively

Objective

• To recognize the potential for a fire and know how to extinguish the fire effectively.

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

How do fires burn?

• Three elements needed:

• Oxygen

• Heat source

• Fuel

• This is called the fire triangle

• If you remove just one element from the fire, you can control and/or extinguish it


Four classes of fires

• Class A Fire

• Ordinary combustible material

• Wood, paper, leaves, trash, cloth, some plastics and rubbers

• Typically will leave an ash

• Smothering, quenching, or cooling effect needed to extinguish



• Class B Fire

• Flammable/combustible liquid, flammable gasses or grease

• Gasoline, diesel, propane, some aerosols, oils, paints, some cleaners

• DO NOT use water!

• Fire will only spread

• Dispersal or removal of oxygen or flame suppression is needed to extinguish



• Class C Fire

• Energized electrical equipment

• motors, panels, transformers, wiring, and circuits

• Can develop into other classes

• DO NOT USE WATER!

• Requires non-conductive extinguishing media


Four classes of fires• Class D Fire

• Combustible metal

• Magnesium, titanium, zirconium, lithium, and potassium

• Not generally found in green industry

• Very hard to extinguish

• Must use extinguisher rated for combustible metals



Three types of extinguishers

1. Water

2. Carbon dioxide

3. Dry chemical

• Each has a specific use


Water: Class A fires only

• Cools the fire or reduces the heat and makes the fuel harder to burn

• Extinguishers are pressurized

• Pressure gauge is present and the yellow arrow should be in the green

• DO NOT use on electrical or liquid fires.


Carbon dioxide: Class B or C

• Not commonly used on Class A

• Can spread the fire, does not extinguish deep-seeded fires such as a burning log

• Removes/displaces the oxygen

• There is no pressure gauge

• Note: Nozzle can reach freezing temps and cause injuries including frost bite on hands


Dry chemical: Class A, B, C

• Commonly known as an ABC or general purpose fire extinguisher

• Extinguishes by chemically reacting to the fuel source and smothering it

• Has pressure gauge

• Yellow arrow should be in the green

• Contents are a fine powder similar to baking powder


How to use a fire extinguisher

• Just remember the word PASS!

• P: Pull the pin.

• This will allow you to squeeze the handle.


How to use a fire extinguisher•A: Aim.

• You must aim at the base of the fire.

• Start close and work away.

• If you aim it at the middle it just pass right through.


How to use a fire extinguisher•S: Squeeze.

• This will release the extinguishing agent.


How to use a fire extinguisher•S: Sweep.

• Use side to side motions.

• Cover the entire area that is on fire and continue to use until the fire is extinguished.

• Keep and eye out for re-ignition of the flames.


If you must fight a fire…

• Always notify other employees in the area or building FIRST before fighting the fire.

• Fires can spread quickly; notify everyone immediately so they may evacuate the building or area

• Call 911

• Always have your back to the exit

• Use the right extinguisher for the fire



• Only fight a fire in its incipient stage

• “A fire which is in the initial or beginning stage and which can controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, class II standpipe or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus.”

• If it has spread beyond its original point of origin, call 911



• If you cannot extinguish the fire with just one fire extinguisher it might be beyond your control

• Leave the area and wait for the fire department

• If you instincts tell to you run, then you RUN!!

Control/eliminate fire hazards

• Cut down or remove brush or trees from around buildings

• In buildings, check for excessive accumulation of dust, cob webs or other combustible materials

• Store flammable and combustible materials in an approved fire cabinet and away from ignition sources



• Use approved electrical installations which include using proper fuses, circuit breakers, outlets, junction boxes, covers

• Inspect all wiring and electric motors and appliances for exposed wires, missing or broken insulation, improper grounding, and missing ground pins



• Check your buildings heating system for dirty airshafts and motors

• Do not store or stack combustible material near electrical panels, circuits, transformers, or electrical motors



• Do not store or stack combustible material such as leaves or other yard waste near the hot exhaust of lawn mowers, leaf blower, gas shears, or other mobile equipment in the back of the trucks

• Let equipment cool down before adding fuel



• Avoid welding, cutting, or sharpening blades near combustible or flammable material

• If possible welding or sharpening of blades should be done in a designated area

• Fire extinguishers should be readily available



• Store oil-soaked rags in an approved container

• Practice good housekeeping


Review• What are the different classes of fires that

your employees may see?

• What different types of fire extinguishers does your company use?

• Where are fire extinguishers located in your office and trucks?

• What are the basic principles of operating a fire extinguisher?

• Notify other employees or people before fighting the fire.

• Don’t be a hero!


Recognizing the potential for a fire and knowing how to extinguish it effectively.

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