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Portable Fire Extinguisher Training

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Course ObjectivesAt the end of this class you will be able to:

Identify the four most common types of portable fire extinguishers, such as Halon, Dry Chemical, Water and Special

Identify which portable fire extinguisher is appropriate for what type of fire - “What is Burning?”

Identify situations where fighting a fire is not appropriate or advisable. Understand that calling 911 is always the safest solution for fighting fires

Describe the P.A.S.S. model when using a portable fire extinguisher to extinguish a fire

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Fire Triangle

Fuel

Oxygen

Heat

All three elements need to be present for fire to exist.

If any one element is removed, the fire cannot maintain combustion.

What is the significance of the fire triangle?

ChemicalReaction

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Class A Fires

Combustible solids such as wood, paper, textiles and plastics leave ash behind.

Think “A” for Ash

What type of combustibles are present in a Class A fire?

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Class B Fires

Combustible and flammable liquids or gases

Think “B” for Boil

What type of combustibles are present

in a Class B fire?

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Class C Fires

Energized electrical equipment.

DO NOT use water to extinguish

a class C fire.

Think “C” for Circuit.

What hazards are associated with a Class C fire?

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Class D Fires

Class A, B and C type extinguishers have little or no effect on combustible metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and aluminum.

Think “D” for Dial 911

What hazards are associated with a Class D fire?

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Contains a noncombustible dry extinguishing agent. Used for Class A-B-C fires

Dry Chemical

Contains a liquid used in quantity to soak and cool the fuel. Used in Class A fires

Water

Contains a noncombustible gas that is used to smother the fire by displacing the oxygen. Used for Class B-C fires

Carbon Dioxide

Contains a certain chemical that removes oxygen from the fire triangle breaking the chain reaction. Used for Class A-B-C fires

Halon

Extinguisher Description and Application

Extinguisher Types and Application

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Water ExtinguisherClass A Fires Only

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Dry Chemical Extinguisher Good Multi-purpose extinguisher

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Halon Extinguisher Another type of Multi-purpose extinguisher

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Carbon Dioxide ExtinguisherAnother type of Multi-purpose extinguisher

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Extinguisher Labeling

Instructions Pull

Aim

Squeeze

Sweep

Classification A – Ordinary Combustibles

B – Petroleum Products

C – Energized Electrical

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Situations Where Fighting a Fire is NOT Appropriate

You are unsure about the use of the extinguisher.

The fire is in close proximity to other flammable or combustible materials.

It is too large to handle with one extinguisher. (One and Run!!)

There are large amounts of smoke.

If the fire is close to your only exit, or may block your exit if your attempts to extinguish fail!

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P. A. S. S. ModelThis section reviews the fundamental steps associated with extinguishing a fire using a portable fire extinguisher.

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P.A.S.S. - Pull

Pull the pin in the handle at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the trigger from accidentally being depressed. Check to see if pin is connected to handle prior to pulling.

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P.A.S.S. - AimAim the nozzle towards the base of the fire. Be sure to keep a firm grip on the discharge hose near the nozzle.

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P.A.S.S. - SqueezeSqueeze the trigger to discharge the extinguishing agent on the fire. Stand about 8 feet (or less on certain extinguishers) from the fire. If you release the trigger the discharge will stop.

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P.A.S.S. - SweepSweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be extinguished, watch it carefully to prevent re-ignition. If necessary continue sweeping.

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Mounting (unobstructed)

Operating instructions

Seals and tamper indicators. (what/where are they)

Physical damage, corrosion, leakage, clogged nozzle

Pressure gauge reading

Check the weight

Replace when necessary

Document

Monthly Inspection Points

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Home Fire SafetyWhat are some other items you have at home?

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Battery Hardwire Combo units Strobe units

Home Fire SafetySmoke Detectors

What are some of the various types of smoke detectors you may find on the market?

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Home Fire SafetySmoke detectors

Selecting a unit

Proper placement

How and when to test

Battery replacement

Unit replacement

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Home Fire SafetyCarbon Monoxide detectors

Selecting a Unit

Proper unit placement

Maintenance

Testing

Be Aware!!

Where should a carbon monoxide detector be installed?

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Know your exits

Safe meeting place

Get out and stay out

Inspect extinguishers monthly

Practice, Practice, Practice

Home Fire SafetyEvacuation Plan

What are some characteristics of a good evacuation plan?

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Practice using a ladder.

Make sure everyone knows its location.

Keep your family safe.

Emergency Escape Ladder

Home Fire Safety2nd Story Escape

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Fire Extinguisher Training: Review

Why are there different types of fire extinguishers?

What type of fire extinguisher do you use to put out:

• Wood, paper, and plastic fires

• Paper, gas, and energized electrical panel fires

• Metal fires

Identify three situations where it is not appropriate to fight a fire.

What does the acronym P.A.S.S. represent?

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ConclusionThank you for your attention and participation.

When you return to your work area:

Take a moment to identify the location of the nearest portable fire extinguisher and familiarize yourself with its operation.

When you get home tonight:

Take the time to talk to your family and ensure that everyone knows of two escape routes to use in case of an emergency and the location of the designated assembly point.