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FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING

Office of Environmental Health and SafetyEast Carolina University

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How Does a Fire Work?

• Three components• Need all three

components to start a fire• Fire extinguishers

remove one or more of the components

• Oxygen is required as a catalyst – may come from the air or from the fuel itself

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ECU’S Policy On Fire is to

EVACUATE Regardless of the internal policies that may have

been in place previously, current University policy is to evacuate the area where a fire occurs regardless of the amount or cost of equipment that may be lost.

“DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE BUILDING FOR ANYTHING, NOT EVEN TO ATTEMPT A

RESCUE”.

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There Is A What Do I Do?

• Upon discovering a fire, immediately sound the building fire alarm and/or alert other occupants. Only properly trained emergency response personnel should assist with the evacuation of mobility-impaired individuals.

• From outside of the building dial 911.

• Provide your name, which residence hall you are in, and the location of the fire.

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Incipient Stage FiresIncipient Stage Fires

Fires in the initial or beginning stage and can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus.

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Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Locate and identify extinguishers so that they are readily accessible.

• Only approved extinguishers shall be used.

• Maintain extinguishers in a fully charged and operable condition.

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Classification of Fires & ExtinguishersClassification of Fires & Extinguishers

Class A Fires

WoodPaperRagsSome rubber

and plastic materials

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Class B FiresGasolineOilGreasePaintFlammable GasesSome rubber and

plastic materials

Classification of Fires & ExtinguishersClassification of Fires & Extinguishers

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Classification of Fires & ExtinguishersClassification of Fires & Extinguishers

Class C Fires

Electrical Fires– Office Equipment– Motors– Switchgear– Heaters

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Classification of Fires & ExtinguishersClassification of Fires & Extinguishers

Class D Fires

Metals

– Magnesium – Titanium– Sodium– Zirconium– Potassium– Lithium

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Multi-Class RatingsMulti-Class Ratings

•There are several types of multi-class extinguishers: A-B, B-C, or A-B-C.

•Be sure the correct extinguisher is provided for the hazards.

                                 

NOT for Electrical Equipment fires

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Different Kinds of Extinguishers

The 4 most common fire extinguishers:– All Purpose Water– Carbon Dioxide– Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical– Dry Powder

Each kind of extinguisher has a specific use.

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All Purpose Water

• Use on CLASS A fires

• Pressurized water

• Pressure gauge present

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Carbon Dioxide

• Use on CLASS B and CLASS C fires

• Caution! Skin can freeze to the discharge horn during use.

• No pressure gauge

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Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical

• Use on CLASS A, CLASS B, and CLASS C fires

• Fine powder under pressure

• Pressure gauge present

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Portable Fire Extinguisher Safety

You are not expected

to be firefighters!

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How to Use an ExtinguisherHow to Use an Extinguisher

P: Pull the pin.

A: Aim extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flame.

S: Squeeze trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.

S: Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area with the extinguishing agent.

P A S S

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Hands-On Training

• Although employees are not encouraged to fight fires, Fire Extinguisher Training is available for interested groups.

• For additional information or to schedule Fire Extinguisher Training contact EH&S at 328-6166 or safety@ecu.edu.

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• Visually inspected monthly

• Maintained annually

• Hydrostatically tested periodically (5 or 12 yrs.)

Is It Ready To Use ?

Inspection, Maintenance and Testing

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When NOT to Fight a Fire!

• Only fight a fire in the incipient stage

• Fire has spread beyond its point of origin

• Your instincts tell you GET OUT

• Remember to keep an exit to your back

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Partnership with GFR

• Pre-fire planning

• Campus building surveys

• Training / Education

• Authority having jurisdiction is the State Dept. of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal.

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Questions and Comments• Office of Environmental

Health and Safety 328-6166

safety@ecu.edu• Office of Radiation and

Biological Safety 744-2236

• ECU Police (Emergency) Dial 911 East Campus

• ECU Police – 744-2247 West Campus