Approximately every 16 seconds a fire department
responds to a fire somewhere in the United States. The annual
property loss from fire is in excess of $5 BILLION. Roughly every
two hours, someone will die in a fire. The proper use of a fire
extinguisher may have prevented these mishaps.
A fire extinguisher is probably the most common
fire protection device available to the employees of your
property. Most portable fire extinguishers are designed so that
someone with just a little training can extinguish a fire that
has just begun to burn. However, if your employee is completely
unfamiliar with the proper use or basic understanding of the type
of extinguisher, they can make a bad situation worse. Using the
wrong type of extinguisher could increase the fire dramatically,
endangering other employees and increasing the dollar loss.
Employers who provide fire extinguishers should also provide the
training necessary to use the extinguisher properly. Proper
training is just as important as providing fire extinguishers, if
not more so.
Where is the closest fire extinguisher in your
area? Do you know how to use it? Look at the symbols on the
extinguisher;
Class A extinguishers will fight ordinary
combustibles, such as burning trash or cloth.
Class B extinguishers will fight flammable
liquid fires, such as grease or oils or gasoline.
Class C extinguishers will fight energized
electrical fires, such as burning wires or switches.
Class D extinguishers will fight combustible metal
fires, such as titanium or magnesium.
Some extinguishers are multipurpose and can fight
more than one class of fire. You may see an extinguisher near
your work area that has an ‘A-B-C’ rating on it. This
type can fight ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and
electrical fires, but would be of no use on a metal fire.
Kitchens need a fire extinguisher rated at 40-B:C
near the grease cook line in addition to a 2-A:10-B:C
extinguisher located throughout the kitchen area. All
extinguishers shall be conspicuously located where they will be
readily accessible and immediately available in the event of a
fire. Preferably they will be located along normal paths of
travel and within 75' travel distance to any point in the
building, as a general rule.
Remembering the word PASS can help you
remember how to use the fire extinguisher;
Pull - the safety pin at the
top of the extinguisher.
Aim - the nozzle or hose at the
base of the fire, standing about 6' - 8' away.
Squeeze - or depress the
handle.
Sweep - gently from side to
side until the fire is out.
Warn others of the fire, so they may get out of
the building, and what is most important, call the fire
department before attempting to extinguish a small fire. Should
you make the decision to fight the fire, always keep the exit to
your back and never let the fire get between you and your way
out. Remember, the extinguisher will only last a few seconds, use
it wisely.
Fire extinguishers have to be maintained in order
to work properly. They must be serviced on an annual basis or if
the gauge on the top of the extinguisher shows a low reading. The
service must be done by an individual or firm licensed by the
state of Wisconsin. The tag on the extinguisher shows the last
time it was serviced. Of course, if the tag is missing, the
extinguisher again needs to be serviced.
Selection of extinguishers depends on the hazards
expected. For assistance in purchasing or locating your
extinguishers, contact a certified individual or firm. The Yellow
Pages is a great place to start. Many of these companies offer
classes on the use of their extinguishers.
