FIRE SAFETY
What is the fire tetrahedron?
To understand how to prevent fires, it is important to know how a fire can occur. Four elements must be present at the same time for a fire to take place:
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What should I know about fighting fires?
Never fight a fire if:
What are the different classes of fires?
Fires are grouped into classes which depend on the material or substance that is present.
What are the different types of portable fire extinguishers?
To fight the different classes of fires, there are different types of fire extinguishers. Each has its own characteristics, capabilities, and limitations.
Three main types of portable fire extinguishers include:
Water extinguishers: Water extinguishers are filled about two-thirds with water and then pressurized with air. When used for Class A fires, these extinguishers remove the heat from the burning materials.
Be cautious of the residue after using dry chemical extinguishers. The residue can damage motors, computers and other electrical equipment.
How will portable fire extinguishers be marked?
Portable fire extinguisher may use the following markings to indicate which class of fire they are designed to fight. These symbols are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the USA. The symbols may be shown using colours.
Never fight a fire if:
- You do not know what material is burning.
- You do not know what type of fire extinguisher to use.
- You do not know how to use the fire extinguisher.
- The fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started.
- Your instincts tell you not to.
What are the different classes of fires?
Fires are grouped into classes which depend on the material or substance that is present.
- Class A - Fires involving ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber, or plastics.
- Class B - Fires involving flammable or combustible liquids, gases, oil, paints, or lacquer.
- Class C - Fires involving energized (live) electrical equipment such as motors, appliances, or power tools.
- Class D - Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium.
- Class K - Fires involving combustible cooking oils, or fats in cooking appliances.
What are the different types of portable fire extinguishers?
To fight the different classes of fires, there are different types of fire extinguishers. Each has its own characteristics, capabilities, and limitations.
Three main types of portable fire extinguishers include:
Water extinguishers: Water extinguishers are filled about two-thirds with water and then pressurized with air. When used for Class A fires, these extinguishers remove the heat from the burning materials.
- Do not use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Water is a good conductor and can increase the possibility of electrocution.
- Do not use water to extinguish flammable liquid or cooking oil fires. Water is ineffective as it helps to spread the liquid and the fire.
- Do not use CO2 extinguishers in confined spaces as CO2 can displace the oxygen in the air, making breathing difficult. Only use in a confined space if workers have appropriate respiratory protection.
- Do not use CO2 extinguishers for Class A fires because the fire may continue to smolder and re-ignite after the CO2 disperses.
Be cautious of the residue after using dry chemical extinguishers. The residue can damage motors, computers and other electrical equipment.
How will portable fire extinguishers be marked?
Portable fire extinguisher may use the following markings to indicate which class of fire they are designed to fight. These symbols are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the USA. The symbols may be shown using colours.
What you should know when using a portable fire extinguisher?
Always:
When using an extinguisher, use the PASS system - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
Always:
- Be sure that you are trained to use a fire extinguisher before you try to fight a fire.
- Know what type (class) of material is burning.
- Use the correct fire extinguisher type to fight the fire.
When using an extinguisher, use the PASS system - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
- Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
- Aim the extinguisher.
- Squeeze the trigger or top handle.
- Sweep the fire area with the extinguisher’s spray until the fire is completely out.
- Never walk away from a fire, even if you think it is out. The residue may reignite.
- Always stand between the escape route and the fire so you can leave safely if the fire grows.
- If the fire grows too large, leave the area. Activate the fire alarm to evacuate the area.