An Introduction to

“Fire Extinguishers”

By Tamara Johnson
 Legal Basis
for this Training
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Occupational Safety and Health Standards
29 CFR Part 1910
Subpart “L” - Fire Protection
Standard 1910.157

“Portable fire extinguishers”

 1910.157(b)(1)
Where the employer has implemented a written fire
safety policy which requires the immediate and total
evacuation of employees from the workplace …and
which includes an emergency action plan and fire
prevention plan…and when extinguishers are not
available in the workplace, the employer is exempt
from all requirements of this section unless a
specific standard in Part 1910 requires that a portable
fire extinguisher be provided.
 1910.157 (g)(1)
Where the employer has provided
portable fire extinguishers… the
employer shall provide an educational
program to familiarize employees with
general principles of fire extinguisher use
and the hazards involved with incipient
stage fire fighting.
 OBJECTIVES:
After this training you should be able to:
• IDENTIFY 3 common classes of fires
• SELECT the proper type of extinguisher
• EVALUATE when it is safe to
fight an “early-stage” fire, and;
• APPLY the “P.A.S.S. method to
operate a portable extinguisher.
 UNTRAINED PEOPLE
Cannot use a fire extinguisher safely
because they are:

• UNABLE to evaluate a fire

• UNAWARE of DANGER due to...
• LACKING JUDGEMENT regarding:
– Safe and correct use of, and
– Limitations of portable extinguishers
 WHY UNTRAINED PEOPLE
Can’t use a fire extinguisher safely
(continued):

INEXPERIENCED
• Don’t know about the
proper type of extinguisher
• Don’t know how to make
a “Fight or Flight” analysis
• Unfamiliar with the
“P.A.S.S. method”
 COMMON FIRE
CLASSIFICATIONS
“Ordinary” combustibles
Paper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles.

“Flammable liquids”
Oil, gasoline, solvents

“Energized circuits”
Electrical equipment
and computers
 HOW THEY WORK:

• Works by cooling.
• Numerical rating indicates amount of agent, duration, and range of
discharge on test fires.
• Area of Class A fire which a “non-expert” can extinguish, with proper
training
– 1-A is equivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of water.
– 2-A contains has twice as much extinguishing agent.
 HOW THEY WORK:

• Works by blanketing the fuel.

• Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface.
• Class B ratings signify the area in square feet of
flammable liquid fire a unit will extinguish when used,
by a trained, “non-expert.”
 HOW THEY WORK:

• Class “C” units have no numerical rating.

• A Class “C” rating doesn’t imply any capacity.
• Only indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive, safe on
energized equipment.
• Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire.
Portable Fire
Extinguishers
• Can be CARRIED to a fire
• Weigh from 5 to 30 pounds
• NFPA Class and Rating
– Arabic numerals according to
efficiency - 4A extinguishes twice
as much Class A fire as 2A
Portable Fire
Extinguishers
LIMITED IN:
• Capacity - 1.5 to 25 lbs. of
extinguishing agent

• Range - Typically 3 to 15 feet

• Duration - Discharge their
contents in only 5 to 30 seconds!
 Extinguisher
Common features
• Locking pin
• Carrying handle / operating lever
• Pressure gauge
• Label :
– Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical)
– Classification (A, B, C)
– NFPA capacity Rating
– Instructions
• Discharge nozzle or horn
 COMMON TYPES OF
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

• WATER
• DRY CHEMICAL
• CO2 and Halon
 WATER
• Water + CO2 propellant
• ONLY for Class fires
– wood / paper, etc.
• Spreads burning liquids!
• DANGER of electric shock if
used on on live circuits!
 DRY CHEMICAL
MULTI-PURPOSE RATED

Either Or

• Best for general use:

• Reduced risk of re-ignition
• A 10 lb. unit empties in 8-10 secs.
– Effective range of 6 ft. to 15 ft.
 C02 - Rated
• Best on burning liquids / electrical
• SHORT range - 3 to 8 ft.
• 10- pound unit empties in 5 to 10 seconds!
– Use short spurts!
• DISPERSES QUICKLY!
– Continue applying after the fire is out!
• Unit gets VERY cold - hold properly
 Halon
• Best for computers / electronics
• Weight-for-weight TWICE as effective as C02
• No residue, easy clean-up
• VERY SHORT range, 3 to 6 ft.
• Like C02, Discharges QUICKLY!
• Like C02, Disperses QUICKLY!
– Continue after flames are extinguished
 In case of burning odor
or smoke:
• Call 911 First!
• Notify Security - X 43434
• Disconnect Equipment
– Remove combustibles, if you can do so without
danger to yourself
• Notify Floor Monitors
– and Emergency Safety Coordinator
 REACT
upon discovery of fire or smoke
Remove persons in immediate danger!
Ensure doors are closed! (confine fire/smoke)
Activate the building alarm !
Call the Fire Department !
Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!
– Continue a complete building evacuation
– Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are OSHA certified in use of a
fire extinguisher !
 Use a portable extinguisher
ONLY if the:
• Building is being evacuated (Fire alarm has been pulled)
• Fire Department has been called (Dial 911!)
• Fire is NOT spreading (small and contained)
• EXIT IS CLEAR (fight fire with your back to an exit )
• Proper extinguisher is at hand, and...
– You have been trained and know how to use it!
– You use “Buddy System” - have someone back you up!
• Get assistance BEFORE trying to fight a fire!
Remember
the PASS P.A.S.S.
word: PULL
1) Keep your back to a AIM
clear escape route,

2) Stand back 6 to 8
SQUEEZE
feet from the fire,

3) Then >>:
SWEEP
PULL the pin
 AIM
LOW at the base of the fire
SQUEEZE
the lever
SWEEP
from side to side
OK, It’s out…
Now What?
• WATCH the fire area
– If the fire flares up again repeat!
– If you can’t control the fire, LEAVE immediately!
• Call the fire department to inspect the scene!
• Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!
 Sources
for further
information:
http://www/usfa.fema.gov/safety/sheets.htm
http://www.nfpa.org/education/index.html
http://www.ilpi.com/safety/extinguishers.html
OR . . .Contact Fire PIO-LSE at 703-246-3801
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
This safety training module was developed in cooperation with:

the National Fire Protection Association and the

Public Information and Life Safety Education Section of the

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department

4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22020
www.co.fairfax.va.us/ps/fr/general/Piolse.htm
(703) 246-3801 or (703-385-4419 TTY
Portions © 1995-2000 by Dr. Robert Toreki, used by permission
http://www.ilpi.com/safety/extinguishers.html