Grade 10 Building Technology

Fire
Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers

If fire extinguishers are accessible for employee usage, it is the

employer's obligation to educate employees on the principles and
practices of utilizing a fire extinguisher, as well as the dangers of
battling small or growing flames. You need to know a bit about
fire to understand how fire extinguishers operate. Fire is caused
by a chemical interaction between oxygen and a combustible
substance that produces heat, light, flames, and smoke.
Fire Extinguishers

For fire to exist, the following three elements must be present at

the same time:
1. Enough oxygen to sustain combustion
2. Enough heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature
3. Some sort of fuel or combustible material.
The fire triangle is the name for this situation. A chemical chain
reaction between the three elements required.
Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers use a chemical agent to cool

burning fuel, displace or remove oxygen, or interrupt the
chemical reaction, preventing the fire from spreading. When
the extinguisher's handle is compressed, the agent is ejected
out the nozzle. A fire extinguisher functions similarly to a can
of hairspray.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Extinguisher Types - Different sorts of fire
extinguishers are intended to combat
various types of fires. Air-pressurized
water, CO2 (carbon dioxide), foam, and
dry chemical are the four most popular
forms of fire extinguishers.
Class of fires
Class A
Ordinary combustion
E.g., Fires in paper, cloth, wood,
rubber, and many plastics
require a water type
extinguisher.
Class B
Flammable Liquids
Fires in oils, gasoline, some
paints, lacquers, grease,
solvents, and other
flammable liquids
Class C
Electrical Equipment
Fires in wiring, fuse boxes,
energized electrical equipment,
computers, and other electrical
sources.
Class D
Metals - Fires involving
powders, flakes or shavings
of combustible metals such
as magnesium, titanium,
potassium, and sodium
require special extinguishers.
Types of Fire
Extinguishers
 Water Extinguishers

A red label and a class A

rating are seen on water fire
extinguishers. They may be
used to put out flames that
include solid combustibles
like wood, paper, and
textiles.

Must be handled with

caution near Electrical
equipment .
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers

A black label can be found on CO2

fire extinguishers. They have a
class B fire rating since they were
developed for use on flammable
liquid fires.

They can be used to put out

electrical fires because CO2 is not
a conductor and leaves no
hazardous behind.
ABC Powder Extinguishers

A blue label can be found on ABC

powder fire extinguishers. They
may be used on all types of fires,
including class A, class B, class C,
and electrical fires.
When utilizing powder
extinguishers indoors, however,
there is a risk of inhalation. As a
result, powder fire extinguishers
are not advised for use in tiny
spaces, houses, or workplaces.
Foam Extinguishers

Cream-colored foam
fire extinguishers are
extremely effective
on class A and class B
flames (the foam
agent helps to
prevent re-ignition).
Steps to Take When
a Fire is Discovered
Steps to Take When a Fire is Discovered

1. Make sure everyone is evacuated to a safe location – Protect people first and
property second.
2. Direct someone to call 911 and activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
3. Locate the proper type of fire extinguisher for the fire.
4. Proceed with caution—if the fire appears to be out of control, do not attempt to
extinguish the fire.
5. Keep yourself between the escape exit and the fire.
6. Use the entire contents of the extinguisher to ensure the fire is completely out.
7. If the extinguisher fails to extinguish the fire, move to a safe area and wait for help.
P.A.S.S.
PASS

Use the PASS method when using a fire extinguisher:

P Pull the pin
A Aim hose at the base of the fire
S Squeeze the handle
S Sweep back and forth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktrv34zW7-A
Rules for handling
fires
Rules for handling fires

Call 911 even if it is a small fire and you are able to extinguish it.
Most fire extinguishers are emptied in less than 10-20 seconds.
Do not attempt to fight a large fire.
Stay low and avoid smoke and get out if you can’t see or have difficulty
breathing.
Use the buddy system if possible.
Approach the fire slowly and from a distance (6’ – 10’) and move closer to
fire after squeezing the handle.
Inspection and
Maintenance
Inspection & Maintenance

Portable fire extinguishers must be visually inspected at least once a month

and the results noted on the periodic inspection card affixed to the canister's
neck or body. This may be done by anybody, although it is most commonly
done by the site custodian or maintenance crew.

Wherever fire extinguishers are put, they must be fixed on the wall so that all
room occupants can find them in the event of a fire. A fire extinguisher sign
must be placed above it on the wall if it is not visible from across the room.
Location

Extinguishers should be mounted 90 cm or 152 cm above

the ground and must be in good working order, completely
charged, and not obstructed. All extinguishers must have a
90 cm space in front of them and surrounding them.
Coats, hall passes, decorations, backpacks, and bags
should not be hung on fire extinguishers.