Classroom Introduction to

“Portable Fire
Extinguishers”

with special attention to

Motor Carrier Considerations for the Waste Industry
Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program
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OBJECTIVES:
After this training you should be able to:
• IDENTIFY causes of trash truck fires
• APPLY immediate action steps
• EVALUATE when it is safe to fight an “early-stage” vehicle fire,
and;
• APPLY the “P.A.S.S. method to
operate your portable extinguisher.
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Trash Truck fires usually
start in one of three places:
• CAB
– Electrical shorts under dash, often caused by
improperly installed (unauthorized ) accessories
– Discarded cigarettes igniting trash or upholstery
• ENGINE COMPARTMENT
– Fuel or oil system leaks onto hot engine
• Pre-trip inspection, and proper maintenance
• CARGO AREA - COMPACTOR
– Hot ashes discarded in household refuse
– Hazardous Material reactions in collected refuse
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IMMEDIATE ACTION:
If vehicle catches fire during operation:
• IN A SAFE LOCATION !
– PULL ENTIRELY OFF THE ROAD
– Into a paved parking lot, or open field
– NEVER at a gas station!
• CONTACT YOUR DISPATCHER
• CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!
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FIRE IN CAB:
• TURN OFF THE IGNITION!
Stops flow of current to equipment
• EXIT THE CAB!
Identify the source of smoke or fire
• EXTINGUISH THE FIRE ONLY IF:
1) You know what is burning, and fire is small / contained.
2) Extinguisher is available and you have been trained
3) Fire Department has been called, and you can fight the fire
from outside of the cab or with your back to a clear exit.
exit
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FIRE IN ENGINE
COMPARTMNENT:
• TURN OFF THE IGNITION!
Stops flow of current to equipment
• EXIT THE CAB!
Identify the source of smoke or fire
• DO NOT OPEN THE HOOD!
(air intensifies fire!)
• KEEP CREW and BYSTANDERS AWAY!
• until the Fire Department arrives
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FIRE IN CARGO
COMPARTMNENT
• TURN OFF THE IGNITION!
Stops flow of current to equipment
• EXIT THE CAB!
Identify the source of smoke or fire
• DO NOT open cargo doors
(air intensifies fire!)
• KEEP CREW and BYSTANDERS AWAY!
• until the Fire Department arrives
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DO NOT FIGHT A FIRE IF:
You don’t know
what is burning!
• Wrong extinguisher can make things worse
• Risk of toxic fumes, explosion hazards
• Note NFPA labels or placards in discarded
refuse. If in doubt, tag and leave any
questionable materials at the curb!
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COMMON FIRE
CLASSIFICATIONS
“Ordinary” combustibles
Paper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles.

“Flammable liquids”
Oil, gasoline, solvents

“Energized circuits”
Electrical equipment
and computers
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Extinguishers Approved for

Motor Carrier Use Under NFPA-10
• MULTI-PURPOSE RATED

either or
• CO2 or
• Dry Chemical
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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!
• Nozzle / valve get VERY cold - hold properly
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DRY CHEMICAL

• Best for general use:

Either Or
• Reduced risk of re-ignition
• A 10 lb. unit empties in 8-10 secs.
– Effective range is 6 ft. to 15 ft.
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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
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Extinguisher Inspection
Is Part of your Pre-Trip!
• Unobstructed access
• Protective cover, safety pin
• Gage - in the GREEN zone
• Inspect discharge hose
and nozzle for cracks, damage
• No corrosion on valve or tank
• Bracket, securely mounted
• Check inspection tag date
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Remember the P(t)ASS word:

Don’t fight an engine or cargo area fire with a portable extinguisher!
Exit the cab, stand well clear and WAIT for the fire department to arrive.
If a cab fire is small and contained, stand at least 6 to 8 feet from the fire,
with your back to a clear exit., then:

10/17/23 DPWES - FireSafety 15

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PULL the pin

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TEST
• ONLY upon your
approach to the fire
• Otherwise the powdered
extinguishing agent may
clog the nozzle if a unit is
squeezed and released.
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AIM
LOW at the base of the fire
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SQUEEZE
the lever
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SWEEP
from side to side
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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!
immediately
• Call the fire department to inspect the area!
• Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!
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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