What you’ll learn
In order to provide the safest environment for staff and clients, we need to prepare for scenarios we hope never to encounter. Fires can happen quickly. We will learn about the different types of fires, and what extinguishers to use. Also, how to use an extinguisher properly. You will also learn about the fire triangle and rules for fires.
Types of Fires
Fires are classified by the typer of fuel they burn.
The 4 types are
- A
- B
- C
- D
Class A Fires
- Wood
- Paper
- Plastic
- Rags
Class B Fires
- Gasoline
- Oil
- Grease
- Paint
Class C Fires
Electrical Fires
- Office Equipment
- Motors
- Switchgear
- Heaters
Class D Fires
Metals
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Aluminum
- Magnesium
Fire Triangle
Fires require three things in order to happen.
- Air (Oxygen)- from the air or the fuel itself
- Fuel- something to burn
- Heat- heat or ignition source
Types of Extinguishers
The type of fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fires on which they may be used.
Class A
Used on wood, paper, and plastic
Class B
Used on flammable liquid fires
Class C
Used on electrical fires
Class D
Used on metal fires
How to use a fire extinguisher
- Use the PASS system
- P-Pull
- A-Aim
- S-Squeeze
- S-Sweep
Rules for fires
- Fires are very dangerous.
- Be certain that you will not endanger yourself or others when attempting to put out a fire.
- Pull the fire alarm.
- Call 911
- Assist anyone in danger.
- Never fight a fire if you don’t know what is burning.
- If you don’t know what is burning, you don’t know what type of extinguisher to use.
- Even if you have an ABC extinguisher there may be something in the fire which is going to explode or produce highly toxic smoke.
- Never fight a fire if the fire is spreading rapidly beyond the spot where it started.
- The time to use an extinguisher is in the incipient, or beginning, stages of a fire.
- if the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building, closing doors and windows behind you as you leave.
- Never fight a fire if you don’t have adequate or appropriate equipment.
- If you don’t have the correct type of large enough extinguisher, it is best not to try to fight the fire.
- Never fight a fire if you might inhale toxic smoke.
- If the fire is producing large amounts of smoke that you would have to breathe in order to fight it, it is best not to try.
- Gases from man made materials can be fatal in very small amounts.
- Never fight a fire if your instincts tell you not to.
- If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason, just let the fire department do their job.
- The final rule is to always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire.
- In case the extinguisher malfunctions, or something unexpected happens, you need to be able to get out quickly, and you don’t want to become trapped. Just remember, always keep an exit at your back.