Fire Extinguishers

A. Types of fire extinguishers

B. Locations & Markings

C. Use of Extinguishers

D.  Inspections

II. Types & Applications

Class A  - fires involve materials such as wood, paper, and cloth which produce glowing embers or char

Class B - fires involve flammable gases, liquids, and greases, including gasoline and most hydrocarbon liquids which must be vaporized for combustion to occur.

Class C  - fires involve fires in live electrical equipment or in materials near electrically powered equipment.

Class D  - fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, zirconium, potassium, and sodium.

Combination - such as ABC or BC

III. Location

A.. Conspicuous & clearly visible

B.  Readily accessible for immediate use

C.  Located along normal paths of travel & exit

D.  Not blocked

E.  Kept in designated locations when not being used

F.  Installed on hangers, brackets, in cabinets, or on shelves

G.  40 lbs or less extinguishers - top of the extinguisher not more than 3-1/2 feet above the floor.

H.  Class A & D Extinguishers travel distance 75 feet or less

I.  Class B Extinguishers travel distance 50 feet or less

J.  Class C Extinguishers - no minimum travel distance - locate in areas with electrical distribution equipment

IV.  Markings

A. Classification markings located on the front of the shell

B.  Markings must be legible from a distance of 3 feet.

V.  Inspection and Maintenance

A.  Monthly checks for

1. Inspection Tag

2.  Anti-tamper seal

3.  Weight or pressure check

4.  Damage or missing parts

5.  Rust or corrosion

B.  Maintenance

1.  Remove from service & place a spare in location

2.  Only trained & certified people may repair or fill extinguishers

VI.  Extinguisher Use

A.  Only when use does not present personal hazard from fire

B.  PASS System

1.  P -  Pull Pin

2.  A - Aim at base of fire

3.  S - Squeeze the actuating handle

4.  S - Sweep from side to side

C.  Class C fires - turn off power - Never touch electrical equipment or boxes with any part of the extinguisher - shock hazard

D.  Never allow a full or empty extinguisher to stand upright - falling cylinder could break off valve and cause a missile hazard

E.  Never place an empty or partially discharged extinguisher back in it's location - replace with a fully charged extinguisher

F.  Report any damaged or missing extinguishers