When you’re starting to drown between employee concerns, payroll duties and helping your CEO -- HR Insider is there to help get the logistical work out of the way.
Need a policy because of a recent regulatory change? We’ve got it for you. Need some quick training on a specific HR topic? We’ve got it for you. HR Insider provides the resources you need to craft, implement and monitor policies with confidence. Our team of experts (which includes lawyers, analysts and HR professionals) keep track of complex legislation, pending changes, new interpretations and evolving case law to provide you with the policies and procedures to keep you ahead of problems. FIND OUT MORE...
Fire Extinguishers Quiz

QUESTION

Name the three ways effective fire extinguisher use has impacted our society both domestically and commercially’

ANSWER

Effective fire extinguisher use has:

  • Extinguished fires
  • Saved lives
  • Protected property

WHY IS IT RIGHT

PREVENTION

When you notice a fire, sound the building’s alarm and call the fire department. If you don’t feel you can handle the fire, leave immediately. Get everyone out of the building. Close doors behind you to slow the flames’ spread, but don’t lock any doors. Stay between fire and exit so you don’t let the fire block your escape.

If the fire is small enough to put out with a portable extinguisher, you can do so swiftly by telling yourself to P.A.S.S. ‘PASS’ is an easily remembered abbreviation describing the four-step process for most fire extinguishers: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

  • PULL the pin. On some extinguishers, you release a latch or press a lever.
  • AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.
  • SQUEEZE or press the handle. Or you may have to press a button to discharge the extinguishing agent.
  • SWEEP from side to side, aiming at the base of the fire until the flames appear to be out. Repeat if the fire reappears.
    • Don’t turn your back on a fire once you think it’s out, because it could flare up again.
    • Avoid breathing smoke, fumes or extinguishing agent.
    • Take care of the extinguisher and recharge it after each use.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

  • The Class A extinguisher is used for fires in ordinary combustibles. Wood, paper, plastic and cloth are examples.
  • The Class B extinguisher is used for fires involving combustible and flammable liquids ‘ except vegetable oils.
  • The Class C extinguisher is for fires in electrical equipment.
  • The Class D extinguisher is a specialized one used in certain workplaces. It fights fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium.

Fire extinguishers have received a new letter. The well-known Class A, B, C and D extinguishers have been joined by a Class K extinguisher. This new type was designed to fight fires that involve cooking oil.

The Class K extinguisher is a response to the trend toward using vegetable oils for frying instead of animal fats. The vegetable oils cook at a higher temperature. The Class B extinguishers used previously are not effective against these hotter fires.

What else about the Class K extinguisher

  • A Class K extinguisher should be located near any deep fat fryer where vegetable oil is used. Make sure you know where to find it quickly in an emergency.
  • The route to the extinguisher must be kept clear at all times. This means you must not place boxes, equipment or other obstructions in the path.
  • The extinguisher must be maintained and serviced regularly. If it has been used, it must be refilled or replaced so it is ready to use again. Tell your supervisor if you see anything wrong with the extinguisher.
  • You need training so you will understand when and how to operate a fire extinguisher. You also need hands-on practice to be able to operate a fire extinguisher in an emergency.

EFFECTIVE INSPECTIONS

  • Make sure the extinguisher is in its designated place, is easily visible, and has unobstructed access for immediate use in case of emergency.
  • Check that the annual certification tag is present and the fire extinguisher is within its service date interval. Tags indicate the last date of inspection so if a tag is labeled 2018 and the October option is punched or indicated that means it was last inspected in October of 2018 and needs to be re- inspected by a certified testing service by the end of October 2019.
  • Check the pressure gauge for damage and that the indicator needle is within the operating (green) range. If the needle is out of the operating range it may indicate a loss of pressure, an equipment failure, or that it has been used.
  • Remove the extinguisher from the mounting system to ensure it is easily accessible and that the mounting bracket/system is secure and in good condition.
  • Check the extinguisher body and all external metal parts for signs of damage or corrosion. If damage is found remove extinguisher from service and replace. Have extinguisher inspected by certified testing service.
  • For dry-powder extinguishers turn the extinguisher upside down and shake to loosen extinguishing media.
  • Check to make sure the safety pin is in place and secured with an easily removable retention device, usually a breakaway zip-tie or similar.
  • Check the hose and nozzle for damage.
  • Check the labels for damage and legibility. The labels should clearly indicate the extinguisher’s size and capability. Ensure the correct fire extinguisher is in the designated location.
  • Record the inspection. Most annual certification tags have a grid on the reverse side for this purpose. Record the date of inspection and the initials of the person performing the inspection.

Training

  • You need training so you will understand when and how to operate a fire extinguisher and hands-on practice to be able to operate a fire extinguisher in an emergency.
  • Most portable fire extinguishers operate in a similar manner. Use the word PASS to help you remember the steps in operating an extinguisher.

WHY IS EVERYTHING ELSE WRONG

Fire Prevention / Fire Extinguisher

Preventing fires is everyone’s job. We all need to be alert to anything that could cause a fire, and take responsibility to report any problem areas so they can be corrected. Report problems through the safety hazard alert report.

  1. Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.
  2. Place oily rags in a covered metal container. This waste must be properly disposed of on a regular basis.
  3. Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.
  4. Report electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Never attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified and authorized.
  5. Maintain free access to all electrical control panels. Material or equipment stored in front of the panels would slow down the shutting down of power in an emergency situation.
  6. Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.
  7. Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use nonsparking tools, and control static electricity as required.
  8. Help maintain building security to prevent arson fires. Lock up as instructed; report suspicious persons; and don’t leave combustible rubbish where it can be set afire outside the building.
  9. Smoking is prohibited.
  10. Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials.
  11. Post emergency telephone numbers as well as the company address by the telephone in your station/desk for quick access (also in case of power outage) if a fire were to start in your work area.
  12. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.