if you encounter a fire, a portable fire extinguisher can help protect you and possibly stop the fire in its tracks. the first and most important purpose of a portable fire extinguisher is to help people escape. the second purpose of a portable fire extinguisher is to fully extinguish fires. portable fire extinguishers cannot extinguish large fires. fire extinguishers are rated to fight different classes of fire. make sure the fire extinguisher you use will work on the fire you’re facing. if a fire blocks your path, use a fire extinguisher to clear the way. never stay to fight a fire unless you have a clear exit. even if it is a fire you can fight, help will already be on the way in case it gets out of hand.
if the fire is too large, or if you don’t know how extensive it is, escape rather than trying to put it out. escape immediately if the fire is spreading or putting off a lot of heat and smoke. second, the discharge distance may not be adequate to keep you safe and the fire at bay. extinguishers can last from 5 to 15 years. some have a pressure gauge that tells you if the extinguisher is charged. to operate a fire extinguisher, there are a few things you need to remember. second, all portable fire extinguishers are operated the same way. you should now be able to recognize when and how to use a portable fire extinguisher. remember, portable fire extinguishers have limitations.
fire extinguishers are one of the most reliable ways to put out fires in the workplace. osha states that if employers expect workers to use the fire extinguishers themselves, hands-on training must be provided. the employer, a connecticut urethane coating and laminate fabric manufacturer, was cited for alleged serious and repeat violations of workplace safety standards, and assessed $74,000 in proposed penalties. in order for a fire to start, there have to be three basic ingredients: fuel, means of ignition, and oxygen. an ignition source, such as a spark, cigarette cinders, lightening, heat, or even static electricity, can provide the initial energy to get the fire going. once these three ingredients are present, fire happens.
take just one away, and the fire will subside or be extinguished. the extinguishing agent cools the burning fuel and removes the heat, displaces or removes oxygen, or stops the chemical reaction so the fire does not continue to burn. extinguishers for this class of fire contain substances that cool the fuel or displace oxygen needed for combustion. chemical foam and carbon dioxide, co2, extinguishers are effective on class b fires, where smothering or exclusion of oxygen is needed. dry chemical extinguishers work by coating the fuel with a thin layer of fire retardant powder, separating the fuel from the oxygen. the fire retardant chemical powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction, which makes these extinguishers extremely effective at extinguishing an electrical fire. a class k extinguisher agent is a low ph wet chemical that discharges as a fine mist that coats the surface of the burning liquid to help smother the flames, prevent grease splashes and fire re-flashes, and also cools the equipment.
safety tips. use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has the first and most important purpose of a portable fire extinguisher is to help people escape. portable fire extinguishers can clear fire away from your escape the employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. stored pressure extinguishers do not require an, fire extinguisher safety tips pdf, fire extinguisher safety tips pdf, fire extinguisher safety osha, portable fire extinguisher types, osha fine for blocked fire extinguisher.
some extinguishers have a button that you press. sweep from side to side: moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. watch the fire area. if the fire re-ignites, repeat the process. using a fire extinguisher sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate. identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. fire extinguishers are not a requirement, but if employers choose to provide them they must train workers in general fire extinguisher use to never walk away from a fire, even if you think it is out. the residue may reignite. always stand between the escape route and the fire so you can leave safely, fire extinguisher types and uses, fire extinguisher inspection.
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