Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Use of Fire Extinguishers*Do and DontsClasses of fireType of fire extinguisherAustralian standardsLimits Inspection of fire extinguisherCommon FeaturesPractical Use

Use of Fire Extinguishers

DO NOT use unless you are very confident that youre not going to hurt yourself in the process.

Use caution when operating the carbon dioxide extinguishers - youre hand could freeze to the nozzle.

Always point at the base of the fire.

Practical training in the use of fire extinguishers should be encouraged.*

Before attempting to fight a fire with anextinguisher check the extinguisher's suitability with the class of fire.

Fire Extinguishers are for small fires. Don'tendanger yourself or your colleagues byattempting to fight a fire too close or too big.Maintain a distance of at least 2m from fire.Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

The use of the wrong type of extinguisher can be VERY dangerous. Please do not use them unless you are VERY sure of what to do.*

Class A Paper, textiles, wood, most plastics and rubber Class B Flammable liquids Class C Combustible gasesClass D Combustible metals such as magnesium, potassium, titanium, and zirconium Class E Electrically energised equipment Class F Cooking oils or fatsUse of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Works by cooling use on paper, wood, rubber, plastic , fabric & textile fires.

Type of extinguisher usedWater Wet chemical Foam Powder ABEVaporizing liquid

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Works by blanketing the fuel. Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface.

Type of extinguisher used

Chemical foamChemical powder ABE and BECarbon dioxide

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

These fires follow the same basic fire tetrahedron (heat, fuel, oxygen, chemical reaction) as ordinary combustible fires, except that the fuel in question is a gas such as natural gasWork by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of the fire.

Type of extinguisher used

Dry chemical ABE AND AB

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

The dry chemical powder use in most ABE fire extinguishers is called mono ammonium phosphate. This powder has the ability to melt and flow once heated which allows it to coat the fuel and extinguish the fire especially class A and E fires. With class B fires the powder smothers the surface of the fire and stops the vapour (fuel) escaping and therefore extinguishing the fire straight away. Flammable liquid fires do not generally store much heat in the fuel source, therefore the powder will not normally melt.BE type dry chemical powder extinguishers differ in that they do not melt onto the fuel surface and are therefore ineffective against class A fires giving them a BE ratingUse of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire.Use on electrical equipment

Type of extinguisher used

Dry Chemical powder ABE and BECarbon dioxideVaporizing liquid

E

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Work by smothering and heat absorption.

Type of extinguisher usedDry chemical powder .The most common of these agents are sodium chloride granules and graphite powder.

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Though such fires are technically a subclass of the flammable liquid/gas class, the special characteristics of these types of fires, namely the higher flash point, are considered important enough to recognize separatelyWork by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction of the fire.

Type of extinguisher usedDry Chemical (BE only)Carbon dioxideWet chemical Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Use of Fire Extinguishers*Capacity - 0.5g to 11kg approximately of extinguishing agent

Range - Typically 1m to 6m

Duration - Discharge their contents in only 5 to 45 seconds!

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Know where all of the portable fire extinguisher should be located and document any missing extinguishers so that they may be replaced.

When approaching the extinguisher check that it is easily seen and not blocked by equipment or other objects that could interfere with access in an emergency. Check that the operating instructions on the name plate are facing outward and are legible.

Make sure that the pin and safety seal are intact and not broken.

The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Examine the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle. While you are examining the extinguisher feel the weight, does the unit feel full? Is the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) Label in place? Look at the maintenance tag attached to the extinguisher and verify that the last maintenance date was not more than 12 months ago. If all of the above conditions are met, initial and date the back of the tag

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Remove persons in immediate danger!Alert others and Emergency ServicesContain fire and smoke (close doors) Evacuate &/or extinguishUse of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

Use of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers

WATCH the fire areaIf the fire flares up again repeat! If you cant control the fire, LEAVE immediately!Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!

Thank youUse of Fire Extinguishers*

Use of Fire Extinguishers