The ABCs of Fire Extinguishers



                       A SAFETY TALK FOR

                      DISCUSSION LEADERS



This safety talk is designed for discussion leaders to use in preparing safety

meetings.



Set a specific time and date for your safety meeting.  Publicize your meeting

so everyone involved will be sure to attend.



Review this safety talk before the meeting and become familiar with its

content. Make notes about the points made in this talk that pertain to your

workplace.  You should be able to present the material in your own words and

lead the discussion without reading it.



Seating space is not absolutely necessary, but arrangements should be made so

that those attending can easily see and hear the presentation.



Collect whatever materials and props you will need ahead of time.  Try to use

equipment in your workplace to demonstrate your points.





                      DURING THE MEETING



Give the safety talk in your own words.  Use the printed talk merely as a

guide.



The purpose of a safety meeting is to initiate discussion of safety problems

and provide solutions to those problems.  Encourage employees to discuss

hazards or potential hazards the encounter on the job. Ask them to suggest ways

to improve safety in their area.



Don't let the meeting turn into a gripe session about unrelated topics.  As

discussion leader, its your job to make sure the topic is safety.  Discussing

other topics wastes time and can ruin the effectiveness of your safety meeting.



At the end of the meeting, ask employees to sign a sheet on the back of this

talk as a record that they attended the safety meeting.  Keep this talk on file

for your records.





The ABCs of Fire Extinguishers



We all use some form of fire almost every day of our lives, whether it is

cooking on a gas range, heating a room with a cozy fire œrom the fireplace, or

lighting a cigarette.



But what would happen if an unexpected fire occurred? Many of you would panic

because you don't know the proper fire fighting procedures.



You must first understand that there are four types of fires and using

extinguisher improperly or using the wrong extinguisher could result in

additional property damage and injury.



Class A fires consist of combustibles, such as wood, paper or cloth. This type

of fire can be put out with water-filled extinguishers. When using these

extinguishers, get as close to the fire as possible without endangering

yourself, and aim the nozzle toward the base of the flames. Continue spraying

until all smoldering material is wet down. Deep-seated fires, such as in baled

materials, must be thoroughly soaked and may have to be pulled apart in order

to reach the smoldering fire.



A multipurpose dry-chemical extinguisher can also be used on Class A fires.

With this type of extinguisher the flames are attacked at the edge of the fire

with the nozzle directed at the fire in a sweeping motion. The powdered

chemical becomes sticky when heated, allowing it to form a film that clings to

the heated material and smother the fire



Whenever you are in areas where flammable liquid are stored you must comply

with the "no smoking". Just one lighted cigarette could ca.e a fire that could

result in extensive damage.



Fires that burn flammable liquids, such as oil, gasoline, solvents and paints,

their primary fuel, are Class B fires. Dry chemical extinguishers are usually

used to fight this type of fire. When using this extinguisher stand

approximately 10 feet away from the fire to apply the powder. Then gradually

move in closer; applying the powder from side to side near the base of tie

fire.



Carbon dioxide extinguishers are also effective on flammable liquid fires. You

must use this type of extinguisher near the edge of the fire at close range in

an enclosed area where no wind or draft exists. Since fires can spread with the

presence of oxygen, carbon dioxide is used to decrease the amount of oxygen

surrounding the fire until the air can no longer support the combustion.



Class C fires are electrical fires. If at all possible, turn off the power in

the area before attempting to combat the fire. When electrical equipment is de-

energized, extinguishers for Class A or B fire may be safely used; otherwise,

the best extinguishers are carbon dioxide and dry chemical extinguishers.

Carbon dioxide in on conductive and noncorrosive. Because dry chemical

extinguisher leave sticky film, cleaning is easy.



Also included in Class C fires erases or liquified gas the form of liquid

pillage, or liquid or gas leak, such as methane, propane or butane. Foam or

dry-chemical powder can be used to control these fire.                          

      

Class D fires involve combustible metal, such magnesium, sodium and potassium;

The most reactive combustible metals are alkali metals. Water causes these

metals to release hydrogen and a large amount of heat, causing the hydrogen to

ignite and explode. Even the moisture on your hand may cause thee metal to

react. Special dry-compound powders, such as powdered graphite and sodium

chloride, powdered talc, soda ash and limestone, are made to extinguish these

fire. In cases of emergency dry sand can be used.



Extinguishers should be placed in locations where they are easily seen and

aren't apt to be damaged. They should be hung at an appropriate height above

the floor within easy reach. These extinguishers come in sizes that allow for

easy handling, and there should be an adequate number of them in the area they

protect.



Most portable extinguishers are marked in order to classify the extinguisher.



Note to Discussion Leader:



Have a chart showing the classification symbol that appear on the four

different extinguisher.



It is important to know the location of telephones, extinguisher and alarm

boxes, since time wasted can increase the danger. Inadequately trained person

have sometimes failed to see an alarm box or telephone.



Note to Discussion Leader:



Inform employee of area where phones, alarm boxes and extinguishers are

located.



Even with a sprinkler system, extinguishers are useful, because they can

control the spread of a fire.



If you see a fire and know from experience that it can be controlled by an

extinguisher, a call for help can be postponed. But if after a few second the

fire is increasing, immediately call for assistance.



Note to Discussion Leader:



You may want to demonstrate how to operate the extinguishers used il your area.



The operation of extinguishers becoming simpler. All extinguishers made in the

United States and Canada operate by pulling the restraining pin and applying

the extinguishing agent by squeezing the trigger that controls the application

of the agent.



We must prevent and top unwanted fires that destroy lives, jobs and buildings.

In order to achieve this goal, all personnel must cooperate. Take the time to

put waste paper in the appropriate containers. And don't allow trash, such as

oily rags or paper, to accumulate. Since we cannot do without fire, we must be

careful about the ways we use things that could cause unwanted fires.

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