10/01/11
Some Facts about Fire Safety

Fire Prevention Week is in October. One way to celebrate is to know how to use your fire extinguisher. Fire is one of the most common types of emergency a park district may face. Portable fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Since fire can spread rapidly, the number one priority for people is to evacuate. However, a critical decision in planning for this emergency situation is to determine whether employees should fight a fire with a portable fire extinguisher.

Fires that can be extinguished with portable fire extinguishers:

• The fire is contained in a wastebasket, small area, and is not growing.
• The fire is limited to the original materials it ignited.
• The oxygen is not depleted in the room.
• Flames are not higher than the firefighter's head.
• Visibility is good. Smoke may be gathering on the ceiling.
• As the firefighter uses the extinguisher, there is a clear evacuation path behind him/her.

Fires that should not be extinguished with portable fire extinguishers:

• The fire cannot be reached from a standing position.
• The environment is too hot or smoky.
• Radiated heat is easily felt, making it hard to approach a fire within adequate range of using the extinguisher (about 10–15 feet).
• Fire has spread over 60 square feet and involves flammable solvents, is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling.
• Respiratory protection is needed to fight the fire.
• Visibility is decreasing quickly. Smoke is filling the room.
• The evacuation path is blocked by fire, heat or smoke.

There are various types of fires, which are classified according to fuel:

Class A: ordinary solid combustibles such as wood, paper and cloth
Class B: liquids, gases (kerosene, propane, grease)
Class C: electrical fires
Class D: combustible metals (magnesium, sodium, titanium, potassium)

Only Class A fires can be put out with water. It may work for some Class B fires, but not for any in Classes C and D. Verify that the type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for the type of fire.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER OPERATION
Instructions for different models vary somewhat. Read and understand the operating instructions on the fire extinguisher prior to an emergency. During a fire is not the time to stop and read the directions. Remember the word PASS:

Pull and twist the pin.
Aim the hose at the bottom of the fire.
Squeeze the trigger.
Sweep back and forth.

Knowing how to operate the extinguisher is not the end of training. Employees, if appropriate, should sound the fire alarm and call the fire department. Before approaching the fire, an evacuation route needs to be determined and should not be blocked. Use the PASS system to discharge the fire extinguisher. If the extinguisher becomes empty and the fire is not out, evacuate immediately.

Fire extinguishers are meant to handle small fires. Employees need to know when and how to evacuate an area if a fire becomes too large or the environment becomes too dangerous. Every workplace should have a fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

Remember, fire is FAST! There is little time! In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Fire is HOT! A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperature in a fire can be 100 degree at floor level and rise to 600 degrees Fahrenheit at eye level. This heat can melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes, a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once. This is called flashover.

Routine inspections of portable fire extinguishers help ensure that they will be available and functional when the need for them arises. At a minimum, monthly visual inspections and annual documented professional inspections should be conducted.