Questions and Answers
What is the first step in operating a fire extinguisher?
What type of occupancy has extremely high fire risks?
What should employees do in case of fire?
What type of fire hazard does an auto repair shop fall under?
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What is NOT a step in using a fire extinguisher?
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What type of fire hazard is Class B fire extinguisher designed to combat?
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What is the frequency of hydrostatic testing for water and foam extinguishers?
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What is the primary consideration when selecting a fire extinguisher?
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How often should a fire extinguisher be inspected?
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Where should fire extinguishers be placed?
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What type of fire extinguisher is used for cooking oils and greases?
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Study Notes
Fire Extinguisher Classification
- NFPA 10 categorizes fire extinguishers into five classes:
- Class A: Ordinary Combustibles (paper, wood, cloth, trash)
- Class B: Flammable Liquids (gasoline, oil, paint)
- Class C: Electrical Equipment (appliances, wiring, circuit breakers)
- Class D: Combustible Metals (magnesium, titanium, sodium)
- Class K: Cooking Oils and Greases (kitchen fires)
Inspection And Maintenance
-
Monthly Inspection: Verify:
- Extinguisher is accessible and visible
- No obstructions or damage
- Pressure gauge is in the operable range
- Hose and nozzle are not damaged
-
Annual Maintenance: Perform:
- Inspection by a qualified technician
- Hydrostatic testing every 12 years
- Internal inspection and maintenance as needed
-
Six-Year Internal Inspection: Inspect:
- Extinguisher's internal components
- Clean and replace worn or damaged parts
-
Hydrostatic Testing: Test extinguisher's cylinder:
- Every 12 years for water and foam extinguishers
- Every 6 years for dry chemical extinguishers
Selection And Placement
-
Selecting Extinguishers: Choose extinguishers based on:
- Type of hazard present
- Size of the area to be protected
- Accessibility and visibility
-
Placement: Place extinguishers:
- Along normal paths of travel
- Near exits
- In areas with high fire hazards
- At least one extinguisher per 3,000 sq. ft. (maximum 30 ft. travel distance)
Operational Procedures
-
Pass: Ensure employees know:
- P - Pull the safety pin or ring
- A - Aim the nozzle or hose
- S - Squeeze the handle
- S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side
- Evacuation: Ensure employees know evacuation procedures in case of fire
- Calling the Fire Department: Ensure employees know to call the fire department in case of fire
Types Of Fire Hazards
- Ordinary Hazards: Offices, schools, hotels, and other general-purpose occupancies
- Extra Hazards: Industrial and commercial occupancies with higher fire risks (e.g., manufacturing, woodworking, and auto repair)
- High Hazards: Occupancies with extremely high fire risks (e.g., chemical processing, flammable liquids storage, and explosives manufacturing)
Fire Extinguisher Classification
- Fire extinguishers are categorized into five classes based on the type of fire they are designed to put out
- Class A extinguishers are used for ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, and trash
- Class B extinguishers are used for flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and paint
- Class C extinguishers are used for electrical equipment such as appliances, wiring, and circuit breakers
- Class D extinguishers are used for combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, and sodium
- Class K extinguishers are used for cooking oils and greases, typically found in kitchen fires
Inspection And Maintenance
- Fire extinguishers require regular monthly inspections to ensure they are accessible, visible, and in good working condition
- During monthly inspections, verify that the pressure gauge is in the operable range and that there are no obstructions or damage to the hose and nozzle
- Annual maintenance requires a qualified technician to perform an inspection, hydrostatic testing every 12 years, and internal inspection and maintenance as needed
- Six-year internal inspection involves inspecting the extinguisher's internal components, cleaning and replacing worn or damaged parts
- Hydrostatic testing is required every 12 years for water and foam extinguishers, and every 6 years for dry chemical extinguishers
Selection And Placement
- Fire extinguishers should be selected based on the type of hazard present, the size of the area to be protected, and accessibility and visibility
- Extinguishers should be placed along normal paths of travel, near exits, and in areas with high fire hazards, with at least one extinguisher per 3,000 sq.ft. and a maximum travel distance of 30 ft.
Operational Procedures
- Employees should know the PASS method for operating fire extinguishers: Pull the safety pin or ring, Aim the nozzle or hose, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the nozzle from side to side
- Employees should also know evacuation procedures in case of a fire and how to call the fire department
Types Of Fire Hazards
- Ordinary hazards include offices, schools, hotels, and other general-purpose occupancies with a low to moderate risk of fire
- Extra hazards include industrial and commercial occupancies with a higher risk of fire, such as manufacturing, woodworking, and auto repair
- High hazards include occupancies with an extremely high risk of fire, such as chemical processing, flammable liquids storage, and explosives manufacturing
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Description
Identify the different classes of fire extinguishers and understand the importance of regular inspection and maintenance to ensure their effectiveness in putting out fires. Learn about the NFPA 10 guidelines and more.
