1. WELCOME
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157
FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING
CORPORATE SAFETY TRAINING

2.  Discuss How Fires are Initiated.
 Discuss How Fires are Classified.
 Discuss Extinguisher Responsibilities.
 Discuss How to Extinguish Small Fires.
 Discuss How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher.
 Discuss How to Inspect a Portable Fire Extinguisher.
 Discuss How to Identify the Proper Fire Extinguisher.
COURSE OBJECTIVES

3. BASIS FOR THIS COURSE
 Employers are Responsible for Employee Safety.
 Fire is One of the Most Common Industrial Accidents.
 3 Billion Dollars Per Year Are Lost Due to Fire.
 300 Workers Per Year Lose Their Lives Due to Fire.
 Training Greatly Lessens the Probability of Fire.
 This Training Helps Improve:
 Safety
 Morale
 Productivity
 Employee well-being
ACME FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

4. WHY WE NEED
FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING
Over 150 Major Fires Occur in Workplaces on an
Annual Basis. Fire Is the Third Leading Cause of
Accidental Deaths in the United States. OSHA 29
CFR 1910.157 (Portable Fire Extinguishers and
Their Use) Requires That "Employers Shall Provide
Portable Fire Extinguishers and Shall Mount,
Locate, and Identify Them So That They Are
Readily Accessible to Employees Without
Subjecting Employees to Possible Injury."

5. 29CFR - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
1910 - INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
157 - PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
NFPA 10 - PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
NFPA 101 - LIFE SAFETY CODE
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
MSA

6. GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
 Assign Responsibility.
 Establish a Written Program.
 Conduct Fire Safety Training.
 Develop Fire Safety Procedures.
 Conduct Work Area Inspections.
 Maintain a Safe Work Environment.
 Conduct Regular Program Evaluations.
ALL EMPLOYERS MUST:

7. TRAINING IS IMPORTANT
 Reduce the Probability of Fire.
 Reduce Injury and Illness Rates.
 Acceptance of High-Turnover Jobs.
 Workers Feel Better About their Work.
 Reduce Workers’ Compensation Costs.
 Elevate OSHA Compliance to a Higher
Level.
A GOOD PROGRAM WILL HELP:

8. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
 SAFETY OFFICER:
 Manage the Fire Extinguisher Program.
 Schedule the proper training for employees.
 Update the program when necessary.
 Record and maintain training records.
 Ensure monthly/annual inspections are conducted.

9. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
 MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR:
 Replace used and damaged fire extinguisher(s).
 Notify Safety Officer of use or damage.
 Assist in Control of extinguishers.
 Mount extinguishers.
 Ensure installed equipment does not block.
 Assist in accessibility to extinguishers.

10. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
 DEPARTMENT AND FIRST LINE SUPERVISORS:
 Replace used and damaged fire extinguisher(s).
 Notify Safety Officer of use or damage.
 Assist in Control of extinguishers.
 Ensure installed equipment does not block access.
 Ensure employees are aware of where extinguishers
 are located.
 Ensure extinguishers are clean and are free from
obstructions.

11. MAINTAINING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS SHALL BE MAINTAINED:
 Numbered to identify their proper location.
 Maintain an extinguisher master list.
 Fully charged and in operable condition.
 Clean and free of defects.
 Readily accessible at all times.

12. UNAPPROVED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
 Portable extinguishers using carbon tetrachloride.
 Portable extinguishers using chlorobromomethane.
 Portable extinguishers that have soldered or riveted shells.
 Portable extinguishers using self-generating soda acid.
 Portable extinguishers using or self-generating foam.
 Portable extinguishers using gas cartridge water type.
 Portable extinguishers which are operated by inverting the
extinguisher to rupture the cartridge or to initiate an
uncontrollable pressure generating chemical reaction to expel
the agent shall be removed from the facility permanently.
 YOU MUST NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR IF YOU FIND:

13. INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND TESTING
 BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTINGUISHERS:
 Monthly visual inspections.
 Annual maintenance check.
 Twelve (12) year hydrostatic test.
 Six (6) year tear down maintenance.
 Extinguishers must be promptly recharged if used.
 Incompatible extinguishers must not be used.

14. THE MECHANICS OF FIRE
 THE FIRE TRIANGLE:
TAKE ANY COMPONENT AWAY AND FIRE CANNOT SURVIVE
FUELIGNITION
OXYGEN

15.  Electrical.
 Chemical.
 Thermal.
 Radioactive.
 IGNITION CAN BE:
Continued
THE MECHANICS OF FIRE

16.  Solid.
 Liquid.
 Gas.
 FUEL CAN BE:
Continued
THE MECHANICS OF FIRE
In order to combust the
right mixture of oxygen
and fuel must be present.
SOLID LIQUID GAS

17.  The fuel air mixture must be right.
 People need 19 percent to live.
 Fire only needs 16 percent.
 OXYGEN:
Continued
THE MECHANICS OF FIRE
OXYGEN
0
0
OXY
3
2

18. THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE
Portable fire extinguishers are provided for
employee use and selected and distributed
based on the classes of anticipated
workplace fires and on the size and degree
of the hazard which would affect their use.
Fire extinguishers are designed for four
classes of fires:
D

19.  Class - A Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, some plastics.
 Class - B Gasoline, kerosene, paint, propane.
 Class - C Electrical equipment.
 Class - D Metals like magnesium, titanium, sodium
 THERE ARE FOUR CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE:
THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE
D
Continued

20.  Keep storage and working areas free of trash.
 Place oily rages in covered containers.
 Control smoking in the area.
 Limit sources of possible ignition.
 Keep passages and fire doors clear at all times.
 Know the locations of fire extinguishers.
 CLASS “A” FIRES - ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES:
Continued
THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

21.  Consider nonflammable substitutes for cleaners.
 Ensure solvent tanks have fusible links on covers.
 Only refuel equipment in well ventilated areas.
 Properly store flammable liquids.
 Use flammable liquids only in well ventilated areas.
 Ensure storage drums are properly grounded.
 Restrict welding and cutting to authorized areas.
 CLASS “B” FIRES - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR GASES:
Continued
THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

22.  Inspect wiring and insulation frequently.
 Ensure motors are kept clean and lubricated.
 Be cognizant of unusual odors.
 Ensure outlets and connections are not overloaded.
 Never misuse fuses, look for correct rating.
 Keep motors free of dust and excess grease.
 Ensure machinery is properly maintained.
 CLASS “C” FIRES - ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT:
Continued
THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE

23.  Control dust and turnings.
 Follow established control procedures.
 Never use wet sand or water to extinguish fires.
 Moisture releases oxygen which can fuel the fire.
 Metal fires can burn up to 5000 degrees.
 Metals can be extremely difficult to extinguish.
 CLASS “D” FIRES - COMBUSTIBLE METALS:
Continued
THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE
D

24. ACME FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
IDENTIFYING THE PROPER FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
 LOOK AT THE FACEPLATE
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
MULTI-PURPOSE
DRY CHEMICAL

25. All Fire Extinguishers Used by This
Company Will Be Labeled in
Accordance With NFPA 10, Standard
for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
Locations Where Fire Extinguishers
Are Mounted Will Also Comply With
NFPA 10 for Labeling Purposes.
LABELING OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

26. USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 CHECK THE GAUGE
ACME FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

27. USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 PULL THE PIN
Continued
ACME FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

28. USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER
WHILE HOLDING THE
EXTINGUISHER UPRIGHT.
Continued
ACME FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

29. Continued
USING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 AIM THE EXTINGUISHER AT
THE BASE OF THE FLAMES.
 SWEEP SIDE TO SIDE.

30.  If you have no escape route.
 If the fire begins to significantly spread.
 If the extinguisher proves to be ineffective.
 If there is a choice between life and property.
 If you’re unsure if you can handle the situation.
 If you are injured and it will impede your escape.
 If the extinguisher is not designed for the type fire.
 If any drums, gases, and like materials are engulfed.
 WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP!:
WHEN NOT TO FIGHT A FIRE

31. HOW TO SELECT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 Nature of the combustibles or flammables.
 Potential severity of the resulting fire.
- size, speed of travel, intensity etc.
 Effectiveness of the extinguisher on the type material.
 The ease of the use of the fire extinguisher.
 The personnel available to operate the extinguisher.
 The physical and emotional ability of the user.
 SELECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEPENDS ON:

32. HOW TO SELECT A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 The ambient conditions (wind, drafts, fumes etc.).
 Adverse reactions of the extinguishing agent.
 Health and operational safety concerns.
 Upkeep and maintenance of the extinguisher.
 SELECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEPENDS ON:
Continued
D

33. METHODS OF EXTINGUISHER OPERATION
 FIVE METHODS ARE IN COMMON USE:
 Self-Expelling - Sufficient vapor pressure to expel
themselves.
 Gas Cartridge or Cylinder - A separate cylinder is activated
to pressurize the extinguisher to expel the agent.
 Stored Pressure - Extinguisher contents under content
constant pressure.
 Mechanically Pumped - The operator activates a pump to
expel the extinguishing agent.
 Hand Propelled - The use of scoops, pails, or buckets.

34. HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES
 Point the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire.
 Do not attempt to put out the flames.
 Cool the material below its ignition temperature.
 Soak fibrous material to prevent re-ignition.
 Establish a fire watch to ensure no re-ignition occurs.
 Use water, foam or multi-purpose dry chemicals.
 CLASS “A” FIRES - ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES:

35. HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES
Continued
 CLASS “B” FIRES - FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR GASES:
 Point the extinguishing agent at the base of the fire.
 Do not attempt to put out the flames.
 Attempt to prevent oxygenation of the fire.
 Close solvent tanks lids etc.
 Know that the fire may flare up momentarily.
 Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals and halon.

36. HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES
Continued
 CLASS “C” FIRES - ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT:
 Extinguishing agent cannot conduct electricity.
 Disconnect power to the source ASAP.
 Ensure the extinguisher doesn’t make contact.
 Do not attempt to use water based extinguishers.
 Electrical fires can effect circuitry “downstream”.
 Use carbon dioxide, dry chemicals and halon.

37. HOW TO EXTINGUISH SMALL FIRES
Continued
 CLASS “D” FIRES - COMBUSTIBLE METALS:
 Multi-purpose extinguishing agent leaves a residue.
 The agent cools the metal to below its ignition temp.
 These residues are harmful to electronic equipment.
 Attempt to prevent oxygenation of the fire.
 Use agents that deprive oxygen.
 Know that metal fires burn extremely hot (5000 deg.).
 Use carbon dioxide and halon.
D

38. INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:
 Inspect fire extinguishers once per month.
 Inspect more often if local fire codes require it.
 Have fire extinguishers serviced once per year.
 Service more often if local codes require it.
 Document the monthly inspections on the card.

39. INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 INSPECTION PROCEDURES:
 Know the locations of your fire extinguishers.
 Determine the likely types of fires in the area.
 Ensure the extinguisher is the right type (A.B.C.D.).
 Inspect for rust, dents or other signs of damage.
 Inspect the seal for tampering or previous use.
 Inspect the gauge and feel the weight.
 Is the extinguisher full of agent?
 Ensure the pin, nozzle and nameplate are intact.
 Report missing or damaged extinguishers.

40. Continued
DANGER
NO SMOKING
NO FUMAR
4
31
ACETYLENE
GAS
INSPECTION
CHECKLIST
ENSURE HAZARDOUS
AREAS HAVE FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS
POSITIONED FOR
READY USAGE.
INSPECTING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
INSPECT NOT ONLY
THE EXTINGUISHERS,
BUT ENSURE THAT
AREAS NEEDING
THEM HAVE THEM
ON HAND.
ACME FIRE
EXTINGUISHER