1. .

2. Objectives
Upon completion of this training module, you will be able to:
 Describe how fires start.
 Explain how fires are classified.
 Know how to prevent fires.
 Know when not to fight a fire.
 Extinguish small fires.
 Identify the proper fire extinguisher.
 Identify different types of fire extinguishers.
 Know how to use a portable fire extinguisher.
 What to do after using a fire extinguisher.
 Know how to evacuate a burning building.
 What to do if a person is on fire.
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3. How Fires Start
Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid burning of a fuel. Fire needs
three elements to occur: fuel, oxygen and heat.
Fuel can be any combustible material - solid, liquid or gas.
Most solid and liquids become a vapor or gas before they will burn.
The air we breath is about 21 percent oxygen. Fire only needs
an atmosphere with at least 16 percent oxygen.
Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel
to a point where sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur.
A fire can happen only when these three elements are present.
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4. How Fires Start
continued
Chain Reaction - a chain reaction can occur when the three elements of fire are
present in the proper conditions and proportions.
Most fires can be extinguished by removing one of these components
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5. How Fires Are Classified
Four (4) classes
CLASS A
Class A fires consist of ordinary combustibles or fibrous materials
such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and some plastics.
CLASS B
Class B fires include flammable or combustible liquids, greases or
gases such as gasoline, kerosene, paint and solvents.
CLASS C
Class C fires consist of energized electrical equipment such as
appliances, switches, panel boxes and power tools.
CLASS D
Class D fires consist of combustible metals such as magnesium,
. titanium, potassium and sodium.

6. How To Prevent Fires
Class A - Ordinary Combustibles
• Keep working and storage areas free of trash (Housekeeping)
• Place oily rags and absorbents in proper containers
• Keep combustibles away from heat sources
Class B - Flammable Liquids or Gases
• Do not refuel gasoline-powered equipment in confined areas
• Turn off equipment before refueling
• Keep flammable liquids stored in a tightly close, self closing, spill
proof container
• Pour only what you need from storage drums.
• Store flammable liquids away from spark- producing sources.
• Use flammable liquids only in well-ventilated areas.
• Make sure transfer containers are grounded.
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7. How To Prevent Fires
continued
Class C - Electrical Equipment
• Do not overload wall outlets. Two outlets should have no more
than two plugs.
• Look for old wiring and broken electrical fittings.
• Prevent motors from overheating by keeping them clean.
• Utility lights should always have some type of wire guard on them.
• Do not install a higher rated fuse than specified for a circuit.
• Investigate any electrical equipment that smells strange, unusual.
odors can be the first sign of fire.
Class D - Flammable Metals (Grindings and Powders)
• Keep very hot heat sources away from flammable metals.
• Keep pure metals (potassium, sodium) away from water.
• Keep a Class D fire extinguisher near all flammable metal work areas.
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8. When Not to fight a fire
Never fight a fire if:
 The fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started.
 If you can’t fight the fire with your back to an escape exit.
 The fire could block your only escape.
 You do not have adequate fire-fighting equipment
If any of these situations exist, do not fight the fire
yourself. Call For Help! Remember to call 911
when fighting any type of fire.
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9. Extinguishing small fires
Before you consider fighting a fire:
 Call the fire Department (Dial 911).
 Make sure your home is evacuated.
 Determine whether the fire is small and is not spreading.
 Confirm you have a safe path to an exit not threatened by
the fire
 Know how to use a fire extinguisher.
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10. Identifying The Proper Fire Extinguisher
 The class rating are shown on the extinguisher faceplate.
 Some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB, BC
and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than
one type of fire.
 The size of the extinguisher must be considered. The larger the fire
extinguisher, the larger the fire it can be used on.
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11. Identifying Different Types of Fire Extinguisher
ABC-Rated Dry Chemical Extinguishers
These extinguishers are usually rated for multi purpose (ABC)
use. They contain a dry powder extinguishing agent and use a
compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant.
Water Extinguishers
These extinguishers contain water and compressed gas and
should only be used on Class A (ordinary combustible) fires.
Never use a water extinguisher on a Class C electrical fire.
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12. Identifying Different Types of Fire Extinguisher
continued
CO2 Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers are most effective on Class B and C
(flammable liquids and electrical) fires. Since the gas
disperses quickly, these extinguishers are only effective
from 3 to 8 feet. Co2 extinguisher are distinguished by
their tapered nozzle (horn) and are very heavy.
Class D Extinguishers
Contains a specially blended Sodium Chloride based
dry powder agent. Heat from the fire causes it to cake
and form a crust excluding air and dissipating the heat
from the burning metal. To be used on Class D metal
fires only.
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13. Using A Portable Fire Extinguisher
It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can
remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze,
and Sweep.
P A S S
PULL PIN AIM AT BASE SQUEEZE SWEEP
OF FIRE HANDLE
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14. WHAT TO DO AFTER USING A PORTABLE
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
 ABC -rated dry chemical extinguishers will NOT hold a charge after
even a partial use.
 After any use, an ABC-rated , BC-rated or D-rated extinguisher
MUST be serviced and recharged
 You cannot test these types of extinguishers and put them back in
their storage areas for future use.
 Only an authorized extinguisher service company can recharge an
extinguisher. Notify the Safety Dept. on all unserviceable
extinguishers.
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15. KNOW HOW TO EVACUATE A BURNING BUILDING
 Proceed to the nearest exit as outlined on the Evacuation Rout Maps
 Do not lock the door if you are the last one out. This hinders the fire
departments search and rescue efforts
 Stay low to avoid smoke and toxic gases. The best air is close to the
floor, so crawl if necessary.
 Never use an elevator under any circumstances.
 Once outside report to your designated assembly areas.
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16. WHAT TO DO IF A PERSON IS ON FIRE
Remember the three steps if you should catch on fire:
 STOP - where you are
 DROP - to the floor
 ROLL - around on the floor
This will smother the flames possibly saving your life
If a co-worker or someone else catches on fire, smother the flames by
wrapping a jacket, blanket or rug around them to smother the flames.
REMEMBER TO STOP, DROP AND ROLL
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