Means of EgressMeans of Egressand Fire Protectionand Fire Protection

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ObjectivesObjectives• Understand Alarms and Warning Devices

• Know the location of Exits and Exit Routes

• Understand the RACE and PASS Methods

• Understand the Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Know Proper Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers

NOT for Electrical Equipment fires

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Fire in the United StatesFire in the United States

The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. Fire killes more Americans than all natural disasters combined .

An average of 3,200 Americans lost their lives and another 17,500 were injured annually as the result of fire.

Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the home; at least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in residences.

Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $15.3 billion annually.

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Where Fires OccurWhere Fires Occur• There are over 1.5 million fires reported in the

United States annually, of these:

40% were Outside Fires

31% were Structure Fires

22% were Vehicle Fires

7 % were fires of other types

• Fires in the home most often start in the:

Kitchen 29%

Bedroom 13%

Living Room 7%

Chimney 5%

Laundry Area 4%

Warning AlarmsWarning AlarmsGeneral RequirementsGeneral Requirements

• Fire alarms are required if a fire could start without providing adequate warning to occupants.Alarms might include:

– Voice – yell for help/fire/Code Red– Public Address system (PA)– Alarm Pull Stations

Escape RouteEscape Route

• A continuous, unobstructed way of exit from any point in a building or structure to a rally point.

• Three parts to an escape route:the path of exit accessthe exit door or openingthe way of exit discharge.

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RACE Method of EvacuationRACE Method of Evacuation

R Remove all persons in danger!

A Always sound the alarm and notify authorities.

C Contain by closing the windows and doors.

E Extinguish the fire only if you are trained and confident it is safe to do so.

Portable Fire ExtinguisherPortable Fire ExtinguisherTraining and EducationTraining and Education

• Where portable fire extinguishers have been provided for employee use in the workplace, employees must be provided with an educational program on the:

General principles of fire extinguisher use

Hazards of incipient stage fire fighting

• Employees designated to use extinguishers must receive instruction and hands-on practice in the operation of equipment

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Types of Fire ExtinguishersTypes of Fire Extinguishers

Class A – ordinary combustibles

Class B – flammable liquids, gases, greases

Class C – energized electrical equipment

Class D – combustible metals

Class K – cooking media

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The Fire TriangleThe Fire Triangle

• Heat

• Fuel

• Oxygen

Extinguisher RatingExtinguisher Rating• All extinguishers are rated according to the class and size of the

fire they are designed for.

• Class A and B receive a numerical rating to determine the extinguishing potential for each type and size of extinguisher.

• Class C is basically a class A or B fire with electricity involved. The C designation indicates a non-conductive agent.

• Class D extinguishers have no numerical rating, however the exact type of metal the extinguisher is designed for must be on the label.

• Class K extinguishers have no numerical rating, and uses a special wet chemical extinguishing agent that is specially suited for extinguishing and suppressing these extremely hot fires that have the ability to re-flash.

Extinguisher RatingExtinguisher Rating

• Class A extinguishers are rated 1-A to 40-A. 1-A equals 1 1/4 gallons of water and is the benchmark even for non-water type extinguishers.

• 2-A has two times the extinguishing capability

of a 1-A, 10-A ten times a 1-A etc.

Extinguisher RatingExtinguisher Rating

• Class B extinguishers are rated 1-B to 640-B. 1-B equals one square foot and is the benchmark.

• A 60-B extinguisher should be able to extinguish 60 square feet of flammable liquid fire by a non-expert.

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Different Kinds of ExtinguishersDifferent Kinds of Extinguishers

The 3 most common fire extinguishers: All Purpose Water Carbon Dioxide Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical

Each type of extinguisher has a specific use.

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All Purpose WaterAll Purpose Water

• Use on CLASS A fires

• Pressurized water

• Pressure gauge present

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Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide

• Use on CLASS B and CLASS C fires• No pressure gauge

Caution!

Skin can freeze to the discharge horn during use.

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Multi-Purpose Dry ChemicalMulti-Purpose Dry Chemical

• Use on CLASS A, CLASS B, and CLASS C fires

• Fine powder under pressure

• Pressure gauge present

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Decision MakingDecision Making

Leave Leave ImmediatelyImmediately

Leave Leave ImmediatelyImmediately

Leave Leave ImmediatelyImmediately

Leave Leave ImmediatelyImmediately

Extinguish The FireExtinguish The Fire

Can I escape quickly and safely?

Is my extinguisher the right type?

Is my extinguisher the right size?

Is the area free of other hazards?

YES

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NO

NO

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Decision MakingDecision Making

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P.A.S.S MethodP.A.S.S Method

– Pull

– Aim

– Squeeze

– Sweep

Test the extinguisher before approaching any fire.

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Fire Suppression SafetyFire Suppression Safety

Do:

• Use safety equipment.

• Have two ways to exit.

• Maintain a safe distance.

• Overhaul the fire.

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Fire Suppression SafetyFire Suppression Safety

Do Not:

• Try to suppress large fires.

• Get too close.

• Enter smoke-filled areas.

Maintaining Portable Fire ExtinguishersMaintaining Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Must maintain in a fully charged and operable condition

• Must keep in their designated places at all times except during use

• Must conduct an annual maintenance check

• Must record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less

SummarySummary

• Be aware of, and understand, the alarms for fire in your work area.

• Escape routes must be marked, lighted, free of obstructions, that my impede or prevent escape

• Follow the steps for PASS and RACE

• Fire extinguisher classes and numerical ratings help a user understand its capabilities

• Fire extinguishers must be inspected, maintained and employees must be trained in how to use them