This presentation covers fire extinguishers, emergency planning, and

what to do in case of a fire.

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Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different kinds of

fire.

The four most common types of fire extinguishers are:

• Water

• Carbon dioxide

• Dry chemical, often referred to as multi-purpose

• Dry powder

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Water extinguishers put out fires involving ordinary combustible materials

such as:

• Cardboard and paper

• Cloth

• Trash

• Wood

Water extinguishers will have this icon on the label.

Think of A as standing for “ash”.

3

Carbon Dioxide or CO2 extinguishers put out fires involving:

Flammable liquids such as:

• Oils

• Gasoline

• Paints and Solvents

These materials are indicated by this icon on the label. Think of B

as standing for “barrel”.

Electrical Equipment such as:

• Fuse boxes

• Electrical wiring

• Computers and other energized electrical equipment

These materials are indicated by this icon on the label. Think of C

as standing for “circuits”.

4

Dry-chemical extinguishers – also called multi-purpose extinguishers are

suitable for use on fires involving:

• Ordinary combustibles

• Flammable liquids

• and Electrical equipment

Multi-purpose extinguishers will have all 3 icons on the label.

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Dry powder extinguishers contain sodium chloride and are suitable for

use on fires involving:

• Metal chips, turnings or shavings

• Combustible metals such as:

- Magnesium

- Aluminum

- Titanium

Dry powder extinguishers are usually painted yellow and have an icon

with the letter D on the label.

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Fire extinguishers should be checked monthly to make sure that they will

work properly. This should be noted on the tag on the extinguisher.

Make sure that:

• The tamper seal is intact

• The pull pin is present

• the cylinder pressure indicator is within the green area

Some extinguishers do not have a pressure gauge. When the seal and

the pin are in place, assume that the pressure is adequate.

7

Fire extinguishers present in the shop must be:

Placed in visible and marked locations

Not blocked or obstructed

In good condition

Suitable for the environment in which they are used and materials that

may catch fire.

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How to use a fire extinguisher:

Pull the pin.

Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handle or levers to release the extinguishing agent.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side, aiming at the base of the fire,

until the fire is out.

When using a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS.

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With custom-installed fire suppression systems, the extinguisher is

located outside the machine. However, the nozzle is positioned so that it

delivers the extinguishing agent very close to the point of machine

operation.

By comparison, ceiling-mounted sprinkler heads become activated when

a wire melts due to the heat generated by the fire. Usually, by the time the

fire is that large (hot), the contents of the room or shop have been mostly

destroyed.

Firetrace is a company that creates and installs these extinguisher

systems.

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In a machine shop, a fire can engulf a machine in a matter of minutes. By

the time the fire suppression system of the building is activated, the entire

machine and possibly the shop can be on fire.

When you operate a machine and notice a fire:

Stop the machine as quickly as possible.

Do not use compressed air or vacuum to clear the area.

Use a fire extinguisher only if:

- 911 has been called.

- You’ve been trained on how to use a fire extinguisher.

- The fire is small and easily contained.

- You have an escape route. This means the fire should not be

between you and the exit.

- Your instincts tell you it is OK. If you don’t feel comfortable using the

fire extinguisher – DON’T.

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In case of a fire, you may need to evacuate the building using emergency

exits.

Emergency exits should always be:

Easily accessible and not blocked.

Not locked from the inside when the shop is occupied.

Marked with an illuminated sign that remains lit even when the power

goes out.

Know where the emergency exits are located in your shop!

12

Every business should have an emergency plan that includes procedures

that inform you what to do in case of a:

Fire

Workplace accident

Medical emergency (such as a heart attack or loss of consciousness)

Severe weather (such as tornadoes)

Large chemical spill

Know what is expected of you.

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In summary:

There are different types of fire extinguishers.

When using a fire extinguisher remember the acronym PASS = Pull-

Aim-Squeeze-Sweep.

Fire extinguishers must be visible and not blocked.

Emergency exits must be unlocked and accessible.

Emergency plans tell you what to do in specific situations.

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