TOOLBOX TALK
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Date:
Document no: IMS 311
Effective date: 10/2015
Revision: 3
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Fire prevention and good housekeeping go hand in hand for obvious
reasons, not only on the job- site but in the home and office as well.
Fires can start anywhere, at anytime, and this is why it's so important
to know how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, and also to know
which extinguisher to use for different types of fires.
CLASS 'A' FIRES - These fires consist of wood, paper, rags, rubbish
and ordinary combustible materials, the kinds of materials typically
found on a construction site. RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS -
Water, through use of a hose, pump-type water cans, pressurized
extinguishers, and (ABC) dry chemical extinguishers. FIGHTING
THE FIRE - Put lots of water on the fire and soak it completely, even
the embers.
CLASS 'B' FIRES - These consist of flammable liquids, oil and grease.
RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS - (ABC) dry chemical type, foam,
and carbon dioxide. Any of these will do a good job extinguishing the
fire. FIGHTING THE FIRE - Start at the base of the fire and use a
sweeping motion from left to right always keeping the fire in front of
you.
CLASS 'C' FIRES - are electrical fires, usually dealing with some
type of electrical equipment RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS -
Carbon dioxide and (ABC) dry chemical type. FIGHTING THE FIRE -
Use short bursts on the fire. When the electrical current is shut off
on "Class 'C' Fire, it can become a Class 'A' Fire if materials
around the original fire are ignited.
CLASS 'D' FIRES - Combustible metals. RECOMMENDED
EXTINGUISHERS - Special agents approved by recognized testing
laboratories. FIGHTING THE FIRE - Follow the fire extinguisher
manufacture's recommendations. Post emergency phone numbers at
each telephone, on the job and at home.
THE KEY TO ALL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IS KNOWING HOW
TO USE THEM BE SURE THEY'RE ALWAYS AVAILABLE IN YOUR
LATE TO GO SEARCHING FOR ONE WHEN A FIRE BREAKS OUT
