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FORT MEADE FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING
FORT MEADE FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING
We don’t want this to be you!(and it’s an OSHA requirement)
Why are we doing this training?
Goals of the Session
• Identify the different classes of fire• Visually identify different types of
extinguishers, and know how to select the correct one for each class of fire
• Know how to operate a fire extinguisher effectively
• Understand inspection, service, and maintenance requirements.
Classes of Fire
Fire Tetrahedron
Fire extinguishers come in many shapes and sizes
Some don’t even look like extinguishers
Pressurized Water Can Extinguisher
• Usually silver• Hose with tapered, narrow tip• Pressure gauge• Accessible hex nut collar• Most have air valve
• Removes HEAT from the fire
• FOR USE ON CLASS A FIRES ONLY
Dry Chemical Extinguisher
• Usually red• May or may not have a hose• Nozzles may be straight or slightly
flared• Pressure gauge
• Interrupts the CHEMICALCHAIN REACTION• YOU MUST CHECK THE
LABEL TO DETERMINE THE CLASS OF FIRE IT IS RATED TO EXTINGUISH
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher
• Usually red• May or may not have a flexible
hose• Nozzles consist of a large horn• No pressure gauge
• Excludes OXYGEN
• FOR USE ON CLASS B AND CFIRES ONLY
Wet Agent Extinguisher
• Usually silver• Hose with angled, metal tip• Pressure gauge• Accessible collar
• Excludes OXYGEN and removes HEAT
• FOR USE ON CLASS A AND K FIRES
When in doubt, check the label
Which one should you have in your home?
P.A.S.S., not Toss, not Throw
Pull the pin and discard
pull
Aim at the base of the fire
Squeeze handle
Sweep side to side
Afraid you won’t remember?
They provide instructions
Some Basic Extinguisher Guidelines
• REMEMBER, THE FIRST PRIORITY IS ALWAYS LIFE SAFETY!
• Make sure someone is calling the fire department prior to fighting the fire. Don’t delay emergency notification.
If the fire doesn’t go out after you use the first extinguisher, GET OUT!
Do not attempt to use multiple extinguishers.
If the flames are bigger than you, GET OUT!
If you just aren’t sure, GET OUT!
How much time do you have to put the fire out?• 20 pound extinguisher
25 – 30 seconds
• 10 pound extinguisher17 – 20 seconds
• 5 pound extinguishers12 – 15 seconds
• 2 ½ pound extinguishers8 – 12 seconds
All Fires MUST be reported !!!
Where to Hang Extinguishers
• Where they are visible and easily accessible
• Along paths of exit travel
• 4-5 feet above floor level
• In or near kitchens and common areas
Monthly Inspections• The extinguisher should be checked monthly– The extinguisher is present– The extinguisher is not blocked– The gauge is in the operable range– The pin and seal are present– The nozzle is not obstructed– The operating instructions are
legible– The extinguisher is not damaged– Fill out the check sheet
Maintenance Requirements
• Dry-Powder Extinguishers– Annual inspection by certified technician– 6-year internal maintenance by certified
technician– 12-year hydrostatic test
• Carbon Dioxide and Wet Agent Extinguishers– Annual inspection by certified technician– 5-year internal maintenance by certified
technician– 5-year hydrostatic test
Home Extinguisher Maintenance
• The extinguisher should be taken down twice a year, turned upside down, and struck with a rubber mallet to loosen the powder
• If an extinguisher becomes damaged or loses its charge, replace it
• Any discharge of a fire extinguisher, no matter how minor, will require it to be replaced
• Any extinguisher older than 12 years must be replaced
For any questions or assistance please feel free to contact:
Captain John Trottman(301) 677-6670
LET’S PLAY!!!
