A portable fire extinguisher is the first defense in controlling a fire when it first starts. This is only true if the fire extinguisher is easily accessible, in proper working order and the employee is trained on how to properly use it. Time is of the essence when a fire begins. Employees cannot afford to waste time looking for an extinguisher after a fire is first noticed. All employees should know where the fire extinguishers are in the common areas where they work.

There are differences in the types of fire extinguishers that are located in our facility. Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they are designed to put out. The various types that you may see are shown on the handout provided with this training.

All fire extinguishers will be inspected periodically to ensure they are in proper operating condition. Defective equipment will be replaced immediately. The inspection process will include— checking to ensure that they are readily accessible, easily identified, and are properly charged—this can be done by seeing if the yellow needle is inside the green area on the gauge. Our fire extinguishers are serviced on an annual basis by Columbus Fire and Safety.

Before deciding to fight a fire, be certain that:

·         The fire is small and not spreading. Keep in mind that a fire can double in size within two or three minutes.

·         You have the proper fire extinguisher for what is burning.

·         The fire won't block your exit if you can't control it. A good way to ensure this is to keep the exit at your back.

·         Your fire extinguisher works. Inspect extinguishers once a month for dents, leaks or other signs of damage. Make sure that the pressure is at the recommended level. Remember, when extinguishers are equipped with a gauge, the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.

Once you decide to fight the fire, you need to know how to properly use the extinguisher. The easiest way to remember the steps of using a fire extinguisher is by using the P.A.S.S. method.

Pull out the pin that secures the handle (lever).

Aim the nozzle the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handle (lever) to discharge the extinguisher

Sweep the nozzle side to side across the base of the fire and work into it.

Once the fire is out, make sure you back away from the area while watching for re-ignition of the fire.

Remember, any sort of fire will produce some amount of carbon monoxide—the deadliest gas produced by a fire. Materials such as wool, silk, nylon and some plastics can produce other highly toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, or hydrogen chloride. Beware—all of these can be fatal!

Fire can create huge destructions in the workplace! Fire destructions vary—from causing minor injuries and destruction of property to destroying our company and taking our lives.  The purpose of this training topic is to familiarize you with the three major components of our company’s Fire Protection and Prevention program so that you will know how to control or eliminate exposure to fire. The bottom line is we want to keep you and our company safe!

The three components of our Fire Prevention plan consist of company responsibilities—this includes our recognition of fire hazards, the storage of flammable and/or combustible materials, and fire control procedures. Remember, it is the duty of every employee to assist the company in the execution of our Fire Prevention plan and doing your best to keep our work place fire free! Every employee is accountable for identifying potential fire hazards and other ignition sources and for establishing proper storage and handling of flammable or combustible materials on each job site.

OSHA requires that fire safety inspections be conducted periodically and in accordance with our regularly scheduled inspection intervals.  In addition, monthly spot checks will be done on all fire suppression equipment to make sure that present inventory meet compliance standards. Compliance standards include ensuring that the equipment that is free from damage and expiration.

Inspections shall be used to identify and/or review any open flames, smoking areas, operations or other potential fire hazards or ignition sources. We want to ensure that proper control measures have been put in place to prevent the potential for fires within our facility.  We will also use these inspections to determine if less hazardous equipment or materials may be substituted to further reduce our exposure and to confirm constant enforcement of the program.

Outlined procedures for proper storage and transporting of flammable and/or combustible materials:

·         Ensure that all flammable and combustible materials are kept in closed containers and properly stored in fire-proof cabinets and;

·         Flammable and combustible materials are transported using our company vehicle are secured when not being used and;

·         When using materials that react with water, to remember not to store them in the same room or cabinet with flammable and/or combustible materials and;

·         Not to use any combustible and/or flammable materials adjacent to any open flame or other source of ignition—including the path of any vapor travel, when applicable and;

·         Not to store any flammable and/or combustible materials in a way that would limit the use of exits, stairways, or areas that are regularly used as a departure from our facility and;

·         Finally, to IMMEDIATELY CLEAN UP all spills or leakages from flammable and/or combustible materials and to dispose of it promptly and safely.