Portable Fire Extinguishers

Before you need to use a fire extinguisher read the label to make sure you fully understand the type of fire extinguisher it is and for which types of fires it is appropriate and safe to use on.

For example, standard water extinguishers should not be used on electricity. However, foam and dry water mist extinguishers, though water based, can be safely used on electrical fires, as long as they had the dielelctrical test up to 35000V (also written 35kV) carried out and as long as you keep a safety distance of 1m from the electrical fire. Nevertheless, it is good practice to try to switch off the electric supply before tackling a fire caused by electricity with any extinguisher.

Before you can operate most portable extinguishers you need to remove the safety pin. With hose reels you may have open a water valve before it can be used. Make sure that before you tackle a fire you are between the fire and exit or escape route.

• Water
• Water Spray
• Water Mist (Dry Water Mist)
• Dry Powder (Multi-Purpose)
• Dry Powder (Special Powders)
• Foam (AFFF)
• Carbon Dioxide
• Wet Chemical
• Fire Blanket
• Hose Reel
• Fire Bucket

Water Extinguisher

	Signal Red
	Best For
	Fires involving organic solid materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics, Coal etc.
	Danger
	Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances
	How to Use
	Point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.
	How it Works
	Water has a great effect on cooling the fuel surfaces and thereby reducing the pyrolysis rate of the fuel

Water Spray Extinguisher (Water with additive)

	Signal Red
	Best For
	Fires involving organic solid materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics, Coal etc. These offer significantly improved fire fighting capability than traditional jet type water fire extinguishers. Available in 3 and 6 litres.
	Danger
	Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances
	How to Use
	Point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.
	How it Works
	Water has a great effect on cooling the fuel surfaces and thereby reducing the pyrolysis rate of the fuel. Instead of a jet nozzel a spray nozzel is used, with a higher pressure, which creates a fine spray. This allows for a given quantity of water to have a considerable increase in the surface area presented to the fire. This makes extinguishing more efficient by more rapid extraction of heat, formation of steam etc. They can also contain surfactants which help the water penetrate deep into the burning material which increase the effectiveness of the extinguisher.

Water Mist Extinguisher (‘Dry’ Water Mist)

	Signal Red on a White Background
	Best For
	The first broad spectrum extinguisher to tackle A, B, C rated risks as well as fats, deep fat fryers (Class F). Models with dielectric test to 35k Volt can be safely used on electrical fires (up to 1000 Volt) if a safety distance of 1m is adhered to, as their mist (de-ionised water) does not conduct electricity and the extinguisher does not normally form puddles, which could conduct electricity.
	Danger
	na
	How to Use
	Point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.The fire draws the microscopic water particles into the fire
	How it Works
	Water is turned into microscopic particles in the supersonic nozzle. The water mist is drawn to the fire where it cools and suffocates the fire. The mist also forms a safety barrier between user and fire, which keeps some of the heat back.

Powder Extinguisher (Multi-Purpose)

	Blue
	Best For
	Can be used on fires involving organic solids, liquids such as grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol, etc but not on chip or fat pan fires. Can also be used on gas fires.
	Danger
	Safe on live electrical equipment, although does not penetrate the spaces in equipment easily and the fire may re-ignite. This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and care should be taken that the fire does not flare up again. Smouldering material in deep seated fires such as upholstery or bedding can cause the fire to start up again. Do not use on domestic chip or fat pan fires.There is danger of inhalation if powder extinguishers are used within buildings.
	How to Use
	Point the jet or discharge horn at the base of the flames and, with a rapid sweeping motion, drive the fire towards the far edge until all the flames are out. If the extinguisher has a hand control, wait until the air clears and if you can still see the flames, attack the fire again.
	How it Works
	Similarly to almost all extinguishing agents the powders acts as a thermal ballast making the flames too cool for the chemical reactions to continue. Some powders also provide a minor chemical inhibition, although this effect is relatively weak. These powders thus provide rapid knockdown of flame fronts, but may not keep the fire suppressed.

Dry Powder Extinguisher (Special Powders)

	Blue
	Best For
	These specialist powder extinguishers are designed to tackle fires involving combustible metals such as lithium, magnesium, sodium or aluminium when in the form of swarf or powder. There are three special powders based on graphite, copper and sodium chloride.
	Danger
	Do not allow water to come in contact with the burning metal and the powder must be gently applied. Sodium Chloride is not recommended for Lithium.
	How to Use
	The lance enables the user to tackle fire at a safe distance and the low velocity applicator to reduce the energy of the jet allowing the powder to gently smother the surface of the burning material thus avoiding scattering of high temperature particles and stimulating the formation of a crust. The method of application is completely different from a standard extinguisher and user training is required. They are not suitable for use on live electrical fires.
	How it Works
	This extinguisher works by forming a crust which insulates the metal to prevent access to other combustible material nearby and smothering the fire to prevent oxygen from the atmosphere reacting with the metal

Foam Extinguisher (AFFF)

	Cream
	Best For
	Fires involving solids and burning liquids, such as paint and petrol but not suitable for chip or fat pan fires. Safe on fires caused by electricity if tested to 35kV (dielectric test) and a 1m safety distance is adhered to.
	Danger
	Do not use on chip or fat pan fires.
	How to Use
	For fires involving solids, point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out. For fires involving liquids, do not aim the jet straight into the liquid. Where the liquid on fire is in a container, point the jet at the inside edge of the container or on a nearby surface above the burning liquid. Allow the foam to build up and flow across the liquid.
	How it Works
	They are mainly water based, with a foaming agent so that the foam can float on top of the burning liquid and break the interaction between the flames and the fuel surface.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

	Black
	Best For
	Live electrical equipment, although it allows re-ignition of hot plastics. Now mainly used on large computer servers, although care has to be taken not to asphyxiate people when using the extinguisher in small server rooms.
	Danger
	Do not use on chip or fat pan fires, as it carries burning fat out of container. This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and you need to ensure that the fire does not start up again. Fumes from CO2 extinguishers can asphyxiate if used in confined spaces: ventilate the area as soon as the fire has been controlled.Only use CO2 extinguishers with frost-free horns, as the hand holding the horn can otherwise be frozen to the horn, as the gas is getting very cold during the discharge.
	How to Use
	The discharge horn should be directed at the base of the flames and the jet kept moving across the area of the fire.
	How it Works
	Carbon dioxide extinguisher works by suffocating the fire. Carbon dioxide displaces oxygen in the air. However, once discharged, the CO2 will dissipate quickly and allow access for oxygen again, which can re-ignite the fire.

Wet Chemical

	Canary Yellow
	Best For
	Wet chemical fire extinguishers are ideal for Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter.
	Danger
	Check manufacturer’s instructions for suitability of use. These extinguishers are usually not recommended for class B fires such as petrol, although Gloria has produced a 3l wet chemical extinguisher with B rating.
	How to Use
	Apply the wet chemical using the extended applicator in slow circular movements, which give a gentle, yet highly effective application. Apply the fine spray onto the burning fat until the surface of the burning cooking oil changes into a soapy like substance which prevents re-ignition. The gentle application helps to prevent burning oil splashing out of the container. Make sure that you empty the entire content of the wet chemical extinguisher onto the oil/fat, as the fire can re-ignite otherwise.
	How it Works
	Most class F extinguishers contain a solution of potassium acetate, sometimes with some potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate. The extinguishers spray the agent out as a fine mist. The mist acts to cool the flame front, while the potassium salts saponify the surface of the burning cooking oil, producing a layer of foam over the surface. This solution thus provides a similar blanketing effect to a foam extinguisher, but with a greater cooling effect. The saponification only works on animal fats and vegetable oils, so most class F extinguishers cannot be used for class B fires. The misting also helps to prevent splashing the blazing oil. Tests have established that a 6 litre wet chemical fire extinguisher with a 75F rating can deal with a fat fire of maximum 0.11 m2 surface area.

Fire Blanket

	Fire Blanket Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering flammable liquid fires or for wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. Fire blankets conforming to British Standard BS EN 1869 : 1997 are suitable for use in the home BS 7944 : 1999 is suitable for industrial use. These will be marked to show whether they should be thrown away after use or used again after cleaning in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
	Best For
	Fires involving both solids and liquids. Particularly good for small clothing fires and for chip and fat pan fires providing the blanket completely covers the fire.
	Danger
	If the blanket does not completely cover the fire, it will not be able to extinguish the fire.
	How to Use
	Place carefully over the fire. Keep your hands shielded from the fire. Do not waft the fire towards you.
	How it Works
	Smothers the fire and prevents oxygen getting to the fire.

Hose Reel

	Hose Reel
	Best For
	Fires involving organic solid materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics, coal etc.
	Danger
	Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances before the electric supply has been isolated.
	How to Use
	Point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.
	How it Works
	Water has a great effect on cooling the fuel surfaces and thereby reducing the pyrolysis rate of the fuel

Fire Buckets

	A simple bucket of water can be used on Class A type of fires either to supplement a water extinguisher or as a first attack if an extinguisher is not immediately available. It also can be filled with dry sand and used as an absorbing agent or to dam a flow of flammable liquid. They do have serious disadvantages as they are often misused, left empty or allowed to be used as a refuse container.
	Best For
	Wood, Cloth, Paper, Plastics, Coal
	Danger
	Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances before the electric supply has been isolated.
	How to Use
	Throw at the base of the flames. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.
	How it Works
	Water has a great effect on cooling the fuel surfaces and thereby reducing the pyrolysis rate of the fuel

About Safety

Accident reporting

Any injury at work—no matter how small—must be reported immediately to your supervisor and receive first-aid attention. Serious conditions often arise from small injuries if they are not cared for at once.

Safety rules and guidelines

To ensure your safety, and that of your co-workers, please observe and obey the rules and   guidelines appropriate to the general populace or specific jobs:

• Observe and practice the safety procedures established for the job.
• In case of sickness or injury, no matter how slight, report at once to your supervisor. In no case   should an employee treat his or her own or someone else’s injuries or attempt to remove foreign   particles from someone else’s eye.
• In case of injury resulting in possible fracture to legs, back, or neck, or any accident resulting in     an unconscious condition, or a severe head injury, the employee is not to be moved until medical   attention has been given by authorized personnel.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry around machinery. It may catch on moving equipment and cause a serious injury.
• Never distract the attention of another person, as you might cause him or her to be injured. If necessary to get the attention of another person, wait until it can be done safely.
• Where required, you must wear protective equipment, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, hair nets, etc. appropriate to the task.
• Safety equipment such as restraints, pull backs, and two-hand devices are designed for your protection. Be sure such equipment is adjusted for you.
• Pile materials, skids, bins, boxes, or other equipment so as not to block aisles, exits, fire fighting equipment, electric lighting or power panel, valves, etc.Fire Doors and Aisles Must be Kept Clear!
• Keep your work area clean.
• Use compressed air only for the job for which it is intended. Do not clean your clothes with it, and   do not fool around with it.
• Observe “No Smoking” regulations.
• Shut down your machine before cleaning, repairing, or leaving it.
• Tow motors and lift trucks will be operated only by authorized personnel. Walk-type lift trucks will   not be ridden and no one but the operator is permitted to ride the tow motors.
• Do not exceed a speed that is safe for existing conditions.
• Running and horseplay are strictly forbidden.
• Do not block access to fire extinguishers.
• Do not tamper with electric controls or switches.
• Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly instructed and authorized to   do so by your supervisor.
• Do not engage in such other practices as may be inconsistent with ordinary and reasonable   common sense safety rules.
• Report any unsafe condition or acts to your supervisor.
• Help to prevent accidents.
• Use designated passages when moving from one place to another; never take hazardous     shortcuts (i.e., between moving equipment or across roadways).
• Lift properly—use your leg muscles, not your back muscles. For heavier loads, ask for     assistance.
• Do not adjust, clean, or oil moving machinery.
• Keep machine guards in their intended places.
• Do not throw objects.
• Clean up spilled liquid, oil, or grease immediately.
• Wear hard-sole shoes and appropriate clothing (i.e., shorts or mini dresses are not permitted).
• Place trash and paper in proper containers and not in cans provided for cigarette butts.
  
  

Safety checklist

It is every employee’s responsibility to be on the lookout for possible hazards. If you spot one of the conditions on the following list—or any other possible hazardous situation—report it to your supervisor immediately.

• Slippery floors and walkways
• Tripping hazards, such as hose links, piping, etc.
• Missing (or inoperative) entrance and exit signs and lighting
• Poorly lighted stairs
• Loose handrails or guard rails
• Open, loose or broken windows
• Dangerously piled supplies or equipment
• Unlocked doors and gates
• Electrical equipment left operating
• Open doors on electrical panels
• Leaks of steam, water, oil, other liquids
• Blocked aisles
• Blocked fire extinguishers, hose sprinkler heads
• Blocked fire doors
• Evidence of any equipment running hot or overheating
• Oily rags
• Evidence of smoking in non-smoking areas
• Roof leaks
• Directional or warning signs not in place
• Safety devices not operating properly
• Machine, power transmission, or drive guards missing, damaged, loose, or improperly placed
  
  

Safety equipment

Your supervisor will see that you receive the protective clothing and equipment required for your job. Use them as instructed and take care of them. You will be charged for loss or destruction of these articles only when it occurs through negligence.

Safety shoes

The organization will designate which jobs and work areas require safety shoes. Under no circumstances will an employee be permitted to work in sandals or open-toe shoes. A reliable safety shoe vendor will visit the entity periodically. Notices will be posted prior to the visits.

Safety glasses

The wearing of safety glasses by all shop employees and volunteers is mandatory. Strict adherence to this policy can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries.

Seat belts

All paid and volunteer staff must use seat belts and shoulder restraints (if available) whenever they operate a vehicle on organization business. The driver is responsible for seeing that all passengers in front and rear seats are buckled up.

Good housekeeping

Your work location should be kept clean and orderly. Keep machines and other objects (merchandise, boxes, shopping carts, etc.) out of the center of aisles. Clean up spills, drips, and leaks immediately to avoid slips and falls. Place trash in the proper receptacles. Stock shelves carefully so merchandise will not fall over upon contact.