Fire extinguisher 101
A fire extinguisher seems like a relatively simple tool to use. Aim, squeeze, shoot, right?
Well, yes, but even a small fire could cause a brief panic. When your mind is racing, an easy way to remember fire extinguisher procedure is the acronym PASS.
P: Pull the pin
A: Aim at the base of the fire
S: Squeeze the lever
S: Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
It’s important to remember that fire extinguishers are divided into four classes. Class A involves materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. Class B involves flammable liquids such as everyday chemicals. Class C involves electricity. The most common lab extinguisher is ABC, which (you guessed it) works for all three classes. Class D fires involve metals and are extinguished with sand.
Every employee should have hands on experience with extinguishing a fire. Many facilities train outside using controlled flames and a CO2 extinguisher. However, a company by the name of BullEx has created a variety of fire training technology, which provides realistic response.
Want to double-check that you are adhering to OSHA’s fire safety standards? Click here.
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Terry Jo Gile
Terry Jo Gile, MT(ASCP), MA Ed.,The Safety Lady® has more than 40 years experience as a certified medical technologist. As president of her own consulting firm, Safety Lady LLC, she is a world renowned speaker and consultant who helps organizations create safety savvy laboratories. Click the links to visit her Web site and her blog.
Terry Jo has written 114 posts.
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