Fire Prevention and Use of Fire Extinguishers

1. Fire Preventionand Use of Fire Extinguishers This month’s safety training topic is fire prevention and use of a portable fire extinguisher in event of a fire. The fire extinguisher training you will receive here can be used at home in the event of a small fire in your kitchen, garage, or workshop. This month’s safety training topic is fire prevention and use of a portable fire extinguisher in event of a fire. The fire extinguisher training you will receive here can be used at home in the event of a small fire in your kitchen, garage, or workshop.

2. U.S. Fire Statistics – 2004 NFPA A Fire Department Responds to a Fire in the U.S. Every 20 Seconds 3900 Fatalities (One Every 135 Minutes) 17,785 Injuries (One Every 30 Minutes) Home Fires Account for 82% of the Fatalities 911 Calls (>2 Million Calls) 62% Request for Aid (EMS) 9% False Alarms 7% Fire-Related According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in the United States in the year 2004, a Fire Department responds to a fire every 20 seconds. Of these fires there were 3900 fatalities, which equals to one fire-related fatality every 135 minutes. There were over 17,000 fire-related injuries in 2004, which is equivalent to one fire-related injury every 30 minutes. Home fires account for 82% of the fire-related fatalities in the United States. In 2004 there were over 2 million calls to 911 operators. Of these calls: 62% were requests for Emergency Medical Services (EMS); 9% were false alarms calls; and 7% of the calls were fire-related calls.According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in the United States in the year 2004, a Fire Department responds to a fire every 20 seconds. Of these fires there were 3900 fatalities, which equals to one fire-related fatality every 135 minutes. There were over 17,000 fire-related injuries in 2004, which is equivalent to one fire-related injury every 30 minutes. Home fires account for 82% of the fire-related fatalities in the United States. In 2004 there were over 2 million calls to 911 operators. Of these calls: 62% were requests for Emergency Medical Services (EMS); 9% were false alarms calls; and 7% of the calls were fire-related calls.

3. U.S. Fire Statistics – 2004 NFPA Leading Cause of Non-Home Structured Fires Intentional Fire Setting Leading Cause of Fires in Mercantile Properties or Office Buildings: Lighting or Electrical Distribution Equipment The leading cause of non-home structured fires in 2004 were actually intentionally set fires, i.e., arson. In mercantile properties and office buildings, the leading cause of fires were actually due to lighting or electrical distribution equipment.The leading cause of non-home structured fires in 2004 were actually intentionally set fires, i.e., arson. In mercantile properties and office buildings, the leading cause of fires were actually due to lighting or electrical distribution equipment.

4. Potential Fire Hazards at Work Electrical Wiring/Heat Generating Appliances Kitchen Area Storage and Handling of Flammable/Combustible Materials Open Flames Vehicle Fires Here at UCOP potential fire hazards are: Electrical wiring, either from computers, printers, office equipment, or heat generating appliances such as coffee pots, microwave ovens, cup warmers, or toasters. These are typically found in the kitchen areas of the offices. The second potential fire hazard is storage of flammable or combustible materials, such as paper and cardboard boxes, There should not be flammable liquids in our offices. There is gasoline around in the gas tank of the vehicles which are parked in the garage. There should not be any open flames around except for the cooking areas of the café on the first floor of the building There are vehicles parked garages. At the 1111 Franklin Street location there was a vehicle fire several years ago. Here at UCOP potential fire hazards are: Electrical wiring, either from computers, printers, office equipment, or heat generating appliances such as coffee pots, microwave ovens, cup warmers, or toasters. These are typically found in the kitchen areas of the offices. The second potential fire hazard is storage of flammable or combustible materials, such as paper and cardboard boxes, There should not be flammable liquids in our offices. There is gasoline around in the gas tank of the vehicles which are parked in the garage. There should not be any open flames around except for the cooking areas of the café on the first floor of the building There are vehicles parked garages. At the 1111 Franklin Street location there was a vehicle fire several years ago.

5. Electrical/Heat Generating Equipment Computers/Printers Office Equipment Lights Appliances Coffee Makers Toasters Microwave Ovens Mug Warmers Heaters - Not Allowed Of all the potential fire hazards at UCOP, electrical and heat generating equipment are the most likely sources of creating a fire in an office environment. Every workstation/office there’s a computer, a monitor/LCD, and telephone. Depending on the person’s job duties, there may also be printers and calculators. People may also bring personal items such as cell phone chargers, PDAs, clocks, and radios. With all these electrical items, we need to be careful not to overload the electrical circuits by plugging in too many items into a single plug. There are also heat generating electrical appliances we commonly find in the kitchen areas – coffee makers, toasters, microwave ovens, and mug warmers. Space heaters are not allowed in UCOP buildings due to potential fire hazards. Space heaters can overload the electrical circuit. They can also be knocked over and cause a fire or be left on, unattended overnight and potentially cause a fire. Those are the reasons why space heaters are prohibited as part of the UCOP written fire prevention planOf all the potential fire hazards at UCOP, electrical and heat generating equipment are the most likely sources of creating a fire in an office environment. Every workstation/office there’s a computer, a monitor/LCD, and telephone. Depending on the person’s job duties, there may also be printers and calculators. People may also bring personal items such as cell phone chargers, PDAs, clocks, and radios. With all these electrical items, we need to be careful not to overload the electrical circuits by plugging in too many items into a single plug. There are also heat generating electrical appliances we commonly find in the kitchen areas – coffee makers, toasters, microwave ovens, and mug warmers. Space heaters are not allowed in UCOP buildings due to potential fire hazards. Space heaters can overload the electrical circuit. They can also be knocked over and cause a fire or be left on, unattended overnight and potentially cause a fire. Those are the reasons why space heaters are prohibited as part of the UCOP written fire prevention plan

6. For Prevention of Electrical/Heat Generating Fires Equipment UL Listed Plug Directly into Outlet Do Not Overload Outlets, Power Strips, or Surge Protectors One Power Strip/Surge Protector Should Not Plug into Another Power Strip Only One Power Strip or Surge Protector Per Duplex Outlet Maximum Cord Length for Surge Protectors and Power Strips – 6 Feet How can we prevent electrical fires? First is to be sure the electrical equipment is UL listed. UL listed means the electrical equipment has been tested by Underwriters Laboratory and was found to meet industry standards a specific type of electrical equipment. Next, if possible, plug the electrical equipment directly into the wall outlet. Power strips are commonly used, but using these strips, we are adding another layer of electrical wiring which can possibly overheat, short circuit, or eventually be subjected to wear and tear. Surge protectors are an exception because these are protectors which are designed to protect valuable electronic equipment from electrical surges which can damage the equipment. Third, is not to overload outlets, power strips and surge protectors with too many electrical plugs. One surge protector should not be plugged into another surge protector. Also, one surge protector per duplex outlet wall plug. The maximum cord length for surge protectors/power strips is 6 feet. Which also means you should not be plugging additional extension cords to the surge protector to add more cord length.How can we prevent electrical fires? First is to be sure the electrical equipment is UL listed. UL listed means the electrical equipment has been tested by Underwriters Laboratory and was found to meet industry standards a specific type of electrical equipment. Next, if possible, plug the electrical equipment directly into the wall outlet. Power strips are commonly used, but using these strips, we are adding another layer of electrical wiring which can possibly overheat, short circuit, or eventually be subjected to wear and tear. Surge protectors are an exception because these are protectors which are designed to protect valuable electronic equipment from electrical surges which can damage the equipment. Third, is not to overload outlets, power strips and surge protectors with too many electrical plugs. One surge protector should not be plugged into another surge protector. Also, one surge protector per duplex outlet wall plug. The maximum cord length for surge protectors/power strips is 6 feet. Which also means you should not be plugging additional extension cords to the surge protector to add more cord length.

7. For Prevention of Electrical/Heat Generating Fires Shut Off Appliances/Equipment Periodically Inspect Wiring for Wear Care in Using Microwave Especially Popcorn Continuing on fire prevention…. At the end of the day, we should all make it a habit of shutting off all appliances, coffee pots, mug warmers, computers, printers, and copy machines. We should all periodically visually inspect the electrical wiring in our work area for signs of wear, frayed wiring, or loose connections. Replace any electrical wiring as soon as signs of wear and deterioration is noted. When using the microwave oven, we need to be careful heating up food items. This is especially true with popcorn. At times people sometimes pop the corn too long which results in the popcorn burning. This could end up catching fire or creating a lot of smoke which could set off the fire sprinklers. Continuing on fire prevention…. At the end of the day, we should all make it a habit of shutting off all appliances, coffee pots, mug warmers, computers, printers, and copy machines. We should all periodically visually inspect the electrical wiring in our work area for signs of wear, frayed wiring, or loose connections. Replace any electrical wiring as soon as signs of wear and deterioration is noted. When using the microwave oven, we need to be careful heating up food items. This is especially true with popcorn. At times people sometimes pop the corn too long which results in the popcorn burning. This could end up catching fire or creating a lot of smoke which could set off the fire sprinklers.

8. How a Fire Starts Three Components Fuel Heat Oxygen Need All Three to Start a Fire Fire Extinguishers Remove One or More of the Components Next we will talk about how a fire starts. In order to start of fire, we need 3 components, heat, oxygen, and fuel. If all three of these components are present, a fire will start. That is why they call this the fire triangle. To put out a fire, a fire extinguisher is used to remove one or more of the components of the fire triangle.Next we will talk about how a fire starts. In order to start of fire, we need 3 components, heat, oxygen, and fuel. If all three of these components are present, a fire will start. That is why they call this the fire triangle. To put out a fire, a fire extinguisher is used to remove one or more of the components of the fire triangle.

9. Types of Fire Extinguishers Most Common Extinguishers: Water Carbon Dioxide Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Each Extinguisher has Specific Use(s) The three most common types of portable fire extinguishers are: 1) Water; 2) Carbon dioxide; and 3) The Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Each type of fire extinguisher has a specified specific use which you would see on the label of the fire extinguisher. The three most common types of portable fire extinguishers are: 1) Water; 2) Carbon dioxide; and 3) The Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Each type of fire extinguisher has a specified specific use which you would see on the label of the fire extinguisher.

10. Common Types of Fires Class A - Wood, Paper, Cloth, Plastic, Rubber Class B - Flammable Liquids, Oil, Gasoline, Grease Class C - Electrical, Energized Electrical Equipment There are classifications for the types of fires. The three most common classifications are the A, B, and C type fires. Class A fires are materials like, wood, paper, cloth and other trash-like materials Class B fires are flammable liquids, oil, gasoline, and grease Class C fires are electrical type fires. There is a 4th type of fire, Class D, which are flammable metals, but this type of fire would not apply to UCOP operations so we will not discuss Class D fires as part of this safety meeting. There are classifications for the types of fires. The three most common classifications are the A, B, and C type fires. Class A fires are materials like, wood, paper, cloth and other trash-like materials Class B fires are flammable liquids, oil, gasoline, and grease Class C fires are electrical type fires. There is a 4th type of fire, Class D, which are flammable metals, but this type of fire would not apply to UCOP operations so we will not discuss Class D fires as part of this safety meeting.

11. Use of Fire Extinguishers Water Extinguisher Class A (Wood, Paper, Cloth, Plastics, Rubber) Carbon Dioxide Class B (Flammable Liquids) and Class C (Electrical) Multiple Purpose Dry Chemical Class A, B, & C, or Class B & C Only What types of portable fire extinguishers should you use for the different types of fires? You should check the label on the extinguisher and it will tell you which types of fires you can use that particular type of extinguisher for. The water extinguisher can be used only for type A (wood, paper, cloth, plastics, and rubber) type fires. Water removes the “heat” element of the fire triangle. It would be dangerous to use a water fire extinguisher on a flammable liquid (Type B) fire or an electrical (Type C) fire. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can be used on Class B (flammable liquid) fires or Class C (electrical) fires. The carbon dioxide removes the oxygen portion of the fire triangle. The reason why you cannot use the carbon dioxide extinguisher on wood or paper type fires is because the carbon dioxide may initially put out the flame, but the wood or paper may smother and reignite after the carbon dioxide dissipates. Never use the carbon dioxide in a confined space because it may displace the oxygen. The most common type of fire extinguisher is the multiple purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. Dry chemical extinguishers put out fires by coating the fuel with a thin layer of fire retardant powder, separating the fuel from the oxygen. Dry chemical extinguishers are usually rated ABC or BC only. What types of portable fire extinguishers should you use for the different types of fires? You should check the label on the extinguisher and it will tell you which types of fires you can use that particular type of extinguisher for. The water extinguisher can be used only for type A (wood, paper, cloth, plastics, and rubber) type fires. Water removes the “heat” element of the fire triangle. It would be dangerous to use a water fire extinguisher on a flammable liquid (Type B) fire or an electrical (Type C) fire. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can be used on Class B (flammable liquid) fires or Class C (electrical) fires. The carbon dioxide removes the oxygen portion of the fire triangle. The reason why you cannot use the carbon dioxide extinguisher on wood or paper type fires is because the carbon dioxide may initially put out the flame, but the wood or paper may smother and reignite after the carbon dioxide dissipates. Never use the carbon dioxide in a confined space because it may displace the oxygen. The most common type of fire extinguisher is the multiple purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. Dry chemical extinguishers put out fires by coating the fuel with a thin layer of fire retardant powder, separating the fuel from the oxygen. Dry chemical extinguishers are usually rated ABC or BC only.

12. Numbers on Fire Extinguisher Front of the Letter “A” Equals to the Equivalent Number of Units for 1.25 Gallons of Water 2A Equals 2.5 Gallons of Water (2 X 1.25) Front of the Letter “B” Area in Square Feet That a Non-Expert is Able to Extinguish a Class B Fire 10B Equals 10 Square Feet When you look at a fire extinguisher label you will see numbers in front of the A letter and the B letter. What do those number mean? The number in front of the A rating indicates how much water the extinguisher is equal to and represents 1.25 gallons of water for every unit of one. For example, a 2-A rated extinguisher would be equal to 2.5 (2 x 1.25) gallons of water.  The number in front of the B rating represents the area in square feet of a class B fire that a non-expert user should be able to extinguish. So a 10-B would indicate that the extinguisher can be used on a fire up to 10 square feet.When you look at a fire extinguisher label you will see numbers in front of the A letter and the B letter. What do those number mean? The number in front of the A rating indicates how much water the extinguisher is equal to and represents 1.25 gallons of water for every unit of one. For example, a 2-A rated extinguisher would be equal to 2.5 (2 x 1.25) gallons of water. 

13. How to Use A Fire Extinguisher Sound Fire Alarm/Contact Fire Dept. Identify Safe Evacuation Path Before Approaching the Fire Do Not Allow Fire/Smoke to Come Between You & Evacuation Exit Select Proper Type Fire Extinguisher Discharge Extinguisher Using P.A.S.S. Back Away From a Fire (May Flare Up) If there is a fire and you decide it is small enough that you feel comfortable to attempt to use the fire extinguisher, these the steps: Sound the fire alarm and/or contact (or have someone contact) the fire department. Identify a safe path of exit before approaching the fire. You should make sure that the fire, or the smoke coming from the fire does not come between you and you evacuation exit. Select the proper type of fire extinguisher. Look at the label and make sure it is the proper extinguisher to use for the type of fire. Next is to discharge the fire extinguisher, using the P.A.S.S. method, which we will discuss two slides from now. If the fire is out, back away from the fire, with the front still facing the fire. You never want to turn your back to a fire because the fire may flare up again. If there is a fire and you decide it is small enough that you feel comfortable to attempt to use the fire extinguisher, these the steps: Sound the fire alarm and/or contact (or have someone contact) the fire department. Identify a safe path of exit before approaching the fire. You should make sure that the fire, or the smoke coming from the fire does not come between you and you evacuation exit. Select the proper type of fire extinguisher. Look at the label and make sure it is the proper extinguisher to use for the type of fire. Next is to discharge the fire extinguisher, using the P.A.S.S. method, which we will discuss two slides from now. If the fire is out, back away from the fire, with the front still facing the fire. You never want to turn your back to a fire because the fire may flare up again.

14. How to Use A Fire Extinguisher(Continued) Evacuate Immediately If: Extinguisher is Empty & Fire Is Not Out; or Fire is Beyond Incipient Stage You should immediately evacuate if the fire extinguisher is empty and the fire is still not out, or if the fire is beyond the incipient (beginning) stage. You should immediately evacuate if the fire extinguisher is empty and the fire is still not out, or if the fire is beyond the incipient (beginning) stage.

15. P.A.S.S. 1. PULL - Pull the Pin (Breaks the Seal) 2. AIM – Aim Low, Pointing the Nozzle at the Base of the Flame 3. SQUEEZE – Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent 4. SWEEP – Sweep from Side to Side at Base of Fire Until It Appears to Be Out The P.A.S.S. method for using the fire extinguisher: .PULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal. AIM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire SQUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. .SWEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 - 4. If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY! The P.A.S.S. method for using the fire extinguisher: .PULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal. AIM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire SQUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. .SWEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 - 4. If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!

16. Decision to Use Extinguisher Feel Comfortable? Small Contained (Such as a Waste Basket) Do Not Use Extinguisher Flames Have Spread Solvents Smoke, Products of Combustion Uncontained, Fire and/or Heat/Smoke Block Evacuation Path If there is a fire, you need to make a decision if: 1) you should attempt to use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire; or 2) Just pull the fire alarm, close the door to contain the fire, and inform people to evacuate. The first question you should ask yourself, is do you feel comfortable attempting to put out the fire? If not, do not attempt to use the extinguisher. Factors to take into consideration are: 1) Is the fire small?; and 2) Is the fire contained? (such as in a waste basket) You do not want to attempt to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher if: The flames have spread; It is a fire involving solvents; Smoke, and products of combustion are in the room; or if the fire is uncontained and heat/smoke is blocking you evacuation path. If there is a fire, you need to make a decision if: 1) you should attempt to use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire; or 2) Just pull the fire alarm, close the door to contain the fire, and inform people to evacuate. The first question you should ask yourself, is do you feel comfortable attempting to put out the fire? If not, do not attempt to use the extinguisher. Factors to take into consideration are: 1) Is the fire small?; and 2) Is the fire contained? (such as in a waste basket) You do not want to attempt to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher if: The flames have spread; It is a fire involving solvents; Smoke, and products of combustion are in the room; or if the fire is uncontained and heat/smoke is blocking you evacuation path.

17. Fire Emergency Procedures Fire Alarm Pull Stations, Typically Located: Elevator Lobby Area; and/or Near the Emergency Exit Doors Leading to the Stairwells Call 9-911, Then Contact Security 79790 ( for 1111 Franklin Street) Warn Others in Immediate Area Use Fire Extinguisher Only if It’s a Small Fire and Safe to Do So If you encounter a fire these are the steps you need to follow: Pull the fire alarm at the fire alarm pull stations. These are typically located near the elevator lobby areas on each floor and/or near the emergency exit doorways leading to the stairwells Call 9-911 to notify the emergency dispatcher about the fire. Then contact security. For 1111 Franklin Street the Security phone number is 79790. Warn others in the area about the fire. Use your judgment about attempting to use a fire extinguisher…..if in doubt….just leave and evacuate.If you encounter a fire these are the steps you need to follow: Pull the fire alarm at the fire alarm pull stations. These are typically located near the elevator lobby areas on each floor and/or near the emergency exit doorways leading to the stairwells Call 9-911 to notify the emergency dispatcher about the fire. Then contact security. For 1111 Franklin Street the Security phone number is 79790. Warn others in the area about the fire. Use your judgment about attempting to use a fire extinguisher…..if in doubt….just leave and evacuate.

18. Fire Emergency Building Evacuation Will Cover at Future Safety Meeting Evacuation Plans: Building Specific Need Floor Warden Participation The emergency evacuation procedure we will cover at a future safety meeting. The evacuation plans vary from building to building and we would like to get the floor wardens involved in the emergency evacuation training in the future meeting.The emergency evacuation procedure we will cover at a future safety meeting. The evacuation plans vary from building to building and we would like to get the floor wardens involved in the emergency evacuation training in the future meeting.

19. Typical Extinguisher/Fire Pull Station Locations Fire Extinguisher Fire Alarm Pull Station Here’s s typical floor layout for the 1111 Franklin Street Building. The fire extinguishers are typically located near the elevators, in the kitchen areas, and right next to the two emergency exit doorways. The fire emergency pull stations are typically located in the elevator lobby and right next to the two emergency exit doorways. NOTE: Department Safety Officers – You should go over the locations of the fire extinguishers and the emergency pull stations for your floor(s) at this time. Here’s s typical floor layout for the 1111 Franklin Street Building. The fire extinguishers are typically located near the elevators, in the kitchen areas, and right next to the two emergency exit doorways. The fire emergency pull stations are typically located in the elevator lobby and right next to the two emergency exit doorways. NOTE: Department Safety Officers – You should go over the locations of the fire extinguishers and the emergency pull stations for your floor(s) at this time.

20. Fire Prevention Trips Minimize Paper Accumulation in Offices, Storage Areas Electrical Cords in Good Condition Use Surge Protectors Electrical Circuits Not Overloaded Turn Off Coffee Pots, Cup Warmers, Computers, Copiers, and Printers at End of Day Care in Using Microwave Ovens Here are some final recommendations to prevent fires here in the workplace: Minimize paper accumulation in office areas, and storage areas Make sure electrical cords are in good condition. Replace worn, frayed electrical cords Use surge protectors to protect valuable equipment, and also prevent electrical wires from burning out Do not overload electrical circuits At the end of the day, turn off appliances (coffee pots, cup warmers, computers, copiers, and printers Be careful about using the microwave oven….do not overhead the food, especially popcorn Here are some final recommendations to prevent fires here in the workplace: Minimize paper accumulation in office areas, and storage areas Make sure electrical cords are in good condition. Replace worn, frayed electrical cords Use surge protectors to protect valuable equipment, and also prevent electrical wires from burning out Do not overload electrical circuits At the end of the day, turn off appliances (coffee pots, cup warmers, computers, copiers, and printers Be careful about using the microwave oven….do not overhead the food, especially popcorn

21. Fire Extinguishers at Home Same Principles in the Use Select ABC Type Location of Home Fire Extinguishers Kitchen (Not Right Next to Stove) Rating 1A10BC Garage/Workshop Rating 2A10BC For use of fire extinguishers at home, it’s the same principles for use. You should select an ABC type of extinguisher. At minimum you should have fire extinguishers located in the kitchen and in the garage. The fire extinguisher in the kitchen should be readily accessible, but not located right next to the stove because if there is a fire on the stove, you may not be able to reach the extinguisher. A 1A10BC type of extinguisher should be adequate to fight a small kitchen-type fire. In the garage, if there are solvents, and flammable liquids, you should have a 2A10BC rated fire extinguisher.For use of fire extinguishers at home, it’s the same principles for use. You should select an ABC type of extinguisher. At minimum you should have fire extinguishers located in the kitchen and in the garage. The fire extinguisher in the kitchen should be readily accessible, but not located right next to the stove because if there is a fire on the stove, you may not be able to reach the extinguisher. A 1A10BC type of extinguisher should be adequate to fight a small kitchen-type fire. In the garage, if there are solvents, and flammable liquids, you should have a 2A10BC rated fire extinguisher.

22. Think Fire Safety