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July 2, 2013

30-year fire safety expert outlines how to implement a fire extinguisher safety program

Latest posts by Atlantic Research Team (see all)

OSHA, in my opinion, gives business a great deal of latitude in determining the appropriate level of training. Fire extinguisher training can be as simple as “this is the extinguisher, this is how it works and these are the types of fires it will extinguish.” Does this “training” alone make employees feel comfortable using a fire extinguisher and ensure that their safety needs are met?

We all can watch videos and listen to a lecture, but without the hands-on experience, the training is lacking.

What else should the employee know? What are you teaching in your pre-employment and annual fire extinguisher trainings? Is your business even conducting this necessary but often overlooked training?

I challenge EHS managers to sit through their company’s training for fire extinguisher safety and ask yourself this question: If I had no other knowledge of this device, would I be able to use it and feel my safety wouldn’t be compromised? If you can answer yes, then you have a good fire extinguisher training program. But if you answer no, then it is time to reevaluate your program.

Risk Assessment
Question
Characteristics of incipient
stage fires or fires that can be
extinguished with portable fire extinguishers
Characteristics of fires that SHOULD NOT be fought with a portable fire extinguisher (beyond incipient stage)
– evacuate immediately
Is the fire too big?
The fire is limited to the original
material ignited, it is contained
(such as in a waste basket) and
has not spread to other materials.
The flames are no higher than the
firefighter’s head.
The fire involves flammable solvents, has spread over more than 60 square feet, is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling, or can not be reached from a standing position.
Is the air safe to breathe?
The fire has not depleted the oxygen in the room and is producing only small quantities of toxic gases. no respiratory protection equipment is required.
Due to smoke and products of combustion, the fire can not be fought without respiratory protection.
Is the environment
too hot or smoky?
Heat is being generated, but the room temperature is only slightly increased. Smoke may be accumulating on the ceiling, but visibility is good. no special personal protective equipment
is required.
The radiated heat easily is felt on
exposed skin, making it difficult to
approach within 10-15 feet of the fire
(or the effective range of the extinguisher). one must crawl on the floor due to heat or smoke. Smoke is quickly filling the room,
decreasing visibility.
Is there a safe
evacuation path?
There is a clear evacuation path that is behind you as you fight the fire.
The fire is not contained and fire, heat or smoke may block the evacuation path.

Elements of a Good Training Program

As I stated earlier, not all employees are willing to use a portable fire extinguisher to protect your property. There is a myriad of reasons for this. Don’t allow your fire extinguisher training be the deciding factor.

Read Full Article At Ehstoday.com

Related Fire Extinguishers Training DVDs:

Using Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace Training DVD

fire extinguisher training Covers the usage of various types of fire extinguishers, including general ABC fire extinguishers. View Product

Portable Fire Extinguishers Protecting People And Property

fire extinguisher training Help your employees identify when they should fight and when they should flee a fire, how to use the fire extinguisher. View Product

Fire Extinguishers Your PASS To Safety Training DVD

fire extinguisher training Give your employees accurate and concise annual training on fire extinguisher use. View Product

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