Consumer – Be Aware
Hand Portable Fire Extinguisher – Proper Use
Hand Portable Fire Extinguisher – Maintenance
The ABC’s of fire
Things to consider when purchasing a fire extinguisher:
Common fire extinguisher applications…
Obsolete Fire Extinguishers
Consumer – Be Aware
Some notable changes, in the fire extinguisher service industry, that we fully endorse, are:
Licensing of fire extinguisher service technicians by the Province of NB-Public Safety.
The implementation of “Verification of Service Collars”. (Proof that the unit has been discharged and serviced.)
The annual replacement of an approved dated tamper seal.
Cylinders that have passed a high-pressure testing will bear a “seven digit” code, which includes a government issued “registered mark”, either stamped into the cylinder or a label affixed by epoxy to fiber wrapped cylinders.
Hand Portable Fire Extinguisher – Proper Use
Proper Use:
1. Remove extinguisher from bracket
2. Remove pull pin (twist & pull)
3. Test before approaching fire (squeeze briefly)
4. Approach fire and aim at base of fire – squeeze handle
Hand Portable Fire Extinguisher – Maintenance
Brief summary – does not replace NFPA-10
Inspection – (monthly)
1. Check that the fire extinguisher is properly secured on/in bracket.
2. Check that there is no sign of tampering. (pin secured with tamper seal)
3. Check for obstruction in nozzle.
4. Check that tag on fire extinguisher is current – inspected annually by an authorized firm.
The ABC’s of fire
Fires are classified as…
Class A Wood, Paper, Trash
Class B Flammable Liquids, Combustible Liquids
Class C Energized Electrical Equipment
Class D Combustible Metals
Class K Cooking Appliances involving Combustible Cooking Media
Things to consider when purchasing a fire extinguisher:
- What are you protecting?
- Type of hazards or combustibles present
- Risk Factor – high, low
In a building:
- How many levels
- How much space
- Exits
Common fire extinguisher applications…
2.5 lb ABC
Smaller vehicles, small motorized boats, lunchrooms
5 lb ABC
Office, Homes (1 per level), vehicles
10 lb ABC
Office, Commercial, Trucks, Homes (high risk situations like wood burning stoves & furnaces)
20 lb ABC
High risk industrial areas, Forestry
CO2
Electrical Rooms, Server & Computer Rooms
Class K
Commercial Kitchens
10 lb BC
Fuel Storage
Obsolete Fire Extinguishers
In an effort to ensure that all fire extinguishers are safe and can be properly maintained, NFPA-10, has come up with guidelines for determining obsolete fire extinguishers- to be removed from service.