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Portable Fire Extinguisher Use
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If fire extinguishers are available for employee use, it is the employer's responsibility to educate employees on the principles and practices of using a fire extinguisher and the hazards associated with fighting small or developing fires. Before a fire occurs, employees designated to use fire extinguishers should familiarize themselves with their location and operation.
The following steps should be followed when responding to incipient (small or developing) stage fire:
- Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate.
- Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
- Select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher.
- Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique:
- 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.
Note: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin.
- 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.
- Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.
- Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.
- Evacuate immediately if the fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.
If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!
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Through the OSHA and American Supply Association (ASA) Alliance, ASA developed this Toolbox Talk for informational purposes only. It does not necessarily reflect the official views of OSHA or the U.S. Department of Labor.
This Toolbox Talk provides general guidelines for voluntary use by employers and is not intended to provide all necessary safety information and precautions for specific workplace operations and situations. ASA assumes no responsibility or liability for the use of the information provided. Oct 2010
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