This document provides information about fire extinguishers for a construction safety talk. It discusses the different types of fire extinguishers and the types of fires they should be used on. Water extinguishers are for Class A fires involving solid materials but not liquids or electricity. Carbon dioxide and dry chemical extinguishers can be used for multiple fire types by cutting off the air supply. The document also recommends demonstrating how to properly use an extinguisher using the PASS method of pulling the pin, aiming at the base of the fire, squeezing the trigger, and sweeping from side to side. Attendees are encouraged to identify the extinguishers in their work area and how to contact the fire department.

1. Construction Safety Talks
Fire Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.
Extinguishers Remind your crew that there are several types of extinguishers
around the jobsite and that they may be intended for different
No. 39 types of fires.
Hand out two or three extinguishers. Ask them to read the labels
on them and identify on what type of fire each extinguisher should
How This Talk be used.
Applies To My
Crew: One basic type of extinguisher contains water.
• Use these on fires of solid materials such as wood, paper,
cloth, and rubbish. These are Class A fires.
• They should not be used on burning liquids like gasoline.
The burning liquid will float on the water and the fire will
spread. Flammable liquids are Class B fires.
• They should also not be used on live electrical equipment
because water is a good conductor of electricity. Electrical
fires are Class C fires.
The other common types of extinguishers contain carbon dioxide
or dry chemicals.
• These are usually mounted on or beside machinery,
equipment, and containers of flammable liquid.
• Carbon dioxide and dry chemicals cut off the air supply
necessary for a fire and smother it.
Dry chemical extinguishers that can be used for all types of fires
except flammable metals will be rated A:B:C.
Be sure someone has called the fire department even before
you try to put out a fire.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 1

2. Try This For Show And Tell!
Show how to use a fire extinguisher and make everyone in the crew demonstrate it. Use
the PASS method:
PULL the safety pin.
AIM the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
SQUEEZE the trigger or lever to activate the extinguisher.
SWEEP the extinguisher slowly from side to side.
Questions You Can Use To Get Them Talking:
• What types(s) of extinguisher is located in your work area?
• What type of fire are they intended for?
• How would you contact the fire department on this job?
Attended By:
The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 2