This document provides an introduction to fire extinguishers for Fairfax County employees. It outlines OSHA regulations requiring training on portable fire extinguisher use. The objectives are to identify the three common fire classes, select the proper extinguisher, evaluate fire safety, and apply the PASS method. It describes different extinguisher types (water, dry chemical, CO2), their features, how they work, and limitations. Guidelines are given for using an extinguisher, including only fighting small, contained fires after evacuation and calling 911. The PASS method of Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep is explained. Sources for more information are also listed.

1. An Introduction to
“Fire Extinguishers”“Fire Extinguishers”
for Fairfax County DPWESfor Fairfax County DPWES

2. Legal Basis
for this Training
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Occupational Safety and Health Standards
29 CFR Part 1910
Subpart “L” - Fire Protection
Standard 1910.157
“Portable fire extinguishers”

3. 1910.157(b)(1)
Where the employer has implemented a written fire
safety policy which requires the immediate and total
evacuation of employees from the workplace …and
which includes an emergency action plan and fire
prevention plan…and when extinguishers are not
available in the workplace, the employer is exempt
from all requirements of this section unless a
specific standard in Part 1910 requires that a portable
fire extinguisher be provided.

4. 1910.157 (g)(1)
Where the employer has provided
portable fire extinguishers… the
employer shall provide an educational
program to familiarize employees with
general principles of fire extinguisher use
and the hazards involved with incipient
stage fire fighting.

5. OBJECTIVES:
After this training you should be able to:
• IDENTIFY 3 common classes of fires
• SELECT the proper type of extinguisher
• EVALUATE when it is safe to
fight an “early-stage” fire, and;
• APPLY the “P.A.S.S. method to
operate a portable extinguisher.

6. UNTRAINED PEOPLE
Cannot use a fire extinguisher safely
because they are:
• UNABLE to evaluate a fire
• UNAWARE of DANGER due to...
• LACKING JUDGEMENT regarding:
– Safe and correct use of, and
– Limitations of portable extinguishers

7. WHY UNTRAINED PEOPLE
Can’t use a fire extinguisher safely
(continued):
INEXPERIENCED
• Don’t know about the
proper type of extinguisher
• Don’t know how to make
a “Fight or Flight” analysis
• Unfamiliar with the
“P.A.S.S. method”

8. COMMON FIRE
CLASSIFICATIONS
“Ordinary” combustibles
Paper, wood, rubber, plastics
and textiles.
“Flammable liquids”
Oil, gasoline, solvents
“Energized circuits”
Electrical equipment
and computers

9. HOW THEY WORK:
• Works byWorks by cooling.cooling.
• Numerical rating indicates amount of agent, duration, and range of
discharge on test fires.
• Area of Class A fire which a “non-expert” can extinguish, with properArea of Class A fire which a “non-expert” can extinguish, with proper
trainingtraining
– 1-A is1-A is equivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of waterequivalent on Class-A fire to five liters of water..
– 22-A contains has-A contains has twice as muchtwice as much extinguishing agent.extinguishing agent.

10. HOW THEY WORK:
• Works by blanketing the fuel.Works by blanketing the fuel.
• Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface.Interrupts chemical reaction at fuel surface.
• Class B ratings signify theClass B ratings signify the area in square feetarea in square feet
of flammable liquid fire a unit will extinguishof flammable liquid fire a unit will extinguish
when used, by a trained, “non-expert.”when used, by a trained, “non-expert.”

11. HOW THEY WORK:
• Class “C” units have no numerical rating.
• A Class “C” rating doesn’t imply any capacity.
• Only indicates that the extinguishing agent isOnly indicates that the extinguishing agent is
non-conductivenon-conductive, safe on energized equipment., safe on energized equipment.
• Works by displacing oxygen, smothering fire.

12. Portable Fire
Extinguishers
• Can be CARRIED to a fire
• Weigh from 5 to 30 pounds
• NFPA Class and Rating
– Arabic numerals according
to efficiency - 4A extinguishes
twice as much Class A fire as 2A

13. Portable Fire
Extinguishers
LIMITED IN:
• Capacity - 1.5 to 25 lbs. of
extinguishing agent
• Range - Typically 3 to 15 feet
• Duration - Discharge their
contents in only 5 to 30 seconds!

14. Extinguisher
Common features
• Locking pin
• Carrying handle / operating lever
• Pressure gauge
• Label :
– Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical)
– Classification (A, B, C)
– NFPA capacity Rating
– Instructions
• Discharge nozzle or horn

15. COMMON TYPES OF
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
• WATER
• DRY CHEMICAL
• CO2 and Halon

16. WATER
• Water + CO2 propellant
• ONLY for Class firesONLY for Class fires
–wood / paper, etc.
• Spreads burning liquids!
• DANGERDANGER of electric shock
if used on on live circuits!

17. DRY CHEMICAL
MULTI-PURPOSE RATED
• Best for general use:
• Reduced risk of re-ignition
• A 10 lb. unit empties in 8-10 secs.
– Effective range of 6 ft. to 15 ft.
Either Or

18. C02 - Rated
• Best on burning liquids / electrical
• SHORT range - 3 to 8 ft.
• 10- pound unit empties in 5 to 10 seconds!
– Use short spurts!
• DISPERSES QUICKLY!
– Continue applying after the fire is out!
• Unit gets VERY cold - hold properly

19. Halon
• Best for computers / electronics
• Weight-for-weight TWICE as effective as C02
• No residue, easy clean-up
• VERY SHORT range, 3 to 6 ft.
• Like C02, Discharges QUICKLY!
• Like C02, Disperses QUICKLY!
– Continue after flames are extinguished

20. In case of burning odor
or smoke:
• Call 911 First!
• Notify Security - X 43434
• Disconnect Equipment
– Remove combustibles, if you can do
so without danger to yourself
• Notify Floor Monitors
– and Emergency Safety Coordinator

21. REACT
upon discovery of fire or smokefire or smoke
Remove persons in immediate danger!
Ensure doors are closed! (confine fire/smoke)
Activate the building alarm !
Call the Fire Department !
Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!
– Continue a complete building evacuation
– Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are
OSHA certified in use of a fire extinguisher !

22. Use a portable extinguisher
ONLY if the:
• Building is being evacuated (Fire alarm has been pulled)
• Fire Department has been called (Dial 911!)
• Fire is NOT spreading (small and contained)
• EXIT IS CLEAR (fight fire with your back to an exit )
• Proper extinguisher is at hand, and...
– You have been trained and know how to use it!
– You use “Buddy System” - have someone back you up!
• Get assistance BEFORE trying to fight a fire!

23. Remember
the PASS
word:
1) Keep your back to
a clear escape route,
2) Stand back 6 to 8
feet from the fire,
3) Then >>:
P.A.S.S.
PULL
AIM
SQUEEZE
SWEEP

24. PULL the pin

25. AIM
LOW at the base of the fire

26. SQUEEZE
the lever

27. SWEEP
from side to side

28. OK, It’s out…
Now What?
• WATCH the fire area
– If the fire flares up again repeat!
– If you can’t control the fire, LEAVE immediately!
• Call the fire department to inspect the scene!
• Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!

29. Sources
for further
information:
http://www/usfa.fema.gov/safety/sheets.htm
http://www.nfpa.org/education/index.html
http://www.ilpi.com/safety/extinguishers.html
OR . . .Contact Fire PIO-LSE at 703-246-3801

30. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
This safety training module was developed in cooperation with:
the National Fire Protection Association and the
Public Information and Life Safety Education Section of the
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22020
www.co.fairfax.va.us/ps/fr/general/Piolse.htm
(703) 246-3801 or (703-385-4419 TTY
Portions © 1995-2000 by Dr. Robert Toreki, used by permission
http://www.ilpi.com/safety/extinguishers.html