Portable Fire Extinguishers
| Purpose |
Portable fire extinguishers can be used on small fires, when it is safe to do so, and can be used to clear fire away from an escape route, prevent small fires from growing into a larger fire, or even fully extinguish small fires. |
| Definition |
A portable fire extinguisher is a small, self-contained fire-fighting tool. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Physical:
- Respiratory Irritation
- Eye Irritation
- Skin Irritation
- Strain/Sprain
- Reduced Visibility
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| Controls |
Engineering:
- Proper Selection and Placement of Fire Extinguisher
Administrative:
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Manufacturers’ Specifications
- Monthly Inspections of Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Extinguisher Training
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Basic PPE: Safety Footwear
- Task Specific PPE: Safety Glasses
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure that Workers are trained in the use and maintenance of this equipment.
- Ensure portable fire extinguishers are installed, inspected, and maintained on a regular basis to ensure proper operation in an emergency.
- Ensure portable fire extinguishers are available and unobstructed.
- Inspect portable fire extinguishers at least monthly.
Do not
- Allow Workers to operate in areas where fire extinguishers are required without a functioning fire extinguisher.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Sound the fire alarm or announce the fire to others and call the fire department, if appropriate.
- Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire.
- Use an ABC Fire Extinguisher to assist in putting out a fire, if it is safe to do so.
- Be familiar with where the nearest fire extinguisher is.
- Ensure you are trained and competent to use the fire extinguisher.
- Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire from a safe distance.
- Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the fire-extinguishing agent.
- Sweep the nozzle or hose from site to side until the fire is out. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire diminishes.
- Watch the area in case of re-ignition.
- Back away from an extinguishes flame in case it flames up again.
- Evacuate immediately if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out or if the fire progresses.
Do not
- Allow the evacuation path to become obstructed y fire, heat, or smoke.
- Enter the area to extinguish the fire if there is a lack of visibility due to smoke.
- Attempt to fire a large or spreading fire.
- Block access/egress points.
- Allow fire extinguishers to become obstructed.
- Use uninspected or damaged fire extinguishers
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