RCS Tool Box Talks

Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers - 101- 101

Some basic knowledge and tips Some basic knowledge and tips related to the maintenance and use related to the maintenance and use

of fire extinguishers.of fire extinguishers.

Are there rules regarding Are there rules regarding fire extinguishers?fire extinguishers?

• Yes, OSHA requires Yes, OSHA requires that they be made that they be made available and that available and that they be maintained. they be maintained. (20CFR1910.157)(20CFR1910.157)

• Local fire codes will Local fire codes will be your best source be your best source of how many you of how many you need and the type need and the type that best fits your that best fits your workplace.workplace.

How do we maintain the How do we maintain the extinguishers?extinguishers?

• Do a monthly check (usually Do a monthly check (usually included in a regular included in a regular inspection program for your inspection program for your facility). This is visual facility). This is visual check of the physical check of the physical condition of the condition of the extinguisher.extinguisher.– Pressure gagePressure gage– Ring pinRing pin– Good physical conditionGood physical condition

• At least annually, have a service come in and do At least annually, have a service come in and do a complete inspection and maintenance a complete inspection and maintenance inspection of all extinguishers. inspection of all extinguishers.

• All inspections of extinguishers should be All inspections of extinguishers should be documented (the service tag on the documented (the service tag on the extinguisher is a good documentation device).extinguisher is a good documentation device).

Fire ExtinguishersFire Extinguishers• If there was a fire, could If there was a fire, could

you get to the you get to the extinguisher? If not, ask extinguisher? If not, ask your supervisor to move your supervisor to move it to a better location.it to a better location.

• Make sure that all Make sure that all employees know the employees know the location of extinguishers location of extinguishers and periodically discuss and periodically discuss fire scenarios to make fire scenarios to make sure they are located sure they are located properly.properly.

Using a Fire ExtinguisherUsing a Fire Extinguisher

• A good way to remember how to use the A good way to remember how to use the extinguisher is to use the acronymextinguisher is to use the acronym

• PASSPASS

PP -- -- Pull the pin. Pull the pin. AA -- Aim the nozzle at the -- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.base of the fire.S S -- Squeeze the handle to -- Squeeze the handle to activate the extinguisher.activate the extinguisher.SS -- Sweep from side to -- Sweep from side to side while discharging the side while discharging the extinguisher.extinguisher.

Record of AttendanceRecord of AttendanceDate:____________ Topic: Fire Extinguishers Instructor:_________________

_Attendees

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