Fire Prevention and Housekeeping

Fire prevention and good housekeeping go hand in hand for obvious reasons, not only on the job- site but in the home and office as well. Fires can start anywhere, at anytime, and this is why it's so important to know how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, and also to know which extinguisher to use for different types of fires.

CLASS 'A' FIRES - These fires consist of wood, paper, rags, rubbish and ordinary combustible materials, the kinds of materials typically found on a construction site. RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS - Water, through use of a hose, pump-type water cans, pressurized extinguishers, and (ABC) dry chemical extinguishers. FIGHTING THE FIRE - Put lots of water on the fire and soak it completely, even the embers.

CLASS 'B' FIRES - These consist of flammable liquids, oil and grease. RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS - (ABC) dry chemical type, foam, and carbon dioxide. Any of these will do a good job extinguishing the fire. FIGHTING THE FIRE - Start at the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion from left to right always keeping the fire in front of you.

CLASS 'C' FIRES - are electrical fires, usually dealing with some type of electrical equipment RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS - Carbon dioxide and (ABC) dry chemical type. FIGHTING THE FIRE - Use short bursts on the fire. When the electrical current is shut off on i "Class 'C' Fire, it can become a Class 'A' Fire if materials around the original fire are ignited.

CLASS 'D' FIRES - Combustible metals. RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHERS - Special agents approved by recognized testing laboratories. FIGHTING THE FIRE - Follow the fire extinguisher manufacture's recommendations.

Post emergency phone numbers at each telephone, on the job and at home.

THE KEY TO ALL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IS KNOWING HOW TO USE THEM BE SURE THEY'RE ALWAYS AVAILABLE IN YOUR WORK AREA, IT'S TOO LATE TO GO SEARCHING FOR ONE WHEN A FIRE BREAKS OUT