Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
Virtually all fires start small and might be extinguished if the proper type and amount of extinguishing agent were applied. Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense against fire. whether an extinguisher is effective often depends on how you use it. However an alarm should be given and Security notified at x13 as soon as fire is discovered. Notification should never be delayed in the hope that the extinguisher will be sufficient.
To choose a proper fire extinguisher, consider the following:
- For ordinary fires involving solids such as wood, paper, and cloth, choose a water or dry chemical extinguisher with a label indicating Class A or ABC.
- For flammable or combustible liquid fires, choose a carbon dioxide or dry chemical unit with a label indicating Class BC or ABC.
- For fires involving live electrical equipment, choose a carbon dioxide or dry chemical unit with a label indicating Class BC or ABC.
When using a fire extinguisher, follow these guidelines:
- Keep a clear exit behind you and let the extinguishing agent put the fire out. Water extinguishers have an effective range of 30 to 40 feet; dry chemical units, five to 12 feet; and carbon dioxide units, three to eight feet.
- Pull the pin to activate the handle.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle to expel the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep the agent from side to side, starting at the base of the fire.
- Once the fire is out, carefully back away. Never turn your back on a fire as it can flare up.
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Copyright 1997, University of Rochester
Maintained by University Public Relations
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Public Relations.
Last updated 9-29-1997
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