Fire extinguishers are designed to handle different types of fires. Fires are categorized depending on what is burning, and extinguishers are labeled accordingly; A, B, C, and D. Class A is the most common type of fire and involves ordinary combustible materials, Class B involves flammable liquids, Class C involves electrical equipment or wiring and Class D involves combustible metals.

The six types of extinguishers are; Water, Foam, Carbon Dioxide, ABC Powder, Water Mist, and Wet Chemical. Knowing which extinguisher to use is important, as selecting the wrong type can actually make the fire worse. Employers must provide portable fire extinguishers for use in the workplace, and provide training to employees upon initial employment, followed by annual training.

Discussion Points:
• Fire Response
• Types of Extinguishers
• P.A.S.S. Method
• Safety Procedures
• Fire Extinguisher Inspections

Discussion:
It is important to know how to use a fire extinguisher before you need to use it. When using the extinguisher, use the P.A.S.S. method; pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep slowly side-to-side.

Rules for fighting fires include; activating the alarm system or calling 911, assisting others in immediate danger, and attempting to extinguish the fire. However, do not put yourself at risk by being a hero. Fire extinguishers must be inspected once every 30 days, and maintenance on a regular basis is important to ensure proper operation.

As always, be safe out there!