Weekly Safety Training Topic No. 2428

Fire extinguishers

Fire is one of the deadliest and most destructive hazards we face. Fire is also preventable when best practices are followed. One way to minimize fire hazards is through proper use and access to fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguisher use and reminders

  • Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly by a competent person.
  • Fire extinguishers should be serviced annually by a qualified person.
  • Be familiar with the location of extinguishers on the jobsite.
  • When fueling equipment, an extinguisher should be accessible.
  • Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching a fire.
  • Evacuate immediately if you have any doubt about your ability to put the fire out.
  • OSHA requires:
    • Fire extinguishers are placed on jobsites at a minimum of one per 3000 square feet of protected area.
    • Travel distance to an extinguisher is less than 100 feet.
    • At least one extinguisher on every floor of multistory buildings.
  • Maintain good access, don’t block extinguishers by storing materials and other items in front of the extinguisher location.
  • Place the extinguisher 25 feet from the fire hazards so that it’s still accessible if a fire occurs.

Fire extinguisher use – (most fire extinguishers operate using the P.A.S.S Method)

  1. P – Pull the pin
  2. A – Aim at the base of the flames
  3. S – Squeeze the handle
  4. S – Sweep back and forth while spraying the base of the flames

There are five common classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C, D and K

Class A extinguishers are for use on combustibles including wood, cloth, rubber, paper and plastic materials.

Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, oils and other similar substances.

Class C extinguishers are for use on electrically energized equipment fires.

Class D extinguishers are used on metallic fire, (such as titanium, zirconium, magnesium, sodium).

Class K is a cooking fire extinguisher, where animal or vegetable oils or fats create a fire. These are generally white in color.

Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, for example A-B, B-C or A-B-C. You can find the class label of most fire extinguishers in a pictograph on the side of the extinguisher.

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The information and recommendations contained in this “Weekly safety training topic” have been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable and represent the best current opinion on the subject. The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, in no way guarantees, insures or warrants the absolute correctness or sufficiency of any information contained within. The Builders expressly disclaims all liability and assumes no responsibility therewith. For more information, please call 816.595.4158.