FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

1.  Purpose
   1. The purpose of this program is to provide our employees with the skills and knowledge to select, use and inspect portable fire extinguishers as well as the training and education. Portable fire extinguishers are intended to be the first line of defense to extinguish incipient stage fires. Incipient stage fires are fires in their beginning stages. The program will cover the class of fires, types of extinguishers, training, and inspection of the extinguishers.
2. General Information
   1.  Fire hazards are divided up into four different classes.
      1. Class A Fires- Ordinary combustibles: wood, paper, cloth, trash, and many types of plastic
      2. Class B Fires- Combustible and flammable liquids: gasoline, solvents, oil, and grease
      3. Class C Fires- Electrical: energized electrical components (including anything that is plugged in)
      4. Class D Fires- Combustible metals: aluminum, magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium
   2. Portable fire extinguishers are classified for use on Class A, B, C, and D fires. The extinguisher classifications and ratings are based on the classifications of fires and the effectiveness of the extinguisher. Portable extinguishers shall be located where they will be readily accessible in the event of a fire. Fire protection equipment shall not be obstructed at any time.
      1. Type A- Water
      2. Type B- CO2
      3. Type C- Dry Chemical
      4. Type D- Halon
      5. Type ABC- For use on Class A, B, and C fires
3. Training
   1.  Portable fire extinguisher training will be provided to all employees during the new hire orientation and annually thereafter. The training will consist of fire prevention, different types of extinguishers and different classes of fires, use of portable fire extinguishers, and the inspection of portable extinguishers.
4. Inspection/Maintenance
   1.  All ESCO Group portable fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly and recorded on the tag attached or at more frequent intervals when circumstances require. Portable fire extinguishers must have an annual maintenance check performed by the supplier and the tag must indicate such. Six (6) years after the date of manufacture the extinguisher must be tested in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Standard #10 portable Fire Extinguishers. After performing the inspection procedures any portable fire extinguisher found to be damaged or defective shall be tagged “Danger Unsafe- Do Not Use” and removed from service.
   2. Inspection Procedures
      1. Safety pin and seal must be in place
      2. The pressure gauge must be in the operable (green) range
      3. Nozzle unobstructed
      4. Annual maintenance has been performed
      5. Initial inspection tag when completed