Rev. November 10, 2020

Fire Extinguishers

This procedure was developed  to educate employees during training and protect them while performing their duties at emergency incidents.

Fire Extinguisher Standard

(Document Web Link)

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Responsibility

· The employer will provide training and knowledge of its fire extinguishers to all newly hired workers.

· Employees shall know how to operate fire extinguishers and where the fire extinguishers are located.

Extinguisher Types

· Pump tank fire extinguishers

· Stored water pressure water extinguishers

· Aqueous film forming foam extinguishers

· CO2 extinguishers

· Dry chemical extinguishers

· Extinguishers and powder extinguishing agents for metal fires

Application Technique

Evacuate anyone nearby and set off alarms if applicable.

If safe to do so, try to extinguish the fire by;

· Identifying the class of fire and selecting the appropriate extinguisher

· Class A – Ordinary Combustibles, Class B – Flammable Liquids, Class C – Electrical Equipment

· Follow appropriate activation sequence using the acronym P.A.S.S. (Pull-Aim-Squeeze-Sweep)

· Apply extinguishing agent to base of fire

· Confirm extinguishments and back off – never turn your back to a fire

· Ensure fire does not rekindle and guard area to prevent anyone from entering

· If fire is too large to put out notify your supervisor and the fire department

Vibration

Fire extinguishers on mobile equipment are constantly vibrating causing the powder to compact at the bottom of the extinguisher. If this is allowed to continue for too long the powder will not discharge from the extinguisher when the time comes to use it. Take the fire extinguisher out from the holding bracket and turned over repeatedly to loosen the powder in the bottom. If it remains compacted, bring the extinguisher in for servicing then put back in service.

Inspections and Maintenance

Workers are required to inspect extinguishers daily, monthly and annually.

Specific inspection practices need to be followed for each period.

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Daily Inspections

A daily extinguisher inspection of fire extinguishers is required and shall be performed as part of your operator’s inspection.

The inspection shall include a check of at least the following items:

• Location in designated place

• General condition

• Sticker indicating current year, month and colour code

• Retaining pin tab in good condition

• No obstruction to access or visibility

• Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position

• Condition of hose and nozzle

Monthly Inspections

A monthly extinguisher inspection of fire extinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items:

• Location in designated place

• Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle

• Sticker indicating current year, month and colour code

• Retaining pin tab in good condition

• No obstruction to access or visibility

• Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position

• Fullness determined by weighing or hefting

• Condition of hose and nozzle

• Chemical status by rotating horizontally to ensure it hasn’t been compacted over time

Annual Inspections

An annual inspection of fire extinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items:

• Location in designated place

• Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle

• Sticker indicating current year, month and colour code

• Retaining pin tab in good condition

• No obstruction to access or visibility

• Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position

• Fullness determined by weighing or hefting

• Condition of hose and nozzle

• Chemical status by rotating horizontally to ensure it hasn’t been compacted over time

• Verify that the operating instructions on nameplates are legible and face outward

• Ensure the extinguisher is clean and wiped down of dust and debris

• Exposure to abnormal temperatures or corrosive atmospheres

• Check for broken or missing safety seals and tamper indicators

• Within 6 years of previous service date

Immediately contact your supervisor if the any of the above checkmarks do not meet this standard. The extinguisher may need to be brought in for re-servicing.