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Portable fire
extinguishers have two functions: (1) To control or extinguish an
incipient (small) stage fires; and (2) To protect evacuation routes that a
fire may block directly or indirectly with smoke or burning/smoldering
materials.
To extinguish a fire
with a portable extinguisher, a person must have immediate access to the
extinguisher, know how to activate the unit, and know how to apply the
agent effectively. Attempting to extinguish even a small fire carries some
risk. Fires can increase in size and intensity in seconds, blocking the
exit path of the firefighter and creating a hazardous atmosphere. In
addition, portable fire extinguishers contain a limited amount of
extinguishing agent and can be discharged in a matter of seconds.
Therefore, individuals should attempt to fight only very small or
incipient stage fires.
Prior to fighting any
fire with a portable fire extinguisher, you must perform a risk assessment
that evaluates the fire size, the firefighter’s evacuation path, and the
atmosphere in the vicinity of the fire.
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Risk Assessment
Question |
Characteristics of incipient stage fires or fires that can be
extinguished with portable fire extinguishers |
Characteristics of fires that SHOULD NOT be fought with a
portable fire extinguisher (beyond incipient stage) –
Leave the area immediately
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Is the fire too big?
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The fire is limited to the original
material ignited; it is contained (such as in a waste basket) and
has not spread to other materials. The flames are no higher than the
firefighter's head. |
The fire involves flammable solvents, has
spread over more than 60 square feet, is partially hidden behind a
wall or ceiling, or cannot be reached from a standing position. |
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Is the air safe to breathe? |
The fire has not depleted the oxygen in
the room and is producing only small quantities of toxic gases. You
are not coughing and your eyes are not watering.
No respiratory protection equipment is
required. |
Due to smoke and products of combustion,
the fire cannot be fought without respiratory protection. |
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Is the environment too hot or
smoky? |
Heat is being generated, but the room
temperature is only slightly increased. Smoke may be accumulating on
the ceiling, but visibility is good. No special personal protective
equipment is required. |
The radiated heat is easily felt on
exposed skin making it difficult to approach within 10-15 feet of
the fire (or the effective range of the extinguisher). One must
crawl on the floor due to heat or smoke. Smoke is quickly filling
the room, decreasing visibility. |
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Is there a safe evacuation path? |
There is a clear evacuation path that is
behind you as you fight the fire. |
The fire is not contained, and fire,
heat, or smoke may block the evacuation path. |
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