The proper use of
portable fire extinguishers can extinguish many fires while they are
still small. You should be aware, however, that you should call
9-1-1 without delay as soon as any fire is discovered.
The New Jersey
Division of Fire Safety (NJDFS) regulates the number, type, and
placement of the portable fire extinguishers that are required for
any building. These portable fire extinguishers are an important
part of an overall fire safety program. It is important to keep in
mind that the successful use of portable fire extinguishers depends
on the following:
-
the portable fire
extinguishers are properly located and in working order.
-
the portable fire
extinguishers are of the correct type.
-
the fire is
discovered while still small enough for use of the portable fire
extinguishers to be effective.
-
the fire is
discovered by persons who are ready, willing, and able to use
the portable fire extinguishers.
Also, you should know
that portable fire extinguishers are valuable for immediate use on
small fires. They contain a limited amount of extinguishing material
and need to be used properly so that this material is not wasted.
In some cases,
OSHA
may require that an employer provide education to its employees on
how to use the portable fire extinguishers that are located in the
workplace. Generally, operation instructions are provided on the
side of the fire extinguisher. They clearly describe how to use the
extinguisher in case of an emergency. An example of these
instructions is shown below.
Click here to learn about classes of Fire Extinguishers
Frequently
Asked Questions:
Where can
I purchase new portable fire extinguishers?
Answer: You can purchase them at a wide variety of
retail stores, including most hardware stores. Another option would
be to purchase them from a company engaged in the business of
servicing portable fire extinguishers. You may wish to shop around
by calling different companies.
How do I
know what type and how many portable fire extinguishers my building
must have?
Answer:
A copy of NFPA 10 can be
purchased from
the National
Fire Protection Association – telephone #
(800) 344-3555.
1st example: A retail store needs one portable fire extinguisher (of
minimum 2-A rating) for every 2,500 square feet of floor area or
fraction thereof (for each floor).
2nd example: A restaurant kitchen needs one portable fire
extinguisher suitable for a Class K fire, with a maximum travel
distance of thirty (30) feet. (This is in addition to any fixed fire
extinguishing system(s) required to protect individual cooking
appliances in the kitchen). The public assembly space in the
restaurant needs one portable fire extinguisher (of minimum 2-A
rating) for every 2,500 square feet of floor area or fraction
thereof (for each floor).
What should I
look for when purchasing new portable fire extinguishers?
Answer:
You should keep the following in
mind:
- All fire
extinguishers should be "listed" and "labeled" by an independent
testing laboratory such as FM (Factory Mutual) or UL
(Underwriters Laboratories). The identification mark of the
listing and labeling company should be on each fire
extinguisher.
- The selection
of portable fire extinguishers should be based on the character
of the fires anticipated. Using the wrong type of fire
extinguisher on the fire could be dangerous and make matters
worse. In addition, the fire extinguisher being selected should
be of sufficient capacity and quantity to meet the code/rule
requirements. Make sure you can handle and operate the fire
extinguisher you are purchasing.
- Remember that
fire extinguishers need care and must be recharged after every
use. Ask how it should be serviced and inspected.
-
All
new extinguishers must be fully charged and in an operable
condition. For a stored-pressure type such as dry chemical fire
extinguisher, this may be confirmed by checking that the
pressure gauge is in the operable range (commonly known as green
zone).
For a non-stored-pressure type
such as carbon dioxide, this can be done by weighing.
Are all portable
fire extinguishers the same?
Answer:
Definitely not. The type of
portable fire extinguisher that you will use depends on what it is
that is burning. Portable fire extinguishers are listed and labeled
according to the type of fire (class of fire) they are intended for.
Letters, "A", " B", "C", "D" and "K" are used. There is a rating
number preceding letters " A" and "B". The rating number indicates
the relative extinguishing effectiveness. The higher the rating
number, the higher the capacity (more extinguishing agent). There is
no rating number preceding letters "C", "D" and "K". Some fire
extinguishers have more than one letter classification, such as
2-A:20-B:C. This classification means that this portable fire
extinguisher:
- could
extinguish approximately twice as much Class A fires as a 1-A
rated fire extinguisher.
- could
extinguish approximately 20 times as much Class B fires as a 1-B
rated fire extinguisher.
- is suitable for
use on Class C fires (energized electrical equipment).
I have a number of
portable fire extinguishers in my building. Can I inspect them
myself?
Answer:
Yes and no. You can perform
the monthly “quick-check” inspections yourself, but a portable fire
extinguisher servicing company (certified by the NJDFS) must come in
at least once a year and perform any maintenance, recharging, and/or
testing that is required by NFPA 10.
What is a "quick check"
inspection of a portable fire extinguisher?
Answer: It is intended to give reasonable assurance
that the fire extinguisher is fully charged and operable. This quick
check is done by verifying that the portable fire extinguisher is in
its designated place, that it has not been used or tampered with,
and that there is no visible physical damage or condition to prevent
its operation.
What does “maintenance”
of portable fire extinguishers involve?
Answer: Maintenance is a thorough examination of
the fire extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that
a portable fire extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It
includes a detailed examination, including any necessary repair or
replacement. Maintenance will normally reveal if hydrostatic testing
or internal maintenance is required. Maintenance and recharging are
considered "servicing". Recharging is the replacement of the
extinguishing agent. It may also include the replacement of the
pressurizing gas (expellant gas) for certain types of fire
extinguishers.
