Study Notes Workers Safety. Workplace Health and Safety Management Systems Put in place to deal with 5 types of hazards:

Study Notes

Workers Safety

Workplace Health and Safety Management Systems

Put in place to deal with 5 types of hazards:

• Ergonomics• Physical• Psychosocial• Chemical• Biological

5 Hazard Identification categories

• are present when a worker is exposed to any chemical preparation in the workplace in any form (solid, liquid or gas)

• liquids like cleaning products, paints, acids, solvents especially chemicals in an unlabelled container (warning sign!)

• vapours and fumes, for instance those that come from welding or exposure to solvents

• gases like acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide and helium

• flammable materials like gasoline, solvents and explosive chemicals.

• Do’s:• -Read labels and MSDSs to learn special handling procedures• -Mix corrosives and solvents slowly• -Add acid to water, not water to acid• -Use the right PPE for each chemical• -Know how the use the PPE if needed• -Wash your hands when done• -Use proper ventilation• -Know first aid procedures

• Don’ts• -Sniff a chemical to identify it• -wear contact lenses, they can absorb

chemicals into your eyes• -Put your hands into corrosives and

solvents without gloves• -Use a chemical if you don’t know what

it is• -Skip safety precautions to finish quicker

• include unsafe conditions that can cause injury, illness and death.• Examples of physical hazards include:• electrical hazards: frayed cords, missing ground pins, improper

wiring• unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts: guards

removed or moving parts that a worker can accidentally touch• constant loud noise• high exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet rays, heat or cold• working from heights, including ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or any

raised work area• working with mobile equipment such as fork lifts (operation of

fork lifts and similar mobile equipment in the workplace requires significant additional training and experience)

• spills on floors or tripping hazards, such as blocked aisle or cords running across the floor.

Physical Hazards

Physical Hazards

• Do’s• -Put chemical wastes in a covered

waste container.• -Keep a fire extinguisher close to where

you are working.• -Be aware of all possible hazards

around you• -Pay attention to what you are doing• -Keep sparking tools away from

flammable chemicals.• -Cut away from yourself when using

knives and other sharp tools

Physical Hazards

• Don’ts• -Carelessly dispose of harmful

chemicals• -Smoke in the workplace• -Leave tools and boxes around • -Leave drawers open• -Place items on the stairs• -Cut towards yourself when

using knives• -work without or remove

guards from equipment

Biological Hazardcome from working with animals, people or infectious plant materials. Work in day care, hospitals, hotel laundry and room cleaning, laboratories, veterinary offices and nursing homes may expose you to biological hazards.

•blood or other body fluids•fungi•bacteria and viruses•plants•insect bites•animal and bird droppings.

Biological Hazard

• Do’s• -Work on equipment if

clearance form is attached

• Keep safety clearance forms with equipment at all times

• Ask any questions you might have

• Wear proper PPE

Biological Hazard

• Don’ts• Accept equipment

without safety clearance• Work on equipment with

the safety clearance form attached

• Remove equipment from the lab if it still has hazard labels on it

• Occur when concerns in the workplace include excessive working time and bullying. Another occupational psychological hazard is sexual harassment

• Taunting by co workers or others• Excessive pressure to complete tasks or duties• Bullying• Sexual harassment• Too much overtime and workload

• Do’s• -Report any bullying or harassing of any kind to the

management• - Get enough sleep at night so you can do your job

properly and aren’t overtired• -Tell management if you are feeling over stressed.

• Don’ts• -Let harassment slide• -Bully or harass other

employees• -Go to work if you are

stressed out or sick

• occur when the type of work, body position and working conditions put strain on your body

• poor lighting• improperly adjusted workstations and chairs • frequent lifting • poor posture • awkward movements, especially if they are repetitive • repeating the same movements over and over • having to use too much force, especially if you have to do it frequently

Do’s•-Sit in a position that is comfortable for you•-Make sure your chair is the right height of you•-Only lift and push things that you know you are capable of moving

• Don’ts• -Sit in an improper

position• -Lift too much

weight for yourself• -Do something you

know you are not capable of doing

• Commitment from senior management is essential for the health and safety management system to be effective.

1. Clearly demonstrated and management commitment, and

written company policy

• Evaluation of all equipment, machinery, work areas and work processes to identify and analyze all potential sources of harm to workers.

2. Identification and analysis of health and safety hazards at the work site

• Control measures include: engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment

3. Control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks to workers from

hazards.

• Inspections are an opportunity to identify any hazards that have not been recognized before, and to check that existing hazard controls are working.

4. Inspection program

• Workers need to know how to do their jobs safely and without risk to their health; new and/or young workers need special attention.

5. Worker competency and training

• Emergencies could include natural or manmade disasters as well as health emergencies or injuries. Effective plans need to be in place to address all potential emergencies

6. Emergency response planning

• When an incident occurs at any workplace it is important to investigate so that any inadequately controlled hazards are identified and controlled and processes can be put in place to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

7. Incident reporting and investigation

• Program administration ensures that all parts of a health and safety management system are properly looked after and communicated to employees

8. Management system administration

• PPE (personal protective equipment) are things that must be worn for the job you are doing.

• PPE can include: hardhats, safety glasses, work gloves, steel toed boots, ear plugs, and masks .

• It is mandatory that workers where PPE when needed or they can be fired or punished by the management.

WHMIS TRAINING

INTRODUCTION• WHMIS Training will help employees gain

the ability to recognize hazardous products used on the work site

• Once hazardous products are recognized training will assist employees how to:

1. Locate information on the hazards and 2. Utilize proper handling techniques for

these materials

LEGISLATION• WHMIS is enforced by a combination of federal

and provincial legislation.

Federal legislation requires suppliers/importers of hazardous materials (controlled products) to provide adequate labels and MSDSs as a condition of sale and importation.

• Federal, provincial, and territorial Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) legislation requires employers to provide labels, MSDSs, and worker education programs in the workplace.

HAZARDOUS PRODUCT ACT The Hazardous Product Act has issued

regulations identifying:

1. What is a controlled product?2. Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS]

required for the sale of controlled product3. Information to be disclosed on an MSDS4. Ingredient disclosure and identity5. Labeling requirements of controlled

products

CONTROLLED PRODUCTS REGULATIONS

A “Controlled Product” is defined as:Any product, material or substancedetermined in accordance with Part IV of the Controlled Products Regulations to be included in the classes listed in Schedule II ofthe Hazardous Products Act.

WHMIS

WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS I NFORMATION SYSTEM

WHMIS OBJECTIVES

• Identify Hazardous materials on the work site

• Improve the communication of health hazard information of materials used on the work site

• Protect employees from exposure to hazardous materials through safety equipment, training, and procedures

CONSUMER PRODUCTS

• Consumer products can be controlled products under WHMIS

• Products such as Bleach, WD40, Paint and Glue are controlled products and therefore are subject to the WHMIS regulations

3 BASIC ELEMENTS OF WHMIS • Site Specific Training and Education

• Product Labels

• Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS]

CONTROLLED PRODUCTS

• WHMIS defines all substances which fall within the WHMIS criteria as

“Controlled Products” whether they are substances which are brought into the worksite or are produced there.

• These products must have labels and a Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS]

WHMIS SYMBOLS CONTROLLED PRODUCTS WILL BE IDENTIFIED BY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMBOLS

CLASS A: COMPRESSED GASThis class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration

WHMIS SYMBOLS

CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL

This class includes solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions.

WHMIS SYMBOLS

CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIALThese materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials.

WHMIS SYMBOLS

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALDivision 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

These materials can cause death or immediateinjury when a person is exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide

WHMIS SYMBOLS

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALDivision 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic EFFECTS

These materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in a person who is repeatedly exposed to small amounts.

WHMIS SYMBOLS

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALDivision 3: Biohazardous Infectious MATERIAL

These materials contain harmful micro-organisms that have been classified into Risk Groups 2, 3, and 4 as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the MedicalResearch Council of Canada.

WHMIS SYMBOLS

CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIAL This class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals.

Examples: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid,

nitric acid

WHMIS SYMBOLS

CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL

These products may self-react dangerously (for example, they may explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when exposed to water.

WHMIS SYMBOLS

http://youtu.be/rOgS8gTATv8

MULTIPLE HAZARDS A controlled product can have multiple hazards associated with it

Example: Methanol

SUPPLIER LABELS

• All WHMIS content in a Supplier Label must be within the standard dashed WHMIS border.

• Information contained on a Supplier Label must be in English and French, and include:

1. Product Identifier2. Supplier Identifier3. Hazard Symbols4. MSDS Statement5. Risk Phrases6. First Aid Measures7. Precautionary Measures

May also include

Trade Secret Exemption (if applicable) 3yr exemption

WORKPLACE LABELS

• Product Identifier

• Information on the Hazards and Safe Handling

• Statement that an MSDS is Available

•Workplace labels are required on containers for each controlled product produced and used on-site,

•On secondary containers after a product has been transferred from the original container, and

•On containers where the supplier label is missing or not readable

Information on a Workplace Label includes:

OTHER LABELS Other labels that may indicate that a product is

controlled can include:

NFPA or HMIS labels

Transportation of Dangerous Goods [TDG] labels

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS [MSDS]

Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS] are technicaldocuments that provide detailed and comprehensiveinformation on controlled products.

Information provided includes:• Health Effects of Exposure• Hazard Evaluation regarding handling, storage and use• Measures to protect employees who may be at risk of

exposure• Emergency Procedures

1. Product Identity2. Hazardous Ingredients3. Physical and Chemical

Data4. Fire and Explosive Data5. Reactivity Data6. Toxicological Properties7. Preventative Measures8. First Aid Measures9. Preparation Data

A properly prepared WHMIS Material Safety Data Sheet must have the following information

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS [MSDS]

• When there is a change in the information or new information is added, the

Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] must be revised. This is the responsibility of the producer of the controlled product.

• A Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] must be

updated and replaced every three years, whether or not there are any changes in the information

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS [MSDS]

• Material Safety Data Sheet format will vary from supplier to supplier

• A Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] is compliant with WHMIS as long a s all necessary information is disclosed.

• You may have a 9-section or a 16-section Material Safety Data Sheet

• Familiarize yourself where the Material Safety Data Sheets are kept within your worksite

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS [MSDS]

SUPPLIER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

• To classify a product as a controlled or uncontrolled product

• Apply supplier label to all controlled products sold

• Provide a Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] for controlled products provided

EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

To provide the employee with:

• Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS]

• Workplace Labels

• WHMIS Training

EMPLOYEE’S RESPONSIBILITY

• To participate in WHMIS training

• To apply the knowledge in the workplace

PHYSICAL STATES OF CHEMICALS

• Solids

• Liquid / Mists / Vapours

• Gases

ROUTES OF ENTRY

Hazardous Materials can enter the body through

•Inhalation

•Ingestion

•Absorption

•Injection

CONTROL OF HAZARDS

Hazards in the workplace can be controlled

•At the Source

•Along the Path

•At the Worker

TYPES OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Eye Glasses• Face Shields• Apron• Dust Mask• Cartridge Respirator• Gloves• Supplied Air

Respirator• Chemical Footwear• Full Body Suit

Job SafetyAnd The Law

It is against the law for anyone to force you to do work that you think is unsafe.

For example: If you or a co-worker are in imminent danger.

OH&S ActEach province in Canada has it’s own Act. It specifies the safety standards designed to protect the health and safety of workers.

• It also includes the rights and duties required of both the employers and of the workers.

In Alberta:

• both employers and workers are responsible for safety in the workplace

An employer is:

A) a person who employs one or more workers or

B) A person who is self-employed

A worker is:• Any person

working at a job.

• You need to know your rights

• and what is expected of you.

Imminent Danger

Any danger that is not normally found in the job, or a danger under which a person doing that job would not normally carry out his/her work.

Who is covered by the OH&S Act?Most workers and employers, except:•Domestic workers ( such as nannies or housekeepers).•Federal government workers•Workers in industries regulated by the federal government ( banks, television and radio broadcasters, national transportation companies).•Farmers and other agricultural workers.

You employer must look after you safety!

They must:•Make sure workers are competent (make sure you have the training to do the job well).•Provide the safety equipment and training.•Train workers to handle dangers or dangerous products.•Investigate accidents that cause serious injuries/incidents that could cause serious injuries.

Every Worker Shall:• Take reasonable care to

protect his/her own health and safety as well as the other workers present while at work and…

• Co-operate with the employer to protect the health and safety of self and other workers at the workplace.

WCB

WCB-Alberta’s mandate

• The Workers’ Compensation Board is a statutory corporation created by government under the Workers’ Compensation Act to administer a system of workplace insurance for the workers and employers of the province of Alberta. The organization is employer funded to provide cost-effective disability and liability insurance.

We are committed to fairness

• We protect employers and workers from the uncertainty, cost and delays of legal action by providing no-fault coverage.

• We compensate injured workers for lost employment income.

• We cover the cost of health care and other costs associated with a work-related injury or illness.

• We add stability to the compensation system through the balanced application of the Workers’ Compensation Act.

We focus on return to work

• We support workers’ safe return to work through case plans that set clear goals.

• We help employers bring their workers back to work through strong disability management and modified work programs.

Risk and Hazard Assessment

What is a Hazard?

• A hazard is anything that can cause injury or loss.

Three Steps to Controlling Hazards

• Identification: Seeing a hazard and knowing what it is

• Assessment: knowing the risk of each hazard• Control: what may be done to limit the hazard

from causing harm or loss

Hazard Elimination and Control

• Elimination: removing the hazard• Control: having a plan to reduce the risk of the

hazard• Three main types of Hazard Control:• Engineering- ie. Improving ventilation,

adjusting work area• Adminstrative- ie. Training workers• Basic controls- PPE- last resort

Ladder Safety and Preventing Falls

Ladder Types Type I-A ladders are heavy-duty

and can handle up to 300 lbs. Type I ladders can hold up to 250

lbs. Type II ladders can hold 225 lbs. Type III ladders are for light duty

only and can hold up to 200 lbs.

An AccidentWhat Happened

• A fiberglass A-frame ladder split halfway up the ridge of the leg rail, causing a worker on the ladder to fall to the rig floor.

• The employee injured his wrist.

What Caused It• An investigation showed the ladder appeared to be in good

shape and not misused.

• It appeared to be a lighter shade than the other ladders on location, suggesting that it had been left out in the sun.

• When the ladder was standing alone, without weight on it, the split was extremely hard to see.

Ladder Inspection

Rungs must be intact and free from grease or oil.

Make sure there are no splinters or sharp edges.

See that metal ladders are not dented or bent.

Ladder Inspection

Safety feet should be in place.

All support braces and bolts must be present and secure.

On extension ladders, make sure rope is not torn or frayed.

Ladder Inspection

On stepladders, make sure the hinge spreader is working properly.

Tag Defective Ladders

• These ladders are properly tagged “Do Not Use”

Know the rules!

Ladder Don’ts Do not use ladders that have been exposed to

fire or corrosive chemicals. Do not use a ladder for unintended purposes,

such as in place of scaffolding. Never allow more than one person on a

ladder at a time.

Read The Warning Labels

• They are there for a reason!

Use of Step Ladders

Use of Step Ladders Always set

level.

Be sure latches are down.

Proper Ladder Climbing

• Use both hands to climb a ladder. • Always face the ladder when climbing,

descending or working. • Avoid the top two steps of a stepladder

and the top four rungs on other ladders.

Don’t Lean a Step Ladder

• The support leg (arrow) can contact the ground causing the step leg to kick out.

• Also employees should not work from the top or second step.

Don’t Lean!• Avoid excessive

stretching or leaning.

• Workers should never work with one leg on a ladder and one off.

• A slip could result in serious fall.

NO!

Do Not Stand On The Top Step!!!

Obey The Labels!!

Top Step!?!?!

Safe Step Ladder Use

• Always face the ladder

• Stay off top two steps.

Unsafe Step Ladder Use

• Do not straddle the top unless the ladder is designed for it.

NO!

Working Above Protections

• When employees work above railings, they must be protected from falling over the railings.

Working on Upper Levels

Safe Step Ladder Use

• When working to the side, maintain balance.

Self Supporting Ladder

Use of Extension Ladders

Set Feet Properly

Firm BaseSet both feet level and on

the pads

Soft BaseSet on the spikes and seat the ladder in the

ground.

Not a Firm Foundation

Proper Ladder Set

• Make sure the ladder's feet are parallel to the surface it rests against.

• Don’t set ladders where they may be hit or dislodged.

Set The Proper Angle The distance from the

bottom of the ladder to the wall should be one-fourth of the ladder's working height.

An extended arm will be close.

4

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Check The Locks

• Always check to be sure the extension locks are properly seated.

This Is A Poor Set Up

• The top could fall out with any slip at the base.

• The angle is too steep.

Working From a Ladder• Always face the

ladder.• Keep one hand on

the ladder for hold.

• Do not work on top four steps.

• Work within easy reach.

Ladder Access

• Many workers fall from ladders while accessing to another work area.

Ladder Access

• These are a very poor and hazardous set ups!

NO!

Extend Above Platform

• Access ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the landing platform.

3 feet

Proper Access Ladders

• Ladders should be set at 1 horizontal to 4 vertical.

• Ladders must be secured.

• Ladder access ways must be guarded.

4

1

Securing Ladders• This ladder is tied

with a rope to a horizontal girt.

• There is nothing to keep the rope from sliding on the girt allowing the ladder to move laterally.

Ladders Near Electrical

• Use non-conductive ladders.

• Don’t carry or move extension ladders while extended.

• Get help moving ladders to maintain control.

Slips, Trips & Falls

• The #1 cause of office employee injuries! – 265,000 nonfatal injuries from slips, trips, and falls

annually result in one or more days away from work per incident

– Slips, trips, and falls result in 17% of all nonfatal workplace injuries per year, the highest injury rate of any regulated activity

Fall Hazards

• Storage or placement of objects in aisles, below knee level, or on other “office-type” floor surfaces.

• Cords, ropes, hoses across floors and walkways• Overflowing, heavy wastebaskets.• Dust accumulations.• Open drawers and doors• Wet floors

Aisles and Passageways– Keep clear for

material handling equipment

– Mark permanent aisles

– Heavy-traffic passage-ways must be equipped with pedestrian walkways

Slips & Trips

• It is also possible to injure your back slipping on a wet floor, ice, muddy ground, etc.

• Poor housekeeping is a common cause.

Basic Safety STEPS

• Awareness.• Keep aisles clear.• “Walk like a duck” on slippery surfaces.• Use the handrail on stairs.• Hold onto chair seats/arms when attempting to

sit.• “Sensible shoes.”• Wipe up spills.• Walk, don’t run.

Use Stairs Safety

– Use handrails– Walk—don’t run– Inspect for slippery

surfaces or damaged steps

– Do not put objects on steps

– Do not carry bulky objects on stairs

Keep Walking and Working Surfaces Clear and Clean

• Keep workroom floors clean and dry

• Maintain a clean and orderly work area

Eliminate Trip Hazards

– Pick up tools, materials, and trash

– Pick up or walk around obstructions

– Report dangerous walking and working surfaces

– Keep file drawers closed – Keep power cords out of

walkways

Eliminate Slip Hazards

– Clean up liquids– Sweep up debris and dust– Stop and repair leaks – Install absorbent around wet processes– Use warning signs or cones

Wear Slip-Resistant Shoes

– Street shoes not intended for slip resistance

– Soft rubber sole for slip resistance

– Sole tread with channels

– Still need to walk carefully

Be Alert, Use Common Sense

– Be aware of the hazards– Pay attention to where you are going– Adjust your stride according to the

walking surface– Make wide turns at corners– Don’t block your vision when carrying

items

Incipient Stage Fire ExtinguisherTraining

Purpose of a Fire Extinguisher

Two functions:1. To control or extinguish small or incipient stage fires and, 2.To protect evacuation routes that a fire may block directly or indirectly with smoke or burning/smoldering materials.

Definitions

OSHA"Incipient stage fire" means a fire which is in the initial or beginning stage and which can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, Class II standpipe or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus.

NFPA“Incipient stage fire” A fire is considered to be beyond the incipient stage when the use of thermal protective clothing or self contained breathing apparatus is required or an industrial fire brigade member is required to crawl on the ground or floor to stay below smoke and heat.

What type of Fire do I have?

Fire requires 3 Elements

1.Heat: Without sufficient heat, a fire cannot begin, and it cannot continue.

2.Fuel: Without fuel, a fire will stop.

3.Oxygen: Without sufficient oxygen, a fire cannot begin, and it cannot continue.

Match your Fire Extinguisher to the Type of Fire you are anticipating

5 Categories of Fires

– Class A Fires: Ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.

– Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases.

– Class C Fires: Involve electrical equipment.

– Class D Fires: Involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium.

– Class K Fires: Involve cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils/fats)

6 Types of Fire Extinguishers1. Fire Extinguishers should be appropriately

matched to work environment.

2. Use the symbols to quickly identify the Type of Fire Extinguisher.

3. 6 Types of Fire Extinguishers1. Class A – Wood, Paper, Plastics2. Class AB – Wood, Paper and Flammable Liquid3. Class BC (flammable liquid and electrical)4. Class ABC Multipurpose 5. Class K – Kitchen Fire6. Class D – Metal Fires

Learn to become aware of your surrounding…what’s in the room?

Most Occupancies have ElectricityComputer - Electrical

Lamp - Electrical

Electrical Socket

Phone - Electrical

Paper - Fuel

Wood Desk - Fuel

Plastic Chair – Fuel

Type: Class A Fire Extinguisher

Pressure Gauge: Yes

Agent: Water

Method: Water Cools fire by removing heat.

Designated for: Class A (wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and certain plastics.

Placement: 75 feet or less

Safety and Health Precautions:

1. Never use water to extinguish flammable liquid fires.2. Never use on Metal Fire (water reactive).3. Water is a good conductor and may lead to electrocution

if used to extinguish an electrical fire.

Type: BC Fire Extinguisher

Pressure Gauge: No (Must be weighed to determine leakage)

Agent: Carbon dioxide is discharged as a white cloud of “snow”

Method: Removes oxygen from fire

Designated for: Class B and C (flammable liquid and electrical) fires only

Placement: 50 feet or less

Health and Safety Precautions:

1. Carbon Dioxide is a clean, non-contaminating, odorless gas.

2. After the CO2 dissipates, Class A fire may reignite. 3. Never use CO2 extinguishers in a confined space

Type: Multipurpose / ABC Dry Chemical

Pressure Gauge Yes

Agent: Mono ammonium phosphate, non-conductive, mildly corrosive

Method: Fire retardant powder separates the fuel from the oxygen.

Designated for: Wood, paper, Flammable Liquid, & Electrical Fire

Placement: < 50 feet (based on B or C fire)

Safety and Health Precautions:

1. Mildly Corrosive – Sensitive to Electronic Equipment

Type: Class D – Metal Fires

Pressure Gauge Yes

Agent: Sodium Chloride, copper, Graphite…many types.

Method: Heat causes agent to cake and form a crust which excludes air and dissipates heat from burning metal.

Designated for: Metal powders, flakes, shavings or chips (sodium, lithium)

Placement: < 75 feet

Safety and Health Precautions:

Most Class D extinguishers will have a special low velocity nozzle or discharge wand to gently apply the agent in large volumes to avoid disrupting any finely divided burning materials.

Type: K – Kitchen Fire

Pressure Gauge: Yes

Agent: Mixture of dry and wet chemicals (Conductive)

Method: Fires burn at extremely high temperatures

Designated for: Vegetable or Animal Fat (not listed in OSHA)

Placement: < 30 feet to cooking area

Safety and Health Precautions:

1. Whether or not under a hood, required for all solid fuel cooking appliances with a fire box of 5 cubic feet volume.

2. Class K extinguishers are electrically conductive 3. Electrical power to the kitchen appliance has been shut

off.

General Procedures for Responding To a Fire

1. SOUND THE FIRE ALARM and call the fire department, if appropriate.

2. IDENTIFY A SAFE EVACUATION PATH before approaching the fire.

– Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.

3. SELECT the appropriate type of fire extinguisher.

4. DISCHARGE the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).

5. BACK AWAY from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.

6. EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.

7. EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY if the fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.

When it is Safe to Fight a Fire

When it is NOT Safe to Fight a Fire

How to Extinguisher a Small FirePASS

1. “P”ULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.

2. “A”IM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.

Note: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin.

3. “S”QUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.

4. “S”WEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 - 4.

If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!

Pull the Pin (straight out)

Quickly Check the Pressure Gauge

Pick up the Fire Extinguisher with your least favorite hand.Support the bottom with your strong hand.

Know what you are looking for….

A fully charged Fire Extinguisher has the arrow in the green section…

Remove the nozzle from the clip.

Hold the nozzle with your strong hand.

Carry the Extinguisher with your opposite hand.

Squeeze the handle gently to test the Extinguisher.

Begin your approach from a Safe Distance

Aim at the Base of the Fire

Sweep Back and Forth to cover the width of the fire

Direct the nozzle so the agent falls directly onto the burning metal.

Close the nozzle valve to produce a soft, heavy flow and move closer to cover the fire area.

Do not disturb the agent and fire until it has cooled.

CLASS D FIRES (METAL)

Source: NFPA

Does your facility have a sprinkler system?

1. Never put yourself in danger.2. Let the sprinkler system do its job.

Look up, do you see these?