Every day across America, the drivers of waste collection and recycling vehicles conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of their vehicles. One particular item on the inspection list is the onboard fire extinguisher. While the fire extinguisher is not often used, it is a critical piece of equipment that needs to be ready in the event of an emergency.
By Will Flower
Fire extinguishers need to be readily available in the event of an emergency. You normally see fire extinguishers in the office hallway, in the mechanic’s shop and stored on collection trucks, and waste moving equipment such as payloaders and compactors. However, no matter how many times you have seen fire extinguishers, you have probably not thought about how to use one. Using fire extinguishers requires training to help develop and improve emergency firefighting skills.
During pre-trip truck inspections, fire extinguishers should be checked to make certain that the fire extinguisher is firmly secured to the vehicle and that the safety pin is in place. Fire extinguishers can lose pressure over time and should be inspected and checked for proper pressure. The needle on the gauge should be in the green zone. Also, look at the hose and the nozzle to make sure that they are intact (no cracks). The fire extinguisher should not have dents, leaks or excessive rust. Service tags should also be checked to make sure the equipment is up-to-date.
The Right Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers come in a wide variety of types—each one designed to put out a different kind of fire. In the U.S., a classification system has been developed to help users know what sort of extinguisher will work on different types of fires:
- Class A—Ordinary solid combustibles like wood, cloth and paper products.
- Class B—Flammable liquids and gases.
- Class C—Electrical fires. (Do not use water to put out this kind of fire—you could get electrocuted!)
- Class D—Flammable metals.
- Class K—Oils and grease fires. (Never use water on a grease fire—it will cause the flames to explode and spread.) Class K fire extinguishers are common in commercial kitchens.
Most fire extinguishers on waste collection and recycling trucks are classified as Class ABC extinguishers and are good for controlling waste, wood and paper fires, flammable liquid fires and electrical fires.
Fire extinguishers on trucks need to be properly secured to the truck and allow for easy access in the event of a fire. Labels should be affixed to the truck to identify the location of the fire extinguisher. Easy access to a fire extinguisher is critical as the rapid use of a fire extinguisher can keep a small incident from turning into an inferno.
Fire Extinguisher Training
It is the employer’s responsibility to train drivers on the proper practices of using a fire extinguisher and the hazards associated with fighting small or developing fires. Driver and helpers should know that fires double in size every 60 seconds (quicker if flammable liquids or gases are fueling the fire). Therefore, speed is of the essence … you do not want to be reading the instructions or fumbling around with the extinguishers in an emergency situation, while the small fire expands beyond your ability to control the blaze.
To ensure proper training, every driver and helper working on a truck should receive basic training when they are initially hired that includes the proper use of fire extinguishers. An annual refresher course on fire safety including the use of a fire extinguisher is recommended.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
The first thing you need to do is decide to fight the fire or retreat to a safe position. Remember, a fire extinguisher is helpful in extinguishing a small fire that is in the incipient or early stage. A general rule is this: if the flames are taller than you, it may be past the fire’s incipient stage and the fire may be too large to fight with a portable extinguisher. If the fire is too large, you should back off and wait for the fire department to arrive.
Drivers and helpers must know the limitations of a portable fire extinguisher and the proper procedures for extinguishing a fire. Remember, fighting a fire is dangerous and requires knowledge and skills to avoid injury. Never place yourself in a compromising situation when fighting a fire. There are many dangers associated with fighting a fire including heat, burns, smoke inhalation and exposure to chemicals. Do not risk your life.
If you decide that you are going to attempt to extinguish the fire using a portable fire extinguisher, there are a few important considerations that can save your life:
- Position yourself with your back to an unobstructed exit. Having an escape route is critical if you need to get away quickly.
- The discharge range for extinguishers is usually between 6 to 20 feet depending on the size and type of fire extinguisher. You want to be sure to be far enough away to avoid being burned, and close enough to effectively extinguish the fire.
When using a fire extinguisher, the following steps should be followed:
- Immediately call for help. This could include alerting dispatch and calling 9-1-1. Provide your exact location so that first responders can find you.
- Make sure that the fire extinguisher you are planning to use is appropriate for the type of fire. In most cases, trucks will carry an ABC fire extinguisher, which is good for general purpose fires, liquids and electrical fires.
- Use extreme caution when approaching a fire and always have a safe evacuation path. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
- Using the P.A.S.S. technique—Discharge the fire extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique:
- PULL: Pull the safety pin on the fire extinguisher.
- AIM: Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire. Hitting the tops of the flame with the extinguisher will not be effective.
- SQUEEZE: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- SWEEP: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Most extinguishers will give you about 10 to 20 seconds of discharge time.
- Back away from an extinguished fire and be ready in case it flames up again. Never turn your back on a fire that you believe is extinguished. There might be unseen hot spots that can re-ignite at any moment. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the PASS Technique.
- If the fire extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out, immediately retreat to a safe distance.
Once you have used a fire extinguisher, even if you did not deplete all the pressure, you must get it recharged and back into position on the truck. The truck should not be operated until there is a fully functional fire extinguisher on board.
Prevention
Remember, the best way to protect a truck from fire is to conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection with an eye toward safety and fire prevention. Make sure that excessive grease and debris is not accumulated behind the blade or in the engine compartment. Electrical motors, wiring and hoses should also be carefully checked for cracking which could lead to a potential fire hazard. A truck fire can be devastating to a company. Therefore, drivers and helpers should always be prepared and take quick action to extinguish a fire and make sure people are safe. In many cases, workers may only be able to slow the progression of a fire with a fire extinguisher until firefighters arrive to extinguish the blaze. If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire using a portable fire extinguisher … back away and evacuate the area.
Next month’s Safety Brief will focus on the dangers and warning signs of sleep deprivation.
Will Flower is the Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs at Winters Bros. Waste Systems. Will has 34 years of experience in the area of solid waste management and environmental protection. He has held operational and executive leadership positions at the Director’s Office of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Waste Management, Inc., Republic Services. Inc. and Green Stream Recycling.
Share your safety tip. Submit your suggestions to Will Flower at [email protected].