Understanding the Fire Triangle
Fire is a combustion reaction that occurs when heat, fuel, and oxygen are present. Together, these three elements form what is known as the fire triangle. For a fire to be extinguished, at least one of these elements must be removed. Although every fire depends on the same three elements, not all fires involve the same materials or require the same response.
Fire Classifications
There are five main fire classifications: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class K. Knowing the difference between them is important because using the wrong extinguishing method can make a fire more dangerous.
Class A Fires
Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, clothing, paper, plastic, and trash. These are among the most common types of fires and may often be extinguished using water or an appropriate fire extinguisher.
Class B Fires
Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as fuel, oil, grease, tar, and oil-based paint. A solid stream of water should never be used on this type of fire because it can scatter the burning liquid and spread the flames to nearby materials.
Class C Fires
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, including damaged machinery, overloaded cables, exposed wiring, and electrical panels. Water should never be used on an electrical fire because it can conduct electricity and cause a serious electric shock.
Class D Fires
Class D fires involve combustible metals. Some metals can react violently when exposed to air or water, making these fires especially dangerous. Class D fires require a special dry-powder extinguishing agent designed to smother the flames and absorb heat.
Class K Fires
Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats. Water should never be used because it can cause the burning oil to splash and spread. A Class K extinguisher should be used because it is specifically designed for commercial cooking fires.
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
Because each type of fire requires a different response, it is important to use the correct fire extinguisher. Although many extinguishers look similar from the outside, the extinguishing agents inside are designed for different types of fires. Always read the label before use. Extinguishers are marked with classification letters and pictures that identify the types of fires they can safely handle.
Service Sanitation policy allows all employees to use a fire extinguisher when it is safe to do so. However, no employee is expected to place themselves in danger or attempt to fight a fire that is growing, producing heavy smoke, or blocking an exit.
Using the PASS System
When using a fire extinguisher, remember the PASS system. First, pull the pin. Next, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle, then sweep the nozzle from side to side.
Fire extinguishers usually provide only a few seconds of discharge, so every second matters. If the fire is not controlled immediately, the extinguisher runs out, or conditions become unsafe, stop fighting the fire and evacuate. Even if the flames appear to be extinguished, back away carefully and watch for signs that the fire may reignite.
When to Fight a Fire
Even when an extinguisher is available, never put yourself in danger. Only attempt to extinguish a fire when it is small and contained, you have the correct extinguisher, and you are protected from smoke and toxic fumes. You must also have a clear exit behind you so you can escape if conditions change.
Before attempting to use an extinguisher, make sure someone has activated the fire alarm and called 911. If you are alone, call 911 before attempting to extinguish the fire, when it is safe to do so.
If the fire begins to grow, smoke increases, or your exit becomes threatened, evacuate immediately. Alert others by yelling “Fir e!” or activating the building’s fire alarm. Before opening a door, check it for heat. If the door is hot, use another exit. As you leave, close doors behind you to help slow the spread of fire and smoke.
If smoke is present, stay low to the floor where the air may be clearer. Do not stop to collect personal belongings, and never reenter the building. Once outside, move to the designated meeting area and call 911 from a safe location. Your safety is always more important than protecting property or equipment.
Responding to a Vehicle Fire
Fires involving company vehicles require an immediate and cautious response. Commercial vehicles carry fuel, oil, electrical systems, and other materials that can burn. If you discover a vehicle fire while driving, pull over as soon as it is safe, set the parking brake, shut down the vehicle, exit, and move away from traffic.
Only use the onboard fire extinguisher if the fire is small, you have a clear escape route, and you can approach it safely. If the fire is inside the engine compartment, never fully open the hood. Opening the hood can allow more oxygen to reach the fire and cause it to grow rapidly. If the fire does not go out quickly, move to a safe distance and call 911.
Responding to a Tire Fire
If a truck or trailer tire catches fire, pull over safely, set the parking brake, exit the vehicle, call 911, and notify dispatch. Do not approach a burning tire. Heat can cause the tire, wheel, or other components to fail without warning.
Once the fire has been extinguished, contact the garage before moving the vehicle or attempting a repair. Any truck or trailer affected by fire must be inspected and approved before returning to service.
Keeping Work Areas Clean
The best way to reduce the risk of a fire is through prevention. One of the simplest steps is keeping trucks, buildings, and work areas clean. Remove trash, cardboard, oily rags, and other combustible materials. Chemicals and flammable substances should always be stored in approved containers and in well-ventilated areas away from heat and ignition sources.
Following the Smoking Policy
Following the company smoking policy is also an important part of fire prevention. Improperly discarded cigarettes have caused many workplace fires. All Service Sanitation buildings and properties are smoke-free, including cigarettes, cigars, and electronic cigarettes. Employees may only smoke outside the property gate or in designated smoking areas and must dispose of smoking materials safely.
Inspecting Vehicles for Fire Hazards
Thorough vehicle inspections can help identify fire hazards before they become emergencies. Service Sanitation vehicles carry fuel and other combustible liquids, making pre-trip and post-trip inspections especially important.
Drivers should check their vehicles daily for leaking fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid, cracked hoses, loose battery cables, damaged wiring, overheated brakes or tires, smoke, sparks, and burning odors.
Any potential fire hazard should be reported immediately and documented through Fleetio. Never operate a vehicle with an unresolved safety defect. Only authorized maintenance personnel may inspect, repair, and approve the vehicle before it is returned to service.
Conclusion
Fire prevention is always the safest way to address workplace fires. Keep work areas clean, inspect vehicles and equipment, store flammable materials properly, and report hazards immediately.
Service Sanitation employees are permitted to use a fire extinguisher when a fire is small, conditions are safe, and a clear exit is available. However, no employee should risk their safety to protect a building, vehicle, or piece of equipment. If a fire cannot be controlled safely and quickly, evacuate, move to a safe location, and call 911.