Generally, when choosing a fire extinguisher, the bigger it is the better. A portable extinguisher must match the fire that is being fought. Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 - 10 seconds. Service personnel who are performing visual inspections or maintenance on fire extinguishers need to know accurately and positively whether the specific contents are hazardous and how to protect themselves from exposures. 1 Extinguishers having shells constructed of copper or brass joined by soft solder or rivets shall not be hydrostatically tested and shall be removed from service by January 1, 1982. Fire Protection Specialist, Inc. The extinguisher must match the class of ... water are NOT suitable for use on grease or electrical fires. Requirements for labeling portable fire extinguishers. must be able to discharge _____ percent of its contents. Both OSHA and NFPA suggest that fire extinguishers must have identifying signs. The extinguisher must be fully charged, in working order and easy to reach. The UL Mark on a fire extinguisher, as well as on fire extinguisher components and … All employers are required to provide to their employees information about any hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace to which employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency. iii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of the labeling system used in the workplace. Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 to 10 seconds. Recognizing a fire in this stage provides the best chance at suppression or escape. Choosing Your Extinguisher. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. AS/NZS 1850:2009 — Portable fire extinguishers - Classification, rating and performance testing, AS/NZS 1841.1 Part 1: General requirements, AS/NZS 1841.2 Part 2: Specific requirements for water type extinguishers, AS/NZS 1841.3 Part 3: Specific requirements for wet chemical type extinguishers, AS/NZS 1841.4 Part 4: Specific requirements for foam type extinguishers, AS/NZS 1841.5 Part 5: Specific requirements for powder type extinguishers, AS/NZS 1841.6 Part 6: Specific requirements for carbon dioxide type extinguishers, AS/NZS 1841.7 Part 7: Specific requirements for vaporizing-liquid type extinguishers, AS/NZS 1841.8 Part 8: Specific requirements for non-rechargeable type extinguishers, AS 4353 Portable fire extinguishers—Aerosol type. It should also be labeled as to the type of fire it is intended to extinguish. 4) If portable fire extinguishers manufactured prior to July 1, 1991, are only required to have new or replacement HMIS labels applied to them only when the specific contents are accurately verified or known by the service person, such as during a recharge situation. Where practicable, they should be located along normal paths of travel and near exits. Fire extinguishers are tested by independent laboratories and labeled for the type and size of fire they can extinguish. Typically, when fire extinguishers are recharged with new or replacement contents, service personnel can utilize the specific information provided by the "contents manufacturer" to update or maintain accurate HMIS label information on the extinguisher. I hope this response addresses your concerns regarding OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. a small fire with a portable fire extinguisher or simply . ... tag attached to the extinguisher. The extinguisher must match the type of fire you are fighting. The HCS defines hazardous chemicals as any chemical which is a physical or a health hazard. Fire extinguishing equipment must be conspicuously located, properly maintained, and periodically inspected. 3) If portable fire extinguishers without HMIS labels are required to have the contents positively verified and/or have the contents replaced with known contents and a new HMIS label applied by service personnel in the field. Label A: Commercial fire extinguishers with label A are designed to handle combustibles (such as pieces of cloth, trash, wood, and paper) that have caught fire. There are two basic types of signage associated with portable fire extinguishers, a red, rectangular sign with a white pictorial of a fire extinguisher known as a “Location Sign” and an optional circular identification disc, specifying contents and type of fire on which the extinguisher is to be used. For example, a dry chemical, stored pressure fire extinguisher must have an internal examination every 6 years, see NFPA 10 Table 7.3.3.1 for more details on other types of fire extinguishers. Small fires can often be put out quickly with a portable fire extinguisher. Paragraph (e)(2) of the standard states that: "Employers who produce, use, or store hazardous chemicals at a workplace in such a way that employees of other employer(s) may be exposed shall additionally ensure that the hazard communication programs developed and implemented under this paragraph (e) include the following: i) The methods the employer will use to provide the other employer(s) onsite access to material safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical the other employer(s) employees may be exposed to while working; ii) The methods the employer will use to inform other employer(s) of any precautionary measures that need to be taken to protect employees during the workplace's normal operating conditions and in foreseeable emergencies; and. An incipient stage fire is the first of four stages of fire: incipient, growth, fully developed, and decay. The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Based on the manufacturers/importers' hazard determination, if the fire extinguisher agent is classified as a hazardous chemical, then it would be subject to HCS labeling requirements. In the cases where you are acting as a distributor of hazardous extinguishing chemicals or charging the cylinder and creating a compressed gas hazard, you are responsible for ensuring that the extinguishers are labeled in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of the HCS. (b) Certification or licensing by a state or local jurisdiction as a fire extinguisher servicing agency will be accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the personnel certification requirements of NFPA 10 for annual maintenance and recharging of … Extinguishers containing water are unsuitable for use on grease and electrical fires. The operator should be familiar with the extinguisher so it won’t be necessary to read directions during an emergency. Extinguishers are labeled with letters and symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. All portable fire extinguishers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to verify compliance with applicable standards. All information provided here is believed to be correct at the time of publication. Carbon dioxide blankets a fire, because of its heaviness, relative to air. It should also be labeled as to the type of fire it is intended to extinguish. Portable fire extinguishers are distinguishable by their labels and their colouring. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely. Tap again to see term . As we stated earlier, there are broadly six types of extinguisher; Water, Foam, Wet Chemical, Dry Chemical Powder, Vaporising Liquid and Carbon Dioxide. Extinguisher Labels Portable fire extinguishers that have been tested and approved will be labeled with the class or ... Extinguisher Size Portable fire extinguishers that are A-and B-rated are also rated for the size of the fire they can be used on. Washington, DC 20210. ABC-rated multipurpose dry powder extinguishers are the most common , particularly in … Distribution of Portable Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers are labeled according to the _____ of _____ that they will extinguish. Extinguisher Selection: Choose your extinguisher carefully. Room N3467 The letters (A, B, and C) represent the type (s) of fire for which the extinguisher has been approved. There are two standard labeling systems. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires. Classes of Fires There are 3 basic classes of fires. Equipment that passes the laboratory’s tests are labeled and given an alpha-numeric classification based on the type and size of fire it will extinguish. (a) Portable and semi-portable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, see § 25.01-3). Wet Chemical extinguishers are typically installed in commercial kitchens for the protection from Class F fires where the fuel is cooking oils or fats. So, if the Hazard Communication Standard requires HMIS labels on all of the older fire extinguishers manufactured prior to 1991 or whenever the extinguisher contents are not positively known, the monumental cost of replacing all of these extinguishers with "new" known contents for compliance, is going to be extremely costly and impractical. A fire extinguisher should bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory. 10 Important Rules/Tips to Remember 1. To be able to use a fire extinguisher, one must first of all have one on hand! The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Portable extinguishers, intended for the home, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. The extinguisher must be the correct size to handle the fire. A fire extinguisher should bear the seal of an independent testing laboratory. Manufacturers rate and label portable fire extinguishers to indicate the classes and sizes of fires that they can extinguish. ... Every six years, the extinguisher must be removed from service and subject to the ... Affixing a locally approved label to the extinguisher identifying the maintenance carried out, the date and the name and location of the … Your help and interpretation on this matter would be deeply appreciated and help to ensure that our training classes continue to put out accurate service information. The number in front of the A rating indicates how much water the extinguisher is equal to and represents 1.25 gallons of water for every unit of one. This information is provided as a convenience, and it must not be assumed that it has detected all unsafe acts or conditions. B. who is able to use the extinguisher. Fires are classified according to the type of fuel and if live electrical equipment is present. All fire extinguish-ers are labeled … Portable fire extinguishers may be used as the first response to most common classes of fire. The employer is responsible for ensuring the required labeling of containers and also that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available to address the physical and health hazards of fire extinguishers in their workplace. C. the types of fire for which they are intended. However, to do this safely, the employee must understand the use and limitation of a portable fire extinguisher and the hazards associated with fighting fires. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. For example, a 4-A rated extinguisher would be equal to five (4 x 1.25) gallons of water. ), Class B - Flammable and combustible liquids, Class E - Electrically energised equipment. The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. In 1989 the National Fire Protection Association's standard for portable extinguishers (NFPA- 10) adopted the HMIS system for identifying the contents of portable fire extinguishers upon their nameplates and to comply with the federal Hazard Communication Standard. It also poses very little danger to electronics and is effectively employed in laboratories, computer rooms, and other areas with sensitive electrical and electronic equipment. There are five classes of fires. Click again to see term . Generally the Building Code of Australia as well as various State and Territory legislation establishes the selection, location and distribution of fire extinguishers used in the community. There is no one type of fire extinguisher that is universally acceptable for all classes of fire. Label B: A device with a B label is designed to put out fires caused by flammable liquids. Fire … Implementation of fire extinguisher service labels with control tags. Class B fires are fires that involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel oil, oil-based paints, lacquers, etc., and flammable gases. ... a disposable fire extinguisher must be discarded and replaced. We help discerning building owners and agents deliver great value fire protection maintenance in buildings, ensuring the safety of occupants, managing compliance and helping prolong the value of property investments. Most portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds. Carbon dioxide  extinguishers contain liquid CO2 that is expelled as a gas. The purpose of this letter is to respond to your request of February 18, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requesting an interpretation of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) 29 CFR 1910.1200 requirements for labeling portable fire extinguishers. The location sign should be positioned directly above the fire extinguisher, the bottom edge of which is not less than 2 metres above the floor. Phone: 239-267-7525 . Portable fire extinguishers must be placed so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 50 feet or less.– see 1910.157 (d) (4) In addition, here’s what an OSHA Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool (on the Extinguisher Placement and Spacing page) says regarding extinguishers for Class B fires: The extinguisher is physically present and mounted or stored. There are five classes of fires. Examine the physical state. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Careful consideration needs to be given to the selection of the most suitable type of fire extinguisher, or combination of fire extinguishers for each application. (a) Portable and semi-portable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, see § 25.01-3). Fire Protection Specialist, Inc. Portable fire extinguishers are classified according to: (246) A. the cost of the extinguisher. Choosing Your Extinguisher: Fire extinguishers are tested by independent testing laboratories. View additional information about extinguisher sizes, … 2) If portable fire extinguishers manufactured prior to 1991 containing their original contents. It must be available and in working order, fully charged. There are broadly six types of fire extinguisher; Water, Foam, Wet Chemical, Dry Chemical Powder, Vaporising Liquid and Carbon Dioxide. The inspection must verify the following. The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are effective against Class “B” and “C” fires. Choose the correct type of fire extinguisher for the class of fire. In simple terms, a fire extinguisher works by influencing, eliminating or the ongoing effect of one or more of these four elements. ... It’s dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on a fire involving flammable liquids and any energized electrical equipment. NFPA 10 requires that all commercial vehicles carry at least one fire extinguisher. The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. A portable extinguisher must match the fire that is being fought. The A, B, C rating system defines the kinds of burning materials each fire extinguisher is designed to fight. All fire extinguishers are labeled using standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. The extinguisher must be the correct size to handle the fire. (Not permitted)..1910.157(f)(4) 1910.157(f)(4)The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are hydrostatically tested whenever they show new evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury, except … All portable fire extinguishers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to verify compliance with applicable standards. Fire extinguishers that contain hazardous chemicals, as discussed above, must be labeled in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5), regardless of when they were manufactured. Recordkeeping. Most fires start small. Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 to 10 seconds. 2.5 Maintenance . Fighting small fires at work or in the home . Portable fire extinguishers, if used properly, can make that difference. ... A missing … The purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated and that information concerning their hazards are transmitted to employers and employees. • The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type. Incipient stage fires have just ignited and can be extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher. Depending upon what type of extinguisher it is, a fire extinguisher may be classified as a controlled product (under WHMIS 1988) or hazardous product (under WHMIS 2015). The real focus of questions addressing older fire extinguishers is whether the intent of the "Hazard Communication Standard" requires: 1) Service personnel performing a visual inspection or maintenance on extinguishers to add a HMIS label onto every fire extinguisher manufactured prior to the 1991 date. Back to top. 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