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The first fire extinguisher was patented by chemist Ambrose Godfrey in 1723. Since then, many types of extinguishers have been invented, altered and developed. But one thing remains the same no matter the era — four elements must be present for a fire to exist. These elements include oxygen, heat, fuel and a chemical reaction. When you remove one of the four elements in the "fire triangle," the fire can then be extinguished. However, in order to successfully extinguish a fire, you must use the correct extinguisher. The most common types of fire extinguishers used on different types of fire fuels are: Water fire extinguisher: Water fire extinguishers douse fires by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. They're used for Class A fires only. Dry chemical fire extinguisher: Dry chemical extinguishers extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. They're most effective on Class A, B and C fires. CO2 fire extinguisher: Carbon dioxide extinguishers take away the oxygen element of the fire triangle. They also remove the heat with a cold discharge. They can be used on Class B and C fires. And because all fires are fueled differently, there's a variety of extinguishers based on the fire type. Some extinguishers can be used on more than one class of fire, while others warn against the use of specific class extinguishers. Here's a breakdown of fire extinguishers classified by type: Fire extinguishers classified by type: What the fire extinguishers are used for: Class A fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, trash and plastics. Class B fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline and oil. Class C fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers and appliances. Class D fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving combustible metals, such as potassium, sodium, aluminum and magnesium. Class K fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving cooking oils and greases, such as animal and vegetable fats. It's important to remember that each fire requires a different extinguisher based on the circumstances. And if you're going to use an extinguisher, just remember PASS: pull the pin, aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, squeeze the operating level to discharge the extinguishing agent and sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out.

Most people place as much importance on family fire safety as they do on rearranging their sock drawers. But when you consider that more than 80 percent of all fire deaths in the United States occur in residences, it just makes good sense to have your community take a few minutes to devise their home fire escape plan. Here are some things to consider as you work to promote family safety in your community. Overhead plans Meet groups in your community and have them map out an overhead plan of their homes on a piece of paper and draw in the walls that let them see a "birds eye" view of each room. If they have more than one floor, put each floor on a separate piece of paper. Have the families mark in the primary escape path for each room in the house, usually consisting of following the door out of a room and out the main door of the house. Then, have them make a secondary escape path, in case the primary path is blocked by heat, smoke and/or fire. This is usually a window out of each room. They need to make sure they open freely, and that the person who normally sleeps in bedrooms can easily open them. An outside meeting place is a necessity. Smoke alarms These are an inexpensive way to get an early warning in case there is smoke in their homes. There is a lot of talk about types of sensing technology, and we should suggest that they spend a bit more on smoke alarms that have "dual sensing technology," that includes both ionization and photoelectric sensing chambers. There should be a minimum of one smoke alarm per floor, with units outside of any sleeping area. Having more only increases their warning time, so they should avoid a few places prone to nuisance alarms such as bathrooms, kitchens and by fireplaces. Safety ladders For those in your audience who have family members who sleep upstairs, and slipping out a window onto the ground is not an option, they should purchase safety ladders. They are compact and fit nicely under a bed or in a closet until needed. They simply hook onto the window sill and can be descended from there. They are available in two- and three-story models, so measure how far from window to ground each homeowner needs and have them purchase the appropriate ladder. Fire extinguishers These make good sense to have in any home to extinguish small fires that may break out while citizens are close by. Most home fires start in the kitchen, so it makes great sense to keep one there. If they want to get a few more, the garage and basement are good places to keep them. Suggest they only purchase extinguishers rated for “A, B and C” type fires, as these cover any fire they may have in their home. Teach those in your class and have them pass on to the family how to use them, but ensure they never delay calling the fire department in order to use a portable fire extinguisher. You should stress to them that the most important part of any family safety plan is practicing the plan with all members of the family present. The hardest part is the few minutes needed to develop the plan, but you can present it as a fun, family assignment. The easy part is practicing it at least twice a year.

The first fire extinguisher was patented by chemist Ambrose Godfrey in 1723. Since then, many types of extinguishers have been invented, altered and developed. But one thing remains the same no matter the era — four elements must be present for a fire to exist. These elements include oxygen, heat, fuel and a chemical reaction. When you remove one of the four elements in the "fire triangle," the fire can then be extinguished. However, in order to successfully extinguish a fire, you must use the correct extinguisher. The most common types of fire extinguishers used on different types of fire fuels are: Water fire extinguisher: Water fire extinguishers douse fires by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. They're used for Class A fires only. Dry chemical fire extinguisher: Dry chemical extinguishers extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. They're most effective on Class A, B and C fires. CO2 fire extinguisher: Carbon dioxide extinguishers take away the oxygen element of the fire triangle. They also remove the heat with a cold discharge. They can be used on Class B and C fires. And because all fires are fueled differently, there's a variety of extinguishers based on the fire type. Some extinguishers can be used on more than one class of fire, while others warn against the use of specific class extinguishers. Here's a breakdown of fire extinguishers classified by type: Fire extinguishers classified by type: What the fire extinguishers are used for: Class A fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, trash and plastics. Class B fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline and oil. Class C fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers and appliances. Class D fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving combustible metals, such as potassium, sodium, aluminum and magnesium. Class K fire extinguisher These extinguishers are used for fires involving cooking oils and greases, such as animal and vegetable fats. It's important to remember that each fire requires a different extinguisher based on the circumstances. And if you're going to use an extinguisher, just remember PASS: pull the pin, aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, squeeze the operating level to discharge the extinguishing agent and sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out.

BY JACQUELINE R. WILMOT, P.E. Being raised by a volunteer firefighter, I was taught at a young age to always look for my 2nd exit, and when traveling to never to stay above the 4th floor because fire department ladders rarely reach above the fourth floor. It was also pretty “normal” for us to travel with a portable Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector. Why? Because CO poisoning incidents in hotels are not uncommon and regulations on CO detection differ significantly from state to state. While there are multiple sources which provide CO incident data, each organization contains its own methodology for collecting information and providing statistics; However, it is not clear what specific information is being collected, disseminated, and represented for each incident type. The Fire Protection Research Foundation recently published a report titled: “Carbon Monoxide Incidents: A Review of the Data Landscape” which reviews and presents the CO incident data landscape to clarify the sources of information, how the data is compiled and what the data represents. Additionally, the report identifies, summarized, and analyzes case studies of non-fire carbon monoxide incidents specific to commercial-type occupancies to provide a greater understanding to the NFPA technical committees responsible for NFPA 101, Life Safety Code ® and NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code ®. Be on the lookout for the Second Draft Reports from these committees in February of 2023 to see what changes have been made. A one-page summary of the Foundation report provides key takeaways. PS: If your CO detector is your in carry-on bag, be sure you can access it quickly while going through TSA security, as mine is always “inspected”! Important Notice: Any opinion expressed in this column (blog, article) is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the official position of NFPA or its Technical Committees. In addition, this piece is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. TOPICS: Research, Building & Life Safety, Fire Protection Systems JACQUELINE R. WILMOT, P.E. Research Project Manager, Fire Protection Research Foundation, the research affiliate of NFPA https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2022/11/08/Do-You-Travel-with-a-Portable-CO-Detector-If-not-you-should-and-heres-why

Mumbai, India - November 05, 2022: More than 10 shops gutted in fire at Fashion Street, a roadside apparel market near Churchgate, in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, November 05, 2022. As many as 12 shops were completely gutted after one of the stores at the Fashion Street, a popular roadside apparel market near Churchgate caught fire at 1pm on Saturday. No injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze quickly intensified and engulfed shops as well as a nearby BEST bus stop as a result of clothes catching fire, which were stored across the shops. A distressed retailer, who escaped from the fire, said, “My shop was completely gutted in the incident. I’m estimating a total loss of around ₹10 lakh. I will have to rebuild my entire shop.” In a press statement, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) informed that it was a level 1 fire and no life was lost in the incident. Assistant municipal commissioner of A-ward, Shivdas Gurav said, “Around 12 shops caught fire. Our officers were on-ground assisting the fire brigade.” One of the eyewitnesses, Arman Akmal, shared, “The fire quickly spread to other shops because clothes were stored in it. By the time the fire brigade reached here, 12-15 shops were on fire, and some trees behind the shops too caught fire. Shopkeepers quickly threw their bags filled with clothes on the other side of the road to prevent them from getting caught in the fire.” Fire brigade officials were trying to cool down the affected areas for more than 2 hours. After conducting investigation, a fire official from the Fort Fire Brigade confirmed that the incident was a result of a short circuit in one of the shops. Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/12-shops-gutted-in-fashion-street-fire-no-injuries-101667665620452.html

Where and How Should Extinguishers Be Located? Fire extinguishers that are placed correctly can be accessed more quickly to help control a fire until the fire department arrives. Fire extinguishers are not intended to be a substitute for evacuating the building safely and quickly. Two key factors for locating extinguishers are that they should be accessible and visible. Accessible: Extinguishers should be placed where they are readily accessible in the event of a fire, which typically includes normal paths of travel. Visible: If visual obstructions cannot be avoided, then arrows, lights, or signs are needed to help indicate where a fire extinguisher is located. Please refer the above image for the placement of fire extinguishers

Class A, B, C, D, and K Extinguisher Requirements A portable extinguisher must match the fire that is being fought. There are five classes of fires. Extinguishers are labeled with letters and symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. While these requirements apply to all portable fire extinguishers, different location requirements exist for Class A, B, C, D, and K extinguishers. Please refer above image for the explanation.

Although fire drills are vital for practicing fire safety at the workplace, a lot of people also view it as a disruption as it causes a complete halt of daily operations for a few minutes. Such people often overlook the underlying value of fire drills, and this is the reason why they judge it wrongly. Had they known that fire drills are no less important than fire extinguishers and elaborate firefighting systems, they would have changed their attitude towards it. In most cases, experts carry out fire drills despite protestation from office staff, but this is very much required in their interest only. Fire drills prepare you to meet eventualities so that you are at your very best in protecting life and property when the need arises. Let us see why it is not an inconvenience and why you should give it the due importance. Fire drills explained: For those who are not acquainted with fire drills, it needs some introduction. These are elaborate exercises that cover all people who are likely to face the situation of fire at the workplace. A hypothetical situation of fire and emergency is created to simulate the emergency procedures that must be followed at that time. Teaching people how they should behave in case of fire and how they can find their way out from the scene of a disaster is the fundamental purpose of the fire drill. It gives an opportunity to use control the chaos and manage the situation until help arrives. Enacting the evacuation plan: The evacuation plan is given life during fire drills by showing people how they can make the best use of the plan so that they can safely get out of the troubled area. The practice ensures that everyone who is affected by the fire is well trained to act with a calm mind and in a methodical way without adding to the chaos. The drill focuses on the role of emergency handling staff in helping others to stay disciplined during the crisis so that they do not panic. Intercept Fire Engineers is a company that supplies fire extinguishers and undertakes special programs to educate people in handling fire more efficiently. Testing the plan in reality: It is mandatory to have an emergency evacuation plan in place, but it is perhaps more important to evaluate how effective it will be in times of crisis. Fire drills provide the right opportunity to verify the work ability of the evacuation plan. Unless you know how it will turn out when applied, you can never be confident about implementing it. It gives you the opportunity to identify flaws and take corrective actions so that nothing is left to chance. How people would actually behave in crisis can be gauged from this exercise, and changes can occur if the practice is found to be flouting the norms of firefighting. The lessons of the fire drill can be valuable for putting a foolproof firefighting and emergency evacuation plan in place. Regular fire drills ensure that the system works well all the time and people are confident about using it.

The first decision during a workplace emergency is whether the staff should stay inside or evacuate the building. Most companies focus heavily on crises that involve staying inside, such as earthquake or tornado drills, or what to do when an armed person threatens violence, but where the plans come up short is planning for emergencies that require an evacuation. Dangers inside the building, from fire to a toxic chemical spill, necessitate an immediate evacuation. The only way to ensure that cool heads prevail in a crisis, and that employees arrive safely outside the building is to have a clearly defined and well-practiced evacuation plan in place. Either approach to evacuations plans should result in a head count and check of all personnel after implementation. Evacuation plans are important for a number of reasons. Required By fire safety auditors OSHA requires that all employers keep an Emergency Action Plan on file, and the plan must include detailed procedures for evacuation. Any company with more than ten employees needs a written copy of the evacuation plan posted where it is visible to the staff in an emergency situation. Changes to the layout of the building, the introduction of new hazards, or significant changes in personnel will necessitate writing a new plan. Create A Clear Chain of Command In the confusion of a workplace emergency, most people want to run and get out of the building as quickly as possible; however, doing so increases the risk of injury and property damage. The staff needs a calm, level-headed set of leaders who can coordinate essential tasks and oversee an orderly evacuation. In general, companies need four roles covered: Point of Contact—This person communicates with emergency services and makes the decision about when an evacuation should occur. Coordinator—Once an evacuation is declared, the coordinator completes the list of safety tasks, including shutting off gas lines, doubling checking offices and bathrooms for stragglers, and securing the site as best they can. Head Counter—On the ground outside, head counters ensure everyone is accounted for. If each department uses their own head counter, they need to report to a central authority. First Aid—Burns, cuts, and other minor injuries can be treated with the tools in a first aid kit until emergency services arrive. Several members of the staff should have some understanding of basic first aid, so everyone gets treatment. In small offices, a person can hold more than one position, but all four are still necessary. Designated Meeting Place Evacuation plans let employees know exactly where to go after leaving the building. Rather than separating to different sides of the building, or drifting to their vehicles, the plan lets the staff know where they are expected to be, and when they are expected to be there after the evacuation begins. Staying together after an evacuation is important, because it enables the head counters to get an accurate account of everyone who should have left the building and helps the head counters pass along information to emergency personnel about how many people are left in the building, and where those people might be. Easy To Practice A dusty evacuation plan, developed years ago and never used, is useless to employees; the staff needs frequent reminders and drills to help move the evacuation plan into long-term memory. A written plan is easy to practice, because everyone knows their roles, and how they are expected to respond to an emergency. A free-form evacuation only invites chaos and disorder as employees begin to panic. Keeps Employees Calm In most cases, employees panic because they are unsure about what to do in an emergency evacuation. Once panic sets in, they lose the ability to focus, and soon they begin to behave irrationally or dangerously. An evacuation plan establishes a clear set of guidelines about what employees need to do and gives them a checklist for each step. The progression of steps calms nerves, while keeping employees focused on the task at hand: getting to safety. Expandable To Visitors Employees are not the only ones who need to evacuate during a crisis. Vendors, clients, and other visitors need assistance to make it out of the building safely. A written evacuation plan, with signs marking evacuation routes and safety coordinators to communicate the plan to visitors, decreases the risks visitors face in an emergency, even if they are unfamiliar with the building. Frequent Route Inspection Hallways and unused spaces become dumping grounds for odds and ends. Over time, those little piles of junk turn into large piles that block exit routes that are necessary during an evacuation of the building. An evacuation plan forces employees to walk along their route of escape in a calm, and measured manner. As they move along the path, they can take note of blockages on the route that limit mobility, dead light bulbs that need to be replaced to lit emergency stairwells or missing first aid kits at important junctures in the escape route. Cool heads and clear plans are often the difference between life and death in an emergency that requires an evacuation. Employers who take the time to thoroughly develop an evacuation plan provide their employees with a safer workplace and may even save lives. Source: https://safetymanagement.eku.edu/blog/the-importance-of-having-an-evacuation-plan/